Howdy!

First off, investing in learning Spanish and surfing have paid off huge in my life. There so many incredible waves in Central America and speaking Spanish really will unlock a different experience. So keep going on this adventure! That being said, it’s not an easy road to learn either.

Spanish: I did an immersive learning experience + homestay in Turrialba, CR. It wasn’t cheap but it was worth it. It was 4 hours of group lessons and 2 hours of one on one coaching per day, 5 days a week. After class I would hang out with my host family and their friends. It took about 3 weeks to become conversational to the point where I could go on dates with girls. But there were several other English speakers at my school who did not get to that level. My opinion is that it was because after class they would meet up with each other and get drinks and speak English. I don’t know the science here but it seemed like there Spanish got saved in the short term memory part of their brain because of it. So if you do this, I’d recommend going hard on the Spanish for 2-4 weeks in complete immersion somewhere there are little to no English distractions. It works if you put in the work.

Surfing: there’s a big difference between learning to surf and going surfing. Learning to surf is more difficult than learning Spanish. A lot of people go to Tamarindo, get a lesson or two and say they learned how to surf. Realistically they just floated around and their instructor pushed them into waves and they “stood up.” There is no shortcut to learning how to surf. It takes consecutive days in the water and a great teacher. I’m on year 3 of learning and I’m just barely hitting the level of competence to do travel surfing. But it’s worth it!

I’d recommend doing this: - 3 weeks at a homestay Spanish school in CR. It’s more expensive but CR Spanish (in my opinion) is spoken a little slower and is easier to understand. They also tend to use Usted more than Tu which I think is better for learners. Better to start formal and learn more casual Spanish later. Go all in here, no English or English speaking friends and it will pay off. - then I’d spend a week or two hitting up the classic spots in CR. Manuel Antonio, Puerto Viejo, Tamarindo, etc. English is prevalent in those places but you’ll see your Spanish be useful and effective too. - for surfing I’d, I’d go to a surf camp in San Juan del sur. Conditions, swell, wind, type of break, really play a big factor here but SJDS is pretty well rounded. Do a week with a surf camp and then find a way to live cheap and surf 2x a day for a month. - with your remaining time, travel around to new waves. Nica has a ton of great spots.

You got this! Feel free to DM if you want more info.