Surf Lessions

Believe it or not, Cartagena is actually one of the best places to learn how to surf. The water stays warm year round, the waves are gentle, and there are some excellent local instructors who know the breaks well.

The biggest waves tend to show up between December and March, but even outside of that season you can usually find small ripples that are perfect for beginners. Waves rarely get much above head high, and because the swells are typically short-period wind swell, they do not carry a lot of power. That makes wipeouts far less punishing than in many other surf destinations.

Another advantage is the series of jetties along the beach. Next to them you will often find rip currents that act almost like little canals. With a surfboard, you can ride these currents out to the lineup like a lazy river, which makes getting past the breaking waves much easier.

That said, it is still best to start with an instructor. There are several talented bilingual coaches who can get you standing up quickly and often send you photos of your session afterward.

My first choice would be Ohana Surf, run by local surf legend Hugo Chalela (@surfing_cartagena). Hugo has been surfing Cartagena since the 1970s and knows these waves better than almost anyone. In addition to being a fantastic instructor, he also has a great quiver of boards, making it easy to find the right setup whether it is your first time standing up or you are looking to improve. On top of that, he has incredible stories and a thoughtful perspective on how surfing can shift your mindset.

Another great option is Juan Pablo Espinosa (@shakasurfclubctg). Juan Pablo brings a ton of energy to his lessons. He is a funny, high-energy coach with a stylish surfing technique, and he does a great job of keeping things light while helping beginners build confidence in the water.

Last, but not least, there is @PolySurfSchool, another well respected local surf school with a strong team of coaches, including national surf champions. They also have a wide selection of equipment available, so you can rent bodyboards, surfboards, paddleboards, and other gear if you want to explore the water on your own.