Holiday itinerary
Unleash the creative within as you learn to capture inspirational images of Costa Rica and indulge your need for adrenaline while surfing the waves in this beautiful location for a holiday of a lifetime.
The rich colours and beauty of the tropical paradise that is Costa Rica make a perfect setting for a photography course. Your talented local guide will take you to breathtaking spots so that you can take home unique photos to really be proud of.
Suitable for first time photographers to professionals looking to learn new techniques, this course can be tailored to your own personal level of experience. Your photography course is designed to give beginners a working knowledge of the elements of digital photography including lighting, composition, apertures, shutter speeds and much more. You’ll also learn the basics of photo editing using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, while the more advanced learn new techniques and the best way to apply these to your work.
Experience this tropical paradise through the lens as you go on excursions to stunning photo locations to capture scenery, locals, wildlife and more on this learning holiday with a difference.
Combine this photography course with surf lessons on some of the best surf beaches and you will really be immersing yourself in the local culture.
Costa Rica is home to some of the best surfing in the world and the areas of Jaco Beach and Hermosa are widely regarded as having the most consistent surf in the country. Enjoy a wide variety of breaks and plenty of un-crowded waves to take your skills to the next level on a surf and photography holiday with a difference.
Taught by highly qualified instructions who are passionate about surfing, you'll be glad you discovered this thrilling sport. Your instructors wait for the perfect surf conditions before beginning their surf lessons, so that you really get the most out of your time on the waves.
Suitable for complete beginners to surfing pros, beginners will be safely guided by the qualified surf instructors to learn the basics of standing, paddling and turning as well as many other key skills. More advanced surfers will be shown the perfect spots to catch the best waves by the dedicated instructors and enhance their existing skills in this addictive sport.
Pursue your passion for photography and surfing on this learning holiday with a difference.
Suitability
- Photography courses are also suitable for all from beginners to more advanced photographers
- Must be able to swim
- Minimum age 18
Travelling Solo?
- Most people on these holidays travel solo as they make great singles holidays
- This school in Costa Rica is really social and the focus is on making friends, learning a new skill and most importantly, having fun!
- The school organises a host of social & cultural activities to help you get to know your classmates
- This holiday is perfect for solo travellers to meet like-minded students
Surfing And Digital Photography Holiday Start Days
- Classes start on Mondays and run year round
- Your classes will take place Monday – Fridays
- If you book the optional accommodation with this course, you'll check-in on the Sunday before the course starts and check out the Saturday after the course ends
- It’s not a problem if you’d like to extend your stay and this school offers longer duration courses – just email us at and we’ll be happy to arrange a course to suit you
Surfing And Digital Photography Holiday Itinerary
Your classes will take place on Monday – Friday, and the exact times will be confirmed during your stay
Digital Photography
- You will have 10 hours of photography classes per week fitting in around your surf classes
Surfing Lessons
- Your surfing lessons fit around the tides and the best times to surf and are usually held at 4pm daily but this can change depending on the weather conditions
- Surfing classes last 1-2 hours per day depending on your fitness level and take place at the best surf points for the weather conditions
- All transportation to local surf spots is included
About Your Surfing And Digital Photography Instructors
- Your tutors are all fully qualified and are extremely passionate about their teaching
- Your tutors will teach in a fun and informal style with the aim to accelerate your learning to the next level
- Instructors aim to inspire and pass on their passion during your classes and will encourage and give confidence to you through their teaching
Who Are Our Guests
- Holidays are typically made up of international travellers looking to get more from their holiday
- Ages vary, but the typical customer falls in to the 20-40 age bracket though we have no age limit at all
- Over 80% of our guests travel solo
- Of course, everyone shares a passion or interest in discovering a new skill and culture
What Will I Learn?
Digital Photography
- You will learn techniques on how to choose your subject and capture the best shot
- Beginners will gain a working knowledge of the elements of digital photography including lighting, composition, apertures, shutter speeds
- During your days in the studio, you will learn how to edit and enhance your shots using software such as Photoshop and Adobe light room
- More advanced level students will learn new techniques and the best way to apply these to your work
- During your days in the studio, you will learn how to edit your shots
- You will visit a number of different, inspiring locations to capture your images including the jungle, beaches, waterfalls, towns and more
Surfing
- Safety issues
- How to handle the board in the water
- Where to position yourself at sea
- How to clear the breaking zone and deal with white water
- How to stand and lie on the board
- Line up positioning
- How to paddle to catch the waves
- Techniques to clear the break point and surge to the crest of the wave
Equipment To Bring
- Please bring your own digital camera (with manual)
- It is a good idea to bring an extra memory card, a back-up battery for your camera, and portable hard drive or blank DVDs for backing up your files
- All surfing equipment is included during your lessons and you can hire surf boards to practice in your own time if required
Optional Accommodation In Costa Rica
- This school offers a choice of Home Stay accommodation or student residence
- Home Stay is where you stay with a local Costa Rican family and practice your Spanish skills and learn where the best places to visit are
- Most people choose to stay in the well-equipped on-site student accommodation, located just a few minutes from the beach, restaurants and bars.
- In the shared house accommodation you will share a dorm with other travellers (please note that rooms are mixed both male and female).
- Solo travellers can share a twin room with a shared bathroom with another guest (of the same sex) for no single supplement
- Solo travellers who prefer to have their own private single room can pay a compulsory single supplement for their own private room with either a shared bathroom or a private bathroom, subject to availability (see the costing and extras tab for prices)
- You can add your accommodation onto your holiday during the booking process
- To view more details on the accommodation types offered, click on the ‘optional accommodation’ tab
Meals
- No meals are included in this package unless you choose the optional accommodation Home Stay option where breakfast and dinner are provided daily (see ‘Optional Accommodation’ tab
- There are plenty of bars, restaurants and grocery stores located just a short walk from the school for you to explore and eat out with your fellow students
Free Time In Costa Rica
- There is so much to see and do around the area of Jaco Beach
- You can choose to take a field trip kayaking and snorkelling along the coast and a waterfall hike to the 'Three Pools'
- A variety of marine life can be seen around the reefs including tropical fish, lobster, corals, and much more
- Other optional excursions through the school include visits to the Rainforest or a Crocodile River tour
- You will have plenty of time to kick back on the surf beaches and relax or practice your new found skills
- Just let the school know during your stay which activities you’d like to join and they will be happy to help you to organise your trip
Get more from your holiday, immerse yourself in the culture, learn to surf and take home your developed digital photography skills that will stay with you long after the holiday is over.