Overview
Before surfing clicks in the water, sometimes your body needs to feel it on land. Together with the GRLSWIRL team, we're bringing you a surf-skate retreat designed to build board confidence, unlock surf movement, and help you feel more at home on a boardâwhether you're rolling on pavement or paddling into warm Costa Rican waves. This isn't just surf lessons plus skate sessions. It's the beloved AWA x GRLSWIRL experience, refined over six years to help women move beyond the wobble, understand how their body moves, and discover that electric moment when balance turns into flow. You'll learn skateboarding fundamentals, practice surf-skate technique on land, and carry those skills into the ocean through supportive surf coaching tailored to your level. The GRLSWIRL team specializes in teaching beginners with patience, encouragement, and plenty of stoke. No expectations, no intimidation. Just step-by-step progress, big cheers, soft landings, and the kind of community that makes trying something new feel wildly fun. Surrounded by jungle, warm waves, golden sunsets, women-owned businesses, incredible food, and the full-body buzz of Pura Vida, this is a week for learning, falling, laughing, and realizing you're capable of far more than you imagined. All levels welcome. No prior experience needed.
Highlights
Stoke Over Skill
Designed for all levels, especially women who want to learn without feeling rushed, judged, or thrown into the deep end. You'll progress step by step, wobble by wobble, cheer by cheer. Not because you have anything to prove, but because learning something new takes courage. We celebrate the bravery of trying, the humility of being a beginner, and every little win along the way.
Epic location
Santa Teresa flows at the pace of the ocean, where golden shores meet endless horizons and every sunset feels like coming home. It's a place where time softens, hearts open, and life feels beautifully simple. Vibrant but never overwhelming, social but never rushed, it's the perfect backdrop for a week of movement, connection, and adventure.
All Surf Levels Welcome
Known for its world-class surf, Santa Teresa offers a diverse mix of beach, reef, and point breaks. Whether you're catching your first wave or refining your turns, the conditions here are ideal for mixed-ability groups and different surf styles. Warm, glassy waves roll in year-round, and the lineup stays mellow and spacious, giving everyone room to ride.
Jungle stake parks
Youâll ride to the soundtrack of birds and howler monkeys, surrounded by palms, sunshine, and nothing but good vibes. Weâll explore it all, flat zones, the public skatepark, wooden bowls, a concrete wave, and more. Each spot tucked into the jungle and buzzing with Santa Teresaâs high-energy, feel-good spirit.
NOURISHING FOOD
One of the most underrated luxuries of retreat life? Not having to think about food. For the week, one of our favorite boutique restaurants in Santa Teresa joins us in the house, creating beautiful, nourishing meals designed to fuel your days in the ocean and on the board. A few nights, we head out together to explore Santa Teresaâs buzzing food scene, sharing the eclectic flavors, local chefs, and jungle-town magic.
Thoughtful Hosting
From the moment you inquire to the moment you return home, our team is dedicated to making you feel welcomed, supported, and genuinely seen. Every detail is intentionally designed to create a safe, seamless, and unforgettable experience where you can fully relax and focus on yourself.
YOUR HOSTESSES
Lucy Osinski
Creator, CEO and Co-Founder of Grlswirl from Cornwall New York, she started skating in early 2017. Lucy fell in love with how empowered and liberated she felt from skating and passionately wanted to get others on boards in order to experience the same momentous feeling. She has taught hundreds of folks to skate of all ages, levels and backgrounds and is deeply passionate about sharing skate with others.
lucyjean333
MONA PICASSO
Argentinian surfer, creator soul and ultimate jungle warrior reshaped her life by the Costa Rican sea over a decade ago on a search for a more simple life. She is the embodiment of fun and adventure and brings the high vibes and stoked into whatever she does. Be ready for some loud laughs, deep ocean conversations and a life-long friendship with who will turn your surf trip into a radical life-changing experience.
mona.picasso
GIULIA VALLOTTO
Born in Italy and raised in the fast-paced world of fashion and design, Giulia eventually followed the pull of the ocean and swapped the concrete jungle for the real jungle life. As one of AWAâs co-founders, she brings warmth, vision, and a whole lot of heart to everything she does. With a gift for gathering women in meaningful ways, sheâs all about creating spaces where laughter, depth, and wild adventure naturally unfold. Equal parts grounded and playful, sheâll remind you what it feels like to come home to yourself, and have a damn good time while doing it. Sheâs here to hold space, stir your soul, and remind you that life gets a little more magical when you let it.
giulia_vallotto
What's included
What's Included
Roundtrip airport transfers (for guests traveling within our scheduled group transfer times).
6-night stay at jungle lodge in the heart of Santa Teresa.
Daily breakfast and lunch thoughtfully prepared and adapted to all dietary needs.
5 chef-prepared dinners by our boutique in-house restaurant team.
Fresh drinks and healthy snacks available throughout the day.
5 surf skate lessons adapted to your level.
4 surf lessons with a 2:1 student-to-coach ratio, led by certified local instructors.
Surf and skate video analysis.
Professional surf footage to take home.
Daily access to surf and skate equipment.
All surf and yoga equipment provided.
Transportation to all retreat activities.
Yoga, stretching, breathwork, and meditation sessions.
Natural spa day.
Daily housekeeping services.
A curated local adventure experience
An exclusive welcome goodie bag.
A new worldwide community of women that continues long after the retreat ends
A real good time.
What's Not Included
International and domestic airfare.
Travel and medical insurance.
Two dinners in town.
Alcoholic beverages.
Professional photo package.
Gratuities and tips.
Griss Lodge
The AWA Jungle Home
Nestled in the heart of Santa Teresa, the jungle lodge is a peaceful base surrounded by lush tropical gardens. This wooden sanctuary offers beautiful, cozy accommodations, a refreshing pool for afternoon dips, and a yoga and movement deck for your daily practices. For recovery and restoration, enjoy access to a sauna and cold plunge, designed to support your body between surf and skate sessions. Everything is just a short walk away: the best surf spots and skate parks that make Santa Teresa unforgettable.
THE VENUE
Your hidden oasis in the heart of Santa Teresa.
A pool immersed in lush nature
Accommodation
Private Suite
For the ultimate in comfort and tranquility: A/C, WiFi, small kitchen, queen bed, private bathroom, spacious private lounge terrace.
FROM$5,050.00
Private Room
For those who crave a blend of privacy and connection: A/C, WiFi, small kitchen, queen-size bed, shared bathroom.
FROM$4,650.00
Shared Room
Perfect for solo travelers ready to embrace community: A/C, WiFi, small kitchen, two twin beds, shared bathroom.
FROM$4,050.00
Gallery
TESTIMONIALS
What an experience! A Week Awake curates an incredible week that you'll never forget. It was a packed schedule of surf and skate with the most incredible women. The ladies of AWA had every detail planned out, but left enough room and flexibility for you to do our own thing if and when you needed. Their crew of instructors had all of us making major process in our surfing and skating in under a week â it was impressive! The food was delicious. The accommodations were STUNNING. The yoga and breathwork were restorative. It was a life-changing week and I can't wait to do it again.
Denise - Costa Rica 2025
A Week Awake is truly a special experience. The retreat was incredibly well thought out, with amazing surfing and skating, yoga, great food, and unique adventuring like riding ATVs through the jungle. Every coach brought so much care, encouragement, and positive energy, and Mona in particular was absolute best! Beyond the activities, the biggest takeaway was the sense of support and uplift that carried through the entire retreat, along with the lasting friendships formed along the way. The positivity was contagious and genuinely life-changing. I canât recommend AWA enough!!
Liz - Costa Rica 2025
I was concerned about being the oldest and largest bodied person there and worried it could feel ostracizing. Instead I found many peers and also great connections with the women younger than me. I may have been the largest body person there but no one seemed to notice. I just got love and praise. I can tell that joyful and loving environment was more than my cohort and absolutely a result of the positive atmosphere created by the hosts. The retreat was competently organized without feeling stuffy. There was an amazing amount of support for beginners and experts alike. Iâm a person who can get overwhelmed and I felt like there was (usually) an ample amount of transition time as well as no shame if participants need to sit out of an activity for any reason. Accommodations, catering, transportation, and activities were all of a very high caliber and expertly curated. I felt informed and hosts communicated everything very clearly. They seem to have a great relationship with all their contractors and vendors which I deeply appreciate as someone from a high tourist area. They seem to be fostering a great community both with their clients and the local businesses. My retreat was a collaboration between AWA and GirlSWRL. The two organizations had a really magical synergy that made the experience even better. It was a great vacation and beyond thatâ a transformative life experience. Iâm already looking forward to going again.
Jazz - Costa Rica 2025
FAQs
What is the typical age range of guests?
A lot of our first-time guests are concerned about this!
Our retreat welcomes women of all ages, starting from 18 and up. To give you an idea, about 80% of our guests are between 25 and 55 years old. We love witnessing the diversity and unique perspectives and experience that each guests brings to the group. We have created an inclusive environment that ensures that everyone feels valued and empowered, regardless of age.
Which airport should I fly into?
You can fly into San JosĂŠ (SJO) or Liberia (LIR) airports. We go over the options in the next question, but just so you know: depending on your schedule and budget, you can reach the venue by a short flight, by ferry and road, or completely by road.
When should I arrive and depart?
We recommend arriving on the official start date of the retreat and departing on the official end date. There is no need to arrive a day early or stay an extra night afterward unless your travel schedule requires it or you'd simply like a little extra buffer time before or after the retreat.
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM on arrival day. The first afternoon is intentionally relaxed, giving you time to settle in, meet the group, and ease into the experience. We'll gather for a welcome circle to go over the week ahead, followed by a cozy dinner together.
On departure day, we'll share one final morning together with optional activities and our last breakfast as a group before heading to the airport. Checl-out is at 10:00 AM.
We'll provide recommended flight windows and coordinate group airport transfers to make your travel as seamless as possible.
Is there an option without lodging if we live in the area?
No, we donât offer a lodging-only option. Our retreats are fully immersive surfing and community experiences, and a big part of the magic comes from everyone sharing the same space and really dropping into the journey together.
Is there downtime?
Yes, we intentionally build in downtime for relaxation and reflection. You can spend your free time exploring the local area, enjoying optional activities, or simply unwinding on the beach or by the pool.
What happens if the weather and conditions are bad?
While we cant control the weather, we do our best to adapt to changing conditions Our experienced hostesses and coaches will adjust the schedule and activities accordingly to ensure you have a fun and safe experience, both in and out of the water.
Do I need to bring my own skateboard?
We highly encourage you to bring your own skateboard for the retreat, even if youâre a complete beginner. learning on your board from day one helps you build confidence, muscle memory, and familiarity that you can keep practicing with once youâre back home.
We also recommend bringing your own helmet and pads to make sure you have the perfect fit and the right protection throughout the trip.
And if youâre thinking of upgrading your gear before coming, you can use the code AWA30 for 30% off all GRLSWIRL equipment.
How much surfing/skateboarding experience should i have before i go?
None at all! This retreat is designed for women of every level, from total beginners to more advanced riders. Our experienced coaches personalize each lesson so youâll grow at your own pace, feel supported, and have the best time no matter where youâre starting from.
How many times a day are skate sessions?
We offer one coached surf-skate session per day, usually around 2â2.5 hours. Youâll also have access to all the skate equipment for free skating anytime youâd like throughout the week.
What if i've never surfed before?
No problem at all! Our retreat is perfect for beginners and so are these beaches. Our team of surf coaches will start with the basics, teaching you everything you need to know to catch your first wave safely and confidently.
Do I need to bring my own surfboard?
No need! We provide all the necessary surf equipment, including boards, leashes and wax. However, if you have your own gear and feel more comfortable using it, you're welcome to bring it along*.
*Take in consideration that you wont be able to take the domestic flight with boards over 7' so in that case you'll have to travel via land.
How many times a day are surf sessions?
Youâll have one coached surf session each morning, usually around 2 hours, for a total of 4 coached sessions during the week. Youâre also welcome to free surf anytime youâd like, and all surf equipment will be available for you daily.
Im traveling solo. Will i feel out of place?
Not at all! The majority of our guests come solo, and our retreats are carefully curated as supportive and inclusive experiences for everyone. You'll have plenty of opportunities to connect with other like-minded women and most likely build friendships and bonds that will last a lifetime.
What is the typical age range of guests?
A lot of our first-time guests are concerned about this!
Our retreat welcomes women of all ages, starting from 18 and up. To give you an idea, about 80% of our guests are between 25 and 55 years old. We love witnessing the diversity and unique perspectives and experience that each guests brings to the group. We have created an inclusive environment that ensures that everyone feels valued and empowered, regardless of age.
How big are the groups?
We host a maximum of 14 guests in this experience.
What is the local currency and where should i exchange money?
The local currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican ColĂłn (CRC). However, U.S. Dollars are widely accepted throughout the country, including in many shops, restaurants, and tourism-related businesses. If paying in USD, please note that change is often given in Colones. ATMs are readily available in most towns and are a convenient way to withdraw local currency if needed.
If you are coming from a country outside of the US, we recommend exchanging your money outside of the airport as the airport charges the highest exchange fee.
How much cash extra money should i bring?
While most retreat activities, meals, and scheduled experiences are included, you may wish to budget for a few optional extras during your stay to take it to the next level:
⢠Spa treatments and massages ⢠Surf Photography Package ⢠AWA Merchandise & Apparel⢠Additional beverages, smoothies, coffee, or snacks⢠Souvenirs and local artisan shopping⢠Optional excursions or activities not included in your retreat package⢠Gratuities for staff and service providers
As a general guideline, many guests spend anywhere from $50â$300+ throughout the week, depending on their personal preferences and participation in optional offerings.
For your convenience, we recommend bringing a credit or debit card for larger purchases and, if you wish, a small amount of cash (USD or CRC) for gratuities, local vendors, or incidental purchases.
Most businesses in Santa Teresa accept major credit cards, and there are ATMs nearby should you need additional cash during your stay, so there's no need to carry large amounts with you.
To help keep your retreat experience as seamless and stress-free as possible, any extras or purchases made throughout your stay can be added to your guest account and conveniently settled by credit card at checkout through our website (transaction fees may apply).
is Costa Rica safe?
While Costa Rica is the safest country in Central America, and therefore a perfect destination for first-time solo travelers, it's always important to use common sense.
Tuck away valuables when you're in public, put your phone away when you're not using it, and leave your nice jewelry at home. Always know where you're going, avoid isolated areas, and stick with a group when you're out at night.
Im nervous, should i do this?
We promise youâll have an epic time. "Itâs truly amazing and hard to put into words", our guests say...If you are feeling the call, just do it, let go of any expectations and let us host you during the time of your life!
