Teaching methods & Staff

Beginner to Advanced

Few places in the world have the learning conditions existing on the beaches of Sayulita. With its soft and forgiving waves, our surf classes are held in designated areas to accommodate the needs of beginner surfers.

• 1:1 student to teacher ratio..all private lessons.
• We specialize in the instruction of beginners (of all ages) as well as enhancing the skills of the more advanced surfer.
• We provide the opportunity to experience surfing to anybody that knows how to swim.

Most people try surfing once and become addicted to this sport. Although learning to surf takes some work and patience, our dedicated and trained staff will see to it that you are having fun during each step.

The team of instructors have devoted their lives to the sport and are willing to pass their knowledge on to anyone who is interested. All instructors have at least ten years experience in ocean safety and survival and are fully bilingual in English and Spanish. Our school is managed by the Mexican National Surf Champion Diego Cadena and his brother Tigre.

• All students are provided one-on-one surfing instructions for 1.5 - 2hours daily depending on surfing package chosen.
• These private lessons are intended to provide constant positive feedback from the instructor which translates into a faster improvement of skills during the lesson. We find that one-on-one instruction means more efficient use of valuable vacation time.
• The first half-hour of each lesson will be devoted to paddling, board handling techniques, and other basic steps involved in standing up to ride waves and ocean safety, a major component of our classes.
• Then students are headed off into the water to catch their first waves.
• The insturctor will stay with the student for the duration of the lesson.
• Fun is always the priority, student learn at their own pace with no pressure.

We use top-of-the-line equipment and can accommodate almost any weight or height. Safety is our first concern, so we use surfboards that have rigid plastic bottoms. In addition, students are geared with colored Lycra wetsuits that provide protection from the sun and sand rash as well as an easier way for instructors and lifeguards to recognize the students in the water.

For the more advanced beginners we also provide a large array of fiberglass boards. These are higher performance boards that generate more speed and are more difficult to maneuver.

Our diving program is dedicated to scuba certifications from PADI(Professional Association of Diving Instructors) or Open Water Diver course, the most widely recognized and respected diving certification in the world. Within a few days, you will be qualified to dive the biggest natural aquaria without supervision of an instructor.

SDS ( Sayulita Diving School) offers courses and certifications from the most basic course the Discover Scuba diving program to the PADI open water certification. Higher certifications are also available upon special request.

Depending upon availability, we offer our clients the luxury of living at the dive center located at Casa Toscana or Casa Terramar, a breath-taking private residences in Sayulita, Nayarit. Because of the swimming pool at both residences, we have the unique opportunity to offer you on-site scuba lessons with instructor Stephane Panetta. Stephane is a highly-qualified PADI Dive instructor who has worked internationally.

Please visit our vacation packages for more information on scuba diving certifications.

Beginner to Advanced.

If you're a new yoga student, this is a great opportunity to learn the basic beginning poses in a safe environment. Don't worry, the emphasis is to go at your own pace, according to how YOU feel.

Daily 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. (no classes Sundays)

Hatha Yoga is the traditional form of yoga in which postures are practiced to align, strengthen and promote flexibility in the body. Breathing techniques and meditation are also commonly practiced.

Daniel and Jill are the directors and permanent teachers at the Yoga studios in Sayulita. The studio is a fifteen minute walk from the hotel.

Jill Sawchuk: the seed of yoga was planted at a young age for Jill. Alongside her mom, at age five, Jill attended her first yoga classes with yoga pioneer, Gerda Krebbs. After completing her studies in education, Jill set off to learn more about yoga in its mother country, India. Jill is grateful for the time and energy Swami Shyam Yogi invested during their private sessions and the way he opened her eyes to the traditional ways of teaching yoga. She feels lucky to have completed her teacher training in the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center in Neyyar Dam, India, and for the broad outlook of yoga they provide.Her teaching style is a culmination of all the great teaching she has come in contact with, integrating all those tools that have helped her along the way- most importantly developing breath and body awareness as well as learning the art of relaxation. She feels forever indebted to, and greatly impacted by S.N. Goenkaji, and the teachings of Vipassina meditation.

Daniel: has had vast experience with teachers of all different styles and backgrounds. He has experience with Nada Yoga- the Yoga of music and sound-, as well as with Mantra. His approach in class is on letting go and fully experiencing the moment with the awareness of the body and the stillness of the mind. “ Life is full of magic but most of us don’t even realize this. Yoga is the key to realize that paradise is here now.Certified by the Sivananda International Yoga Vedanta Center in Val Morin, Quebec, Canada. Daniel is also a Dj and music producer who has expanded Nada Yoga all the way into dancefloors around the world.

All levels are welcome. We offer classes that have been structured to accommodate various levels of experience at all times and we offer classes for advanced, intermediate and begining students. Schedule will be made available upon arrival to Sayulita.

Bring comfortable loose fitting clothing, since tight clothes will restrict the circulation to some areas. Yoga is a perfect complement to surfing adding more strength, flexibility, fluidity, and focus for the body. Apparel for yoga class should be comfortable, yet form-fitting enough to allow the teacher to evaluate your posture. Mats and props are provided. You are welcome to bring your own mat if you prefer.

Beginner to Advanced.

2.5 hours daily for 6 days. SPANISH COURSE:

• Our Spanish lessons are perfect for beginner and intermediate speakers. Classes are private or semi-private depeding on enrollment numbers.
• If deemed necessary, students will be given an exam to determine proficiency level.
• Lessons are designed to provide students with a solid foundation in vocabulary and to provide fundamental communication skills.
• Each lesson utilizes learning methods and retention techniques which have proven successful over the years.
• Students will also learn vocabulary and phrases used by surfers and when possible, will be given surfing instruction in Spanish .
• For our beginning students, in addition to the formal lessons, Spanish class group activities are also recommended. These group activities are designed to help students practice new language skills while becoming acquainted with Sayulita.