i felt the need to write a review after having read Geeta comments about Costa Rica with Frank Caronna I was there the week before she got to the house and our paths crossed for few days The trip to Costa rica was one of my best trip ever ( and i do travel quite a lot ). I met Frank less than a year ago and he gave me the surfing fever. I surfed 3 times and then i decided to join him on his trip to Costa rica. When i got there i only surfed 3 times in my all life. i didnt know anybody at the house and i was welcomed as an old friend by all the group. It was the pura vida you dream when you go to costa rica to surf with a bunch of "friends" the house was amazing and perfectly placed on a beach ( only few houses on the same beach) , we spent the days in the water, cooking together, having beers, play the guitar at night and laughing in regards to geeta's comments , i m quite surprised... she got there 2 days earlier than her group, we were at the last 2 days of our trip. We were finishing up al the groceries we had in the house and Frank was giving us the last 2 days of lessons so i m not sure what she has to complain for? During my week there, Frank drove to the supermarket every other day ( or when needed) to refill the fridge with what we needed In regards to the waves...hey who can control mother nature? On top of it , you need to get up early in the am to check your waves and not at 10.30 am .... as said , i only surfed 3 times in my life before this trip and i can tell that i was on a board every single day....maybe i had to sit on the beach looking at teh waves to see when it was the best time fo rme to get in but hey,..what's worst in life to sit on a beach while you are waiting for some waves...Frank yes was in the water ...almost all day by himself or with some of us but i never found myself in the water without him. It was faster than then me to grab me and tell me ..it is good for you ...let 's go. even if he was in the water , you could see him waving at the beach to give u the ok sign. by the time you were in the water , frank was already there waiting for you and help you to catch the wave The vacation was a perfect picture of the PURA VIDA .... the trip was so good that i was going again in few weeks ....unfortunately my school dates changed and i had to cxl my trip...i will be back again...for sure Txs Frank....you gave me wonderful memories and a bunch of new friends....the trip was priceless... read more

Natural Surf Technique is the technique that works! If you're looking for a quick fix or someone to baby you and tell you you're "awesome," then this definitely isn't for you. But if you're truly serious about surfing, breaking bad habits or progressing to the next level, then this is the only surf instructor I would (and do) recommend. I began surfing nearly 10 years ago and started at a well-known girls' surf camp in La Jolla (rhymes with Durf Siva). I paid a ton of money and spent two days trying to get up, but never managed to stand. Then I started working with Frank. I not only realized the La Jolla school had intentionally taught me lazy surf habits (like getting up on my knees first) but thanks to Frank, I've now surfed 10-foot waves in Mexico. I've also attended two of the Natural Surf Technique trips to Costa Rica. During each trip I enjoyed a charming house directly on the beach with air-conditioning in the bedrooms (essential in Costa Rica) maid service and a hammock perfect for napping. The house sits betwen the jungle and sea, so expect to see wildlife before you walk across the front lawn, aka sand, and get in the ocean to start surfing. The times I went, the break directly in front of the house was empty and the waves were gentle. I had so many waves to myself that it felt like I was on my own private beach! Honestly, no surf trip since has ever matched the days I spent there. Since NO ONE can control the ocean, we did experience a few days when bigger swells came in and the waves got larger. On those days, Frank drove us to other breaks in the area where we could continue to surf. He always made sure we were in situations that matched our skill level and where we felt comfortable. Those seeking a noisy, party town atmosphere filled with tourists and over-crowded surf breaks, will definitely be disappointed. However, if you're truly interested LEARNING to surf properly, enjoying an ocean all to yourself to learn in, and making surfing a part of your life, I highly recommend Natural Surf Technique! read more

Frank Caronna is one of the best instructors I ever met and will only recommend him as an instructor to others. He is extremely focused on teaching and really uses a technique that works! I was on the particular trip that the woman Geeta was on and only remember her being a horrible bossy person. She arrived 2 days before she was suppose to and I remember Frank asked one of the other girls for a favor to share a room so Geeta could have her own room. The next morning I remember her getting mad about being woke up at 8am and cussed at the girl who woke her so she could get her bathing suit. Frank did nothing wrong and was only professional. The surf the day this woman arrived was big, but by the next morning we were surfing in town and everyone having a great time. Franks' website is very accurate for his teaching and the possible conditions etc. He works with everyone in the morning and afternoons are supervised sessions. I do remember her not having a board the first day, but only because she showed up 2 days early and all the boards were being used, but the next day she did have her own board and Frank worked more with her than the rest because she was so needing of personal attention. Frank handled the situation as good as anyone could have and we were all amazed how he did. I and everyone else were glad she left by the 4th day. I just have to protect this incredible instructor because I know he did everything possible to make her happy, but she knew already that no one liked her and was better she left. The rest of the trip was incredible and I can't remember never not having plenty of food, great lessons and incredible experience! Thanks Frank, your an incredible instructor, but most of all human being and had the best time of my life and why I went on your next two trips. read more

I am a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do who began training in the midwest. We were taught that every day you train from from your 'master' and it is an honor to receive lessons from those who have trained for decades; that it is a blessing that they choose to impart their life craft experience with their students. Frank is the black belt 'master' of surfing. I have trained with him for two years now as diligently as I have in the martial arts and he has helped to shape my mind, body, and spirit. He is truly a master and a man who commits his life to teaching and inspiring surfers. He has changed my life - Not only that, but I have recommended Frank to many, many friends who have continued to take lessons, and have had life changing experiences full of the passion and enthusiasm and discipline that Frank creates in them...I even sent my best friend, her husband, my mom, dad, and two uncles, all at different levels of surfing, on a trip with Frank this summer while I was filming and it was one of the most enthralling and exciting trips of their lives!!! I don't know who the individual is that posted the needy and ridiculous blog, but having been out surfing with Frank for the last hundred and four weeks, I've never seen her out on the water-and it's unfortunate that her view is posted - let alone should sway anyone from the experience and the excellence of Natural Surf Technique and Frank Caronna's methods. read more

Frank is the best in the business - no question! Whenever I'm taking a lesson with him he is 100% committed to teaching me and getting me to the next level. Even on days when I'm distracted or nervous about challenging conditions, he directs my focus to the waves and the ocean. In the two years I've been surfing with Frank, I've graduated from a 9'6 soft top longboard to a 6'6 flyer (and everything in between) and he's not only built my surfing skills, but also my confidence in the water. Most importantly, he's all about having fun because if your not having fun then what is the point?! If you are looking for a serious instructor who values safety and fun and who will take your surfing to a new level, then Frank is the guy for you. His Natural Surf Technique incorporates breath, core strength and a deep understanding of the ocean itself to advance your surfing; you will see improvements in your surfing light years ahead of other beginners. I had an incredible time on my trip to Costa Rica with Frank in 2007 and rode the biggest wave of my life (it was so exhilarating!). The group was great, Frank devoted his time to giving anyone that wanted it a fair amount of instruction, and no one went hungry. If you are interested in learning how to surf, I absolutely recommend Frank at Natural Surf Technique! read more

I've posted this before but due to Geeta, she decided that the only review necessary for Natural Surf Technique is her own. Please, read this and know all the other comments have been discarded because of one person's immature grudge. It's a brilliant business and I assure anyone, I would highly recommend it to anyone. I photograph Frank's clients when we travel to Costa Rica. Not only do I photograph while I'm there, I surf as well. I first started surfing in Santa Monica around September 2007. I loved Frank's style of teaching and watching his clients improve so much, I decided to make a photo documentary of Santa Monica surfers. I was inspired and still am! If it weren't for Frank, I wouldn't be able to surf at all and I've learned so much from him. No one has been able to teach me like Frank and no one has been as patient and encouraging. We travel to Costa Rica; what an amazing time we always have! It's beautiful, you get personal instruction, and a fantastic group of people. It's a well organized trip that I would recommend to anyone interested in travel, surf, or both! Keep at it Frank! You're the best instructor I've ever seen! read more

I was on the same Costa Rican trip as the unhappy camper who apparently was not satisfied with Frank. Funny enough, the only sucky thing about the trip was her presence the first few days and once her negative energy left, we all had a blast!! She complains about lack of food and when we went out for dinner she ordered some soup that she cried about the whole night. Playa Grande is the perfect spot to stay while learning and challenging yourself at any level. Surfing is one of the most difficult sports to conquer so unless you have a love to challenge yourself in the water, you will never enjoy the sport with or without Frank! Frank however is an execellent instructor especially for those who truly want to improve they're skills and push themselves a bit. He offered us ample water time to verbally and demonstratively teach how to read the ocean and move with it on a surfboard. I just wish I could go in December because it was one of my favorite trips Ive ever taken. And everyone except that one kick-in-the-balls camper agreed that the week was a total blast!!!! Thanks FRANK! read more

Frank is a fantastic instructor! Surfing takes commitment, patience and humility. Frank's great attitude and humor directs your mind to the proper place to face the power and unpredictability of the Ocean (and its inhabitants, but that is another story -- Frank went into doctor mode one morning when a Sting ray got me, and saved me a lot of pain and trouble). He has taught me just as much about surfing when out of the water as in the water, so when the Ocean isn't cooperating the learning can continue. Really shocked you got a bad review, but if an air conditioned villa on a sanctuary beach with in walking distances of shops, maid service, home cooked meals and clean clean water isn't good enough, then perhaps Golf would be the more appropriate sport. And as far as magically having the house full of food BEFORE you arrive, why not fly down a day ahead, do the grocery shopping, then fly back to accompany your clients?! Or just keep doing what you do - I loved my trip to Playa Grande. read more

I've been surfing for awhile and I wanted to improve my style and just overall skill level and I turned to Frank for help and he was by far the best instructor out there. He was able to pin point my bad habits and corrected them right away, and showed me how to improve my techniques. Every time we surfed together, I had his full attention and he watched every wave I caught and gave me useful feedback that helped me tremendously. So Frank is not just an great instructor for newbies, he's a great instructor for people who really want to improve their surfing skill. My friends always ask me to teach them how to surf just because I surf. If this is happening to you too, your best bet is to refer a real teacher who can also provide wetsuits and boards (Frank). I recommended my sisters and my friend to take surf lessons with Frank because it is very important to teach new surfers the correct technique AND SAFETY, and really have someone in the water to watch over you. read more

Frank Carrona is by far the best surf instructor in LA. When I started I had some really bad habits from previous bad teachers. Frank was really patient and managed to get me out of all those. He was also really good at helping to build my confidence (I was terrified at first) and I am now happy to surf waves that are over head high. His Costa Rica trips are incredible as well. Frank knows the area like a local. He arranges lots of great surfing as well as other treats like massages on the beach, and home cooked local meals. I would definitely recommend Frank to anyone who wants to learn how to surf properly. He's patient, thorough, safe and tailors his teaching style to each student. read more

I went to Costa Rica on a surf trip with Frank Caronna and had an amazing experience. My 11 month old son was with me and Frank couldn't have been more accomodating. We had great food from banana shakes to yummy local food. It was fantastic to have waves right in front of our house and meet other surfers from all over the world who came to Playa Grande to enjoy it's world class waves. They were perfect for my beginner status. When I left Frank's natural surf technique had greatly improved my surfing not to mention that I had an awesome vacation! - Janet Friesen read more

I already posted about Frank and his surf lessons, but wanted to post again a year later to reiterate how great my lessons with him have been, and because somehow my old review doesn't show up. If you want to learn to surf and progress quickly and feel great out there on your own, choose Natural Surf Technique. I am comfortable surfing on my own now, but still check in with Frank every couple of months to hone my skills and to break bad habits. I look forward to doing a Costa Rica trip next year with his long-time clients and friends. Thanks Frank!! read more

Frank is the best surf instructor - i was up the very first lesson, caught 10 waves at my first lesson. I have given surf lessons as gifts to my friends kids, and they love Frank. I have completed 20 lessons so far - feeling very confident about what i have learnt so far. Frank is the wave wisperer. If you ever want to try something new - take a surf lesson, it will change your life. read more

Frank's commitment and focus is impressive not to mention his own ability and understanding of the ocean. Learning to surf as an adult is a messy and extraordinary journey, the physical aspects of which are not even half of the battle. Frank gets it pure and simple, he is a wonderful guide! read more