With the days getting shorter, the chill of winter beginning to bite and water temperatures continuing to drop, it is easy to see why Northern Hemisphere bodyboarders start thinking about a warmer escape.
The Costa Rica bodyboard holiday in January 2027 offers seven nights on the Nicoya Peninsula, with Pacific surf, coaching and time to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. We spoke to guest coach Jay Reale about Costa Rica, a destination he still counts among his favourites after decades of travelling the world to ride waves.
Pura Vida in Paradise
On Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, the Nicoya Peninsula is known for its beaches, wildlife and relaxed pace. Here, rainforest sits close to the shore, and mornings can bring the calls of howler monkeys from the canopy. Guests may also spot scarlet macaws and other wildlife during their stay.
Jay describes the rhythm of a day in Costa Rica as a big part of its appeal:
“I get the same pleasure everyone else does on our time in Costa Rica. Nothing better than waking up and easing into some fun waves first thing, and then enjoying a leisurely breakfast, and a little snooze before paddling out for another session. I like to sneak out around midday as most others are out of the water relaxing at that time, and then I can enjoy the sunset with Vicki and the BB Holidays guests while telling stories and tall tales about the waves we got that morning.”
Jay Reale
“Pura vida” translates as “pure life” and is a familiar phrase in Costa Rica. For Jay, it captures the easy pace and friendly feel of time spent both in and out of the water.
“Costa Rica is just…easy livin’! The locals say, ‘pura vida’ which means ‘pure life’. The weather is idyllic, water is like a warm blanket, and the waves are consistent and fun most of the time without being scary for the average person, and on the Bodyboard Holidays trip, we visit a part of Costa Rica that has miles of beach breaks with multiple peaks, so you can always get a wave.”
Jay Reale
As anywhere, respecting local surfers and giving new line-ups time to learn is important. Jay says the relaxed setting helps people feel at ease in the water. A few words of Spanish can also go a long way when meeting people on land or in the ocean.
“Many of the people in the water are on holiday (and of course there are many locals), but being enveloped in that tropical paradise naturally makes you more relaxed and smiles flow freely out there. Likewise, on land, the stresses of your daily life melt away with every puff of the tropical breeze!”
Jay Reale
When guests are not in the water, the bungalow accommodation offers space to relax among the palms. Facilities include a pool, yoga area, hammocks, an on-site bar and restaurant, and a garden spa with massage treatments.
Escape the Northern Hemisphere Winter
For bodyboarders used to grey skies and cold-water sessions, January in Costa Rica brings a welcome change of scene. You can leave the thick winter wetsuit, hood, gloves and boots at home and pack boardshorts or a swimsuit with a rash vest instead.
Without layers of neoprene, many riders find it easier to move freely and stay comfortable during a session. Jay says the warmer water can make getting in for another surf feel much more appealing.
“It’s profound how much easier everything is without neoprene. More mobility, more motivation to get wet and no feeling like you need to get to the beach because you’re freezing. You can comfortably put in a long session without restriction!”
Jay Reale
Longer, more comfortable sessions can also give riders extra opportunities to practise. The coaching team helps guests make the most of those sessions, with advice in the water and video feedback on land. For another perspective on focused coaching and rider progression, read about what a bodyboarding coaching weekend can offer.
Exploration and Discovery
The trip balances time in the water and video clinics with optional afternoon activities. Depending on conditions and the schedule, guests can explore the region’s nature and local culture, from Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve to waterfalls, snorkelling and zip lines.
Santa Teresa is another place to explore, with a lively surf scene, beaches and a range of places to eat. The official Puntarenas destination guide has more information about the region. For another bodyboarder’s perspective on the destination, read our story about why Costa Rica keeps bringing riders back.
Coaching and Progression
The Costa Rica trip includes coaching for a range of abilities, from people catching their first waves to experienced riders working on specific skills. The coaching team includes Jay Reale, his wife Vicki, Bodyboard Holidays founder Rob Barber, Portuguese coach João Veiga and former European Champion Lisa Cutts.
Jay explains how the range of waves can give newer and more experienced riders different options:
“For the absolute newbies, there are easy opportunities to stand in waist-deep water and simply launch into the whitewater for an easy glide to shore and for those novice or more advanced riders, there are more challenging waves on the outside where they can go right or left and practice moves with the knowledge that a sandy bottom rather than rock or reef will offer some cushion if the wave decides to have its way with them.”
Jay Reale
Mornings include in-water coaching, with advice on wave selection and technique. Land footage supports afternoon video analysis, where guests can review their riding and work on personal goals.
“My favourite part of the Bodyboard Holidays trips is seeing the level of stoke from those doing something for the first time on their board. It brings me right back to when I started and pulling off that first spin or roll was so thrilling. I love getting to share those moments with the guests more than getting a good wave myself!”
Jay Reale
Progress is only part of the experience. Sharing sessions with riders from different places can create friendships that continue long after the trip ends.
“I think the guests take away a sense of satisfaction of improving their riding but more importantly the new relationships they’ve forged with like-minded bodyboarders from all over the world. We are truly a ‘tribe’ and many of the guests maintain these newfound friendships for life and end up traveling on other BB Holidays trips with each other, even if they live worlds apart. I love that!”
Jay Reale
Plan Your Costa Rica Bodyboard Holiday
Ready to trade winter neoprene for warm water, coaching and time on the Nicoya Peninsula? Explore the January 2027 dates, accommodation and trip details on our Costa Rica page, then get in touch if you would like help deciding whether the trip is right for you.
Explore the Costa Rica Trip–
Costa Rica
On Sale!
–
Costa Rica
On Sale!
–
Costa Rica
On Sale!
