By Callum Morse
After spending lots of time in Nicaragua I was stoked to be checking out Costa Rica for the first time with a crew of frothing bodyboarders. Heading there with an open mind ready to score some epic waves I thought I would jot down some of my favorite things about the location for others who haven’t experienced the Pura Vida vibe of Costa Rica!
1. Sunrise Surfs – perfect empty waves
Making your way down through the jungle to the beach before first light is a pretty special experience. We would make this short walk almost every day to be at the beach as the sun peaks over the horizon, lighting up the first of many glassy sets as they reel down the beach.
2. Bathtub warm water
Preparation for a typical January surf in Europe of the US is very different to Costa Rica. No worrying about pulling on a sodden wetsuit and driving to the beach. Simply roll out of your bed grab your board and paddle out in your boardies. The water temperature in Costa Rica is more than a treat. On an early morning surf before the sun comes up the water can feel like a bathtub!
3.Wildlife
Our accommodation is surrounded by thick jungle with a little pathway that leads straight down to the golden sand of the beach. From your bedroom window it won’t be uncommon to see a howler monkey cruise past. Big iguanas and parrots also fill the trees on the path to the beach. In the water there are so many fish you won’t finish a surf without seeing at least a handful jumping. Dolphins roam the surfline rolling up and down the coast!
4. Activities
If you have a taste for a little exploring and adrenaline-fuelled action Costa Rica can deliver no problem. One of my favourite parts of the trip had to be the short hike into the jungle ending at a huge waterfall. Surrounding the waterfall is a bunch of different height rocks which you can climb and jump from, a perfect cool-off in the heat of the day. If that’s not enough for you how about zip lining through the jungle canopy with rivers below you and monkeys in the branches at your side.
5. Sunset Cocktails
There is no better way to end a day of perfect waves than sitting on the beach, cocktail in hand, surrounded by fun like-minded people, watching the sun drop below the horizon and reflecting on the day’s events.
Don’t just take my word for it, check out all of our epic images and videos from our previous trips to Costa Rica here and drop us a message to secure your spot on our next adventure!