Two surfers venture to Costa
Rica for 'the pure life'
By Rodney Smith,
OrlandoSentinel.com
For many surfers, surfing's more
a lifestyle than a sport. Unlike
softball, tennis, golf or any of
those other sports, surfing is
different from the get-go.
If you don't surf, you probably
don't understand why it's
different.
My 19-year-old son, Jacob, has
been surfing since before he was
5 years old.
"It's actually two-in-one. You
need to be an athlete, but you
really need to live within close
distance of the beach. You must
be physically able and mentally
prepared to catch waves. You
need to be committed to surfing;
drop whatever you're doing to go
surfing."
In today's world, this is a
difficult task for anyone who is
trying to maintain a reasonable
schedule, hold down a job or
raise a family.
This is one of the reasons
surfers travel to affordable
places where they can ride
consistent, quality surf. For
years, Florida's surf crowd has
been traveling to Costa Rica and
Central America for this very
reason.
Along with its tropical beauty,
abundant wildlife and
undeveloped beaches -- the price
is right!
In general, the people are
kindhearted and helpful.
One example: Hitchhiking is
still a popular method of
transportation in Costa Rica (I
personally stopped hitchhiking
to surf at Florida's beaches
during the mid-1970s).
My partner on a recent trip to
Costa Rica's Pacific Coast,
hardcore surfer and Satellite
Beach resident Scott Ashmore,
has been traveling to this area
for more than 20 years.
"I've traveled to surf in
California, Hawaii and Mexico --
they all have special qualities
-- but Costa Rica's combination
of affordability, consistent,
fun surf and happy, good people
makes it my favorite surfing
destination."
In Costa Rica, the saying goes,
"Pura vida!" or pure life. If
the "pura vida!" is surfing,
fishing and hanging at beautiful
beaches with stunning views,
then Scott and I certainly had
our share during our recent
visit to Costa Rica.
Often awakened by the roar of
howler monkeys, our typical day
started before 5 a.m. with a
quick energy snack of either
oatmeal or a granola bar washed
down with delicious Costa Rican
coffee before we walked down a
narrow path to the beach through
thick jungle. After a few
minutes of yoga, we waxed our
boards and hit the surf until
our bodies were drained of
energy.
The early mornings this time of
year (our summer is their rainy
season) are very comfortable.
Clear skies and westerly ground
swells, punctuated by light
offshore breezes, funneled down
the mountainside overlooking the
beaches during our two-week trip
to Costa Rica's Nicoya
Peninsula.
Even though the locals and
visitors both consider this area
Costa Rica's western frontier,
it's changing quickly.
Internet cafes are popping up in
small coastal communities.
English is spoken more often
than not, and its cuisine slowly
is becoming more Americanized.
The prices aren't as reasonable
as they once were a few years
ago, but you still can have
yourself a wonderful trip for
under $1,000 (including airfare)
if you're a smart shopper.
But you don't necessarily have
to travel far and wide to catch
good surf. And with a few
exceptions, Florida is a perfect
place for newcomers to learn.
Rick Hayes, Sebastian Inlet
chapter chairman of the
Surfrider Foundation covering
Brevard and Indian River
counties, is dedicated to
passing on the joys of a surfer
lifestyle to those willing to
catch a wave.
"Take Florida's east coast, with
its 400 miles of sandy beaches,
temperate climate, reasonable
access and warm water nearing
year-round; it's perfect for
anyone looking to start
surfing."
The Surfrider Foundation was
instrumental in getting the
Florida Open Beaches Act passed,
which ensures no existing public
access to our beaches is ever
lost. Not just for surfers, but
for the benefit of all people.
Surfing may not be for all
people, but if you're looking
for a thrill and love the ocean,
it's worth trying.
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