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Preparing For Your Surf Lesson

Preparing For Your Surf Lesson

Have a Positive Attitude

The number one rule for preparing for your surf lesson is having a positive mindset. Surfing is about one thing above all else: having fun! Keeping an open mindset will keep you positive and focused on enjoying your surf lesson experience. By going into your surf lesson with a negative or apprehensive mindset, you are setting the tone for the rest of the lesson and it may not be as rewarding.

Be Confident

Go into your surf lesson with confidence. The first step to learning how to do something is believing you can. If you think you are going to be able to surf than there is nothing holding you back. I you think you’re capable of learning to surf than it will be easier to accomplish. Stay confident and you will be successful.

Preparing For Your Surf Lesson

Good Vibes Only

Mother Nature always Has the Final Say

Surfing is different than most sports in many ways. The waves and conditions are changing constantly throughout the day. Some days we can know exactly what the conditions should look like, but other days mother nature throws us a wildcard. Surfing demands a lot more patience than other sports because at the end of the day, the conditions will ultimately make the decision. Sometimes the forecast can read like an incredible beach day, but by the time you get there it is be so foggy that you can’t even see the waves. This is one barrier that, unfortunately, preparing for a surf lesson cannot necessarily help you with, but it can prepare you for the potential that conditions may not be favorable for a successful lesson. 

preparing for surf lesson

Understand Surfing Isn’t Easy

One of the best things about surfing is that is forces you to be in the moment. The ocean will not stop for you and it will make you have to work hard to be able to conquer it. You can be preparing for your surf lesson for months but it might take some time to learn, just like riding a bike.  You can’t expect to immediately be a pro surfer or never fall, making mistakes is key to learning how to surf faster. Surfing new spots can be tricky. That’s why it is so important to learn to surf at a good beginner surf spot.

That’s why we hold all our surf lessons at Bolsa Chica in Huntington Beach. Quite, simple it is the place to learn to surf in the area. In fact, we’ll go so far as to say it’s the place place to learn to surf in all of California.

Learn Why Bolsa Chica is the Best Beginner Surf Spot in California

The best surfer is the one having the most fun, and most of the time that isn’t the one who is the best in the  lineup.

Preparing For Your Surf Lesson

Positive

Physical Capabilities

Knowing how to swim is one of the biggest keys for preparing for your surf lesson. If you don’t know how to swim it will be a little scary while trying to learn how to surf but if you tell us ahead of time we can make arrangements for helping you learn. Here are some workouts you can do to prepare for you surf lesson. Swimming: Swimming can help build up your endurance for paddling in the water, the more endurance your arms have the easier it will be to catch waves and the more you will catch. You would be surprised that surfing is actually 90% paddling, so having good paddling endurance is a good first step.  Yoga is another activity that will help you while learning how to surf. The more flexible you are the easier it will be to learn how to stand up and the easier standing up is for you the more energy you will have to surf longer. When learning how to surf I would also look up videos or read blogs about the basics of learning how to surf to give you some insight before your lesson. 

Preparing For Your Surf Lesson

Yoga

Plan in Advance

The last thing you want to do is run late for a surf lesson. It takes some time to sign in, put sunscreen on, throw a wet suit on your body, and walk down to the water’s edge, so planning to arrive on time is crucial. On top of that the instructor most likely has another lesson booked immediately after yours and every lesson must run on time, regardless of arrival time. The longer you have with your instructor the more time you have to learn how to surf.  Knowing Huntington Beach, you never know if there are events going on or maybe the freeways have traffic, so you need to make sure that you look ahead of time so you can plan your departure time accordingly. You also want to know what to pack for a day at the beach  so you don’t run into any conflicts. Another step to prepare for your surf lesson is to be well rested and eat a good meal before coming to the beach. A good meal doesn’t mean eating a lot of food, while that may fill you up it will up, it will also make you feel sick when doing exercise in the ocean. Not eating at all will make your body feel fatigued and you may end up feeling sick, therefore stopping the lesson. Just a small to moderate sized, nutrient dense food will better prepare your body for the lesson.

Surfing Quote Jon Kabat Zinn

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When to Visit: Costa Rica’s Seasons

When to Visit: Understanding Costa Rica’s Seasons

While most of the world celebrates traditional seasons like winter, spring, summer, and fall, Costa Rica experiences a wet season and a dry season. Although Costa Rica Seasons change, one season brings more rainfall, temperatures are warm year-round with the wet season yielding a little cooler temperatures.

The Dry Season: Costa Rica’s Seasons

The dry season runs from mid-November to April, with occasional showers running through December. After that, it’s cloudless and bone-dry skies with temperatures in the upper eighties until May. Offshore winds yield clean, consistent surf with waves on tap all day long. During this time of year the waves are smaller and easier to learn to surf on, while the sunsets are to die for. The best beaches to learn to surf on in Costa Rica are right near our all-inclusive Costa Rica surf resort at Playa Guiones.  It’s for these very reasons that Nosara experiences the majority of its tourism during its summer months. 

During the dry season, the jungle dries up a bit but everything is open and tours run frequently. When you’re taking a break from the surf, the town has a number of tasty restaurants and juice bars, the jungle offers a collection of hikes, and there are adventure tours aplenty.

Costa Rica Seasons

Dry Season

The Rainy Season: Costa Rica’s Seasons

After months of rain free days, the skies part in May and the rainy season begins in full force. The majority of the “green season” begins with sunny mornings, followed by showers in the afternoon and evening. September and October are by far the rainiest months—rain often falls all day long and a number of businesses temporarily shut down.

Due to the wet conditions, the rainy season tends to be less crowded and many tours and accommodations are available at a discounted rate. People ask us What they should pack for a trip to costa rica during different seasons. Although it is wet in the rainy season, it isnt cold at all. While September and October may not be the best months to visit, the rest of the rainy season can be an incredible time to visit the beach town. The jungle and surrounding foliage become green and lush and there are plenty of empty waves to be had during the sunny mornings. Waves tend to be a bit bigger and less consistent during the wet season but there are a number of days when the surf is all time. Weather is a tad cooler during the winter months but still averages in the low eighties.

Costa Rica Seasons

Wet Season

When to Visit: Costa Rica’s Seasons

Our all-inclusive surf resort runs from November to mid-August. Although Nosara has something to offer all year long, we feel conditions are ideal during these months. If you’re looking for endless, sunny days visit us during the dry season but if you’re looking for fewer crowds and occasional showers visit us during the wet season. If you are looking for travel information or which airport to fly into check out frequently asked questions about our Costa Rica surf resort. Regardless of when you choose to come, we’re confident you’ll have a great time.

Costa Rica Seasons

Costa Rica Seasons

Written by: Rebecca Parsons

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Healthy New Year

Healthy Family. Healthy Friends. Healthy you.

Healthy New Year

2019 is a fresh start. It’s a fresh page in your new, favorite book. It’s a tad bit cheesy, and a tad bit cliche. Yet, this is the chance of a fresh perspective. This New Year is a chance to look back, to be appreciative, and to move forward with full momentum, and kick off a Healthy New Year! 

Healthy New Year

Healthy New Year

 

What’s next? What are your New Years Goals?

Maybe you’ll strive to have new, active hobbies. Maybe you want to be outside more. Maybe you’ll work on being more mindful, and take more time drawing or reading. Maybe you’ll work on being more present with your family, and maybe you’ll delete that, “time sucking app” off your phone. Maybe you’ll practice making the best, darn, vegan tacos EVER! Or maybe you’ll decide to adopt a happy, yellow-lab from your local shelter.

There’s a lot to be grateful for. There’s a lot to reflect on, and remember how exciting (and draining), 2018 was. There’s a lot to be stoked on. There’s a lot we’ve each learned personally/individually- And a lot we’ve learned as a group/business here at Corky Carroll’s Surf School.

We’re grateful for our community that teaches us so much. We’re grateful for you. We’re grateful for the chance to teach our craft, and to teach the next generation of little rippers. We’re grateful to own and love this passion, that gets us out of bed each morning.

From Corky Carroll’s Surf School, to you…

THANK YOU!

Thank you for letting us be a part of your world, and to encourage new and returning surfers to hop on a board. Thank you for reading this, and thank you for engaging with us on social media. Thank you, for being you. We’re happy as can be, to remind our California Family what lies in our backyard. (Or to be honest, reminding our family what vacation is right at our fingertips.)

Healthy New Year

New you

Now… Let’s begin!

Let’s make this year the best one yet.

We welcome you to try surfing this year. Not only will surfing brighten your day/week/month- surfing allows your body to physically and emotionally feel better. After a few times Surfing with us at Corky Carroll’s Surf School– this healthy activity will give you better stamina/cardio. Surfing works-out not only your arms for paddling- but also works out your core to keep balanced, and your legs to squat and stay level on the waves. It’s also a stress huge reliever, to hang/wade in the cool water, and listen to the calming/crashing sounds (and to laugh with friends). Oh… and did we mention how cool your hair will look afterwards (really gives that, fresh out of the salon, BoHo look…)?!

In 2019, make that “home-made, famous, vegan taco!” Eat it on the beach, and rent a surfboard. Or maybe, consider taking your family to our all-inclusive Costa Rica surf resort where we make learning to surf, easy (since ’98!)! We teach all ages, and all skill and all athleticism levels. And we’d be happy to give you 1-on-1 lesson, or teach a group lesson, for a fun afternoon with friends. We even provide videos for feedback, and to show how much you learned that day!

Want to learn more about our programs, and what we offer? Simply cruise over, and hang with us at Bolsa Chica State Beach. Or just give us a call to say hi, and talk surf. Or call and talk yellow-lab, shelter dogs. Either way, we’d love to hear from you.

Healthy New Year

2019

Best of wishes for 2019!

Start this off with a healthy New Year, and a new perspective.

Tell us your New Years Goals, below!

Or tell us what active hobbies you’re trying in 2019!

 

-Hunter Rose

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Best Surf Spots To Learn: Costa Rica

Best Surf Spots

Costa Rica is known for its miles of beautiful sandy beaches, amazing landscape and many rich animal species.  With the name Costa Rica meaning the “rich coast”, it of course lives up to its name by having some of the best surfing destinations in the world. From being a beginner to being a pro surfer there is a variety of different surf spots for everyone to have the time of their lives. With Costa Ricas Pura Vida lifestyle you will find waves without a problem. Most of these spots are well known for being uncrowded but during tourist season it could be dangerous surfing locations that you are not ready for. Here on the pacific coast side of Costa Rica we will tell you what the best surf spots are for travelers learning how to surf and or are traveling on a family vacation.

Playa Guiones: Costa Rica

This beach is one of the most consistent beaches in all of Costa Rica. It will break with barely any swell and can hold on the days where there is a lot of swell.  With a sandy bottom this beach break provides perfect waves that are small enough for beginners to learn on. It was considered one of the top surf lesson spots in the entire world- Best Places To Learn To Surf .  Even on a bigger swell there is always waves for beginners to catch but also fun rippable waves for advanced surfers. Not only does Nosara provide excellent surfing conditions, it is located on the coast of a blue zone where people live the longest, happiest, healthiest lives in the world. The water stays around 83 degrees all year round while having the cleanest water in Costa Rica this makes Playa Guiones the perfect choice for a surfing vacation. It’s a perfect small town that has been a well-known surf spot for many years. Nicoya is a center for yoga, alternative healing practices, and healthy living. Homes, shops, and restaurants are spread out in the forest along the coast. The main surfing beach, Playa Guiones, has a beach break surfable at all tides, with multiple line-ups. It’s virtually undeveloped, thanks to a large wildlife refuge that protects nesting sea turtles. Just the water, beach, and grass-covered dunes. It’s one of my favorite beaches for that reason. Go check out our pictures of our customers surfing Playa Guiones @- Playa Guiones Surf Album

Best Surf Spots

playa guiones

 

Playa Tamarindo: Costa Rica

Tamarindo has long sandy beaches for beginners and also reefs for more advanced surfers. The main beach is where all the action is happening, usually consisting of a lot of beginning surfers and also a lot of swimmers. If you want to surf Playa Grande you will have to drive around to get to the beach or paddle across a river mouth, which I don’t recommend for families or new surfers. Playa grande is a more advanced surfers waves and usually isn’t the best place to go if you are new to surfing. A 15 minute walk from Tarmindos main break you will find Playa Langosta. This surf spot is for more advanced surfers that want to surf a right/left point break. Most of these surf spots get really crowded, but if you go at the right time of year then you can score. Also the town of Tamarindo is very very crowded and more focused on the night party scene. If you are going as a family then I wouldn’t recommend these spots but if your a college student it’s a perfect place.  Playa Avellanas is more for intermediate to advanced surfers. It is a great waves for barrels and turns. This is surf spot with reefs and also great point breaks to have on. It does not have a town with shops and restaurants

Best Surf Spots

tamarindo

Marbella: Costa Rica 

Even when there is no swell, Marbella always offers very consistent waves. Marbella can get big and rough, but it’s perfect for advanced guests. Marbella is also a less crowded beach since it is so far away. This break is well worth the trip.

Best Surf Spots

marbella

Ostional: Costa Rica 

Ostional is a wildlife refuge south of Marbella. It’s one of the world’s most important nesting sites for Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. Here you can see thousands of turtles on the beach and surf amazing waves. This is a wave for advanced and intermediate surfers. Ostional is about a 2 hour drive from Tamarindo. When it’s the turtle season, our guides like to go surf and then stay after sunset to watch the turtles.

Best Surf Spots

ostional

Our most favorite spot to learn how to surf is Norsara, Playa Guiones. With how consistent the waves break, the small easy conditions, the quiet beautiful town, and the jungle atmosphere this is our #1 location to learn how to surf and or take family vacations. Check out our Costa Rican Surf Resort at All Inclusive Resort Costa Rica

 

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Flying to Costa Rica: Liberia vs San Jose Airport

Which Costa Rica Airport is the Best to Fly Into

In Costa Rica, there are two main international airports to choose from: San Jose (SJO) and Liberia (LIR). We recommend selecting the one that best suits your budget and geographical needs based on what area you plan to spend most of your time. Since these two airports are located far from each other and offer different benefits for travelers, here is a quick breakdown to help you decide which one you should use when flying into Costa Rica.

If  you are trying to get to Corky Carroll’s Costa Rica Surf Resort Liberia International Airport will be closer than San Jose International Airport. Read below for details on travel times to and from the resort.

Here are the two main airports and the difference between locations.

Map of Liberia to San Jose Airport

Liberia International Airport

Located in northern Costa Rica within the Guanacaste Province and near the Pacific Ocean is Liberia International Airport. (Also known as Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport.)

“LIR” is the second main international airport in Costa Rica. It is situated right next to Liberia City. Just over an hours drive from some of the most picturesque and popular beaches in the country, Liberia is an excellent choice for those looking to soak up the sun with perfect surf breaks and miles of soft sand.

Liberia International Airport Costa Rica

Over the past 10 years, the Guanacaste region has grown to be a top tourist destination for travelers visiting the scenic and less crowded Northwestern coastline of Costa Rica’s Pacific Ocean. This is where you’ll find some of the best all-inclusive resorts, laid-back boutique hotels, and affordable surf hostels that Costa Rica has to offer, along with biodiverse national parks and watersports. It’s also the closest and most convenient airport for guests staying at our privately-owned surf ranch in Nosara, as the drive takes around 2.5 hours (compared to 5-6 hours if transferring to/from San Jose).

Liberia International Airport Entrance

It’s worth mentioning that this airport recently underwent major renovations and improvements in 2012 and 2018 to make traveling even easier. And unlike the rough unpaved roads around San Jose, the well paved roads near Liberia make for a smoother ride with less traffic. If you’re headed to Guanacaste for the beaches, resorts, mountain corridor, or Nicoya Peninsula, the Liberia International Airport is the one to consider.

Liberia is the Best Choice For:

  • Beaches & Surfing
  • Avellanas
  • Coco
  • Flamingo
  • Grande
  • La Fortuna
  • Montaverde
  • Nosara
  • Ocotal
  • Playa Conchal
  • Playa Hermosa
  • Riu
  • Tamarindo
  • BoardMembers Surf Ranch – Nosara
  • Four Seasons Resort
  • The Hilton
  • The Westin Golf Resort – Playa Conchal

San Jose International Airport

Centrally located near Costa Rica’s bustling capital city of San Jose is SJO, the prime airport for tourists visiting the Central and Southwest regions of the country. It’s full official name is the Juan Santamaría International Airport.

This airport provides easy access to nature, local culture, and beaches set on the south end of Costa Rica’s Pacific Ocean. It’s also about 30 mins away from a variety of accommodations from budget-friendly hostels to high-end resorts.

San Jose International Airport Costa Rica

If you’re flying on a budget, you might want to consider SJO as an alternative to the smaller and sometimes pricier LIR airport mentioned above. Flights can be $300+ cheaper than flying into Liberia. But the price of cheaper flights is often times offset by the high cost of local transportation like bus or taxi transfers to and from the area, which can cost upwards of $200+ per ride.

If you are staying closer to Liberia or Nosara, it will take 4-6 hours of riding on busses or driving on hectic, high-traffic, rough roads to reach your destination from San Jose. SJO is also a 5 hour drive from our surf resort; nearly twice the distance as Liberia airport.

San Jose International Airport could be the better option for those on a tight budget and have extra time to spare getting around.

San Jose is the Best Choice For:

  • Budget-conscious traveling
  • Exploring the hub of local culture and city life
  • Close to nature & wildlife activities
  • Beaches in the South
  • Dominical
  • Jaco Beach
  • La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano)
  • Manuel Antonio
  • Montaverde
  • Puerto Viejo
  • Punta Arenas
  • Tortuguero
  • Uvita
  • DoubleTree Resort – Central Pacific
  • Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort
  • Radisson San Jose

Inside San Jose Airport

Traveling to Corky Carroll’s Costa Rica Surf Resort

Arrivals into Costa Rica

We provide a complimentary van service to our all-inclusive surf resort in Nosara from both airports, using the transportation service CRIC (Costa Rica International Connections). The drivers speak English and Spanish and will wait for you to arrive, even if flights are delayed. If customs or baggage claim is taking a long time, don’t worry, the driver will wait for you.

As mentioned above, Liberia (LIR) is the closest airport to us. When arriving into Liberia please allow 2-3 hours driving time to get to our resort from the airport.

If you choose to fly into San Jose (SJO), please plan on the ride taking 4-5 hours from the airport to our resort.

Once you arrive at the airport of your choice and gather your bags, you will be greeted outside the airport by one of our drivers holding a sign with our logo and your name on it. Like this:

Costa Rica Surf Resort Shuttle Service Driver

If you are arriving late into either Liberia or San Jose airport, and plan on staying in a hotel nearby for your first night, we will pick you up at your hotel in the morning. Our driver will be waiting outside your hotel a sign with our logo and your name on it.

Departures from Costa Rica

If you are staying at our resort and your departure flight is out of Liberia, we recommend allowing for three hours travel time to the airport and two hours for flight check-in. If your departure flight is out of San Jose, we recommend planning five hours for travel time and two hours for flight check-in.

Once you have booked your flights, we handle the rest. We provide transportation to and from the airport, so you can start you vacation the second you step off the plane. Best of all if you arrive early enough, we’ll have you out in the water surfing before the sun goes down. For more transportation information check out our surf resort FAQs page.

Conclusion

If you’re still unsure which Costa Rica airport is best to fly into, the two most important factors to keep in mind are time and budget.

Liberia is closer to some of the best surfing beaches in the country but flights can be more expensive. San Jose is closer to nature activities and the hustle and bustle of the capital city with generally cheaper flights, but has more expensive local transportation.

Regardless of which airport you choose, you’re bound to fall in love with everything the spectacular country of Costa Rica has to offer. We’ll see in you in paradise!

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Stingrays! Good-Bad-Neutral?

Stingrays! Bad or Good?

If you’re unsure about your stance on stingrays, we don’t blame you. They’re often portrayed as deadly, cold-blooded creatures who wield their venomous tails like a weapon. They’re also 99% of the time not hurtful or mean creatures. The best way to form an opinion is by learning a little more about the stingray.

When people see stingrays in the water the first reaction people make is get me out of the water! But they usually act kind and gentle around humans. Its only when a stingray feels threatened that beach-goers have to worry. Most of the stingray attacks in California happen when a human swims above or in front of them, either creating no escape route for the stingray or they accidentally step on them. Of course any animal that is cornered or scared can be dangerous, just as a stray dog can be dangerous if backed into a corner.

Trying to learn how to surf Private Surf Lessons

The stingrays do not want to eat or hurt you!

The diet of these creatures consists of small animals that live in the sand – mostly shellfish, small worms. The stingray feeds by hovering directly over the sand and fluttering the wing-like edges of its body disc to clear away the top level of sand. This exposes the little creatures that live just under the sand, and the stingray plops on top of them and eats them.

stingrays

How to Avoid Stingray Attacks

Stingray Attacks  are more likely to happen to swimmers or surfers who are entering or exiting the ocean through shallow water and accidentally step on a stingray.

Naturally, the stingray will react. When the stingray is stepped on, it quickly whips its long tail forward and down, which jabs the stinger at the base of the tail into usually the foot or leg of the person. This is a defensive maneuver designed to remove the beachgoers foot from the stingray’s body, and it works. To avoid stepping on top of a stingray, beachgoers can shuffle their feet when entering and exiting the water. We call this the stingray shuffle! The Stingray Shuffle is simply sliding your feet along the sand instead of taking big steps. To a stingray, these sliding movements feel more like vibrations, which scares them away. If you take big long steps the stingray will not feel these vibrations and will stay put until you step on their backs, which most the time ends up in getting stung. Here is a video that will show you how to stingray shuffle. Go watch this video that demonstrates how to do the stingray shuffle and what to do if stung https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9a6QRcSBQec

ray shuffle

How to Treat an Injury

Treating stingray wounds requires submerging the affected area in water as hot as the individual can stand, around 110 degrees. If parts of the barb are not lodged into the wound, this type of treatment can easily be done at home instead of the doctor’s office; however, it’s important to note, if the barb is deeply lodged into the skin and/or the area does not seem to be healing, a trip to the emergency room and some antibiotics are in order. Carefully remove any surface debris from the wound with tweezers and continue to soak the area in hot water until the

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What to Pack for Costa Rica

What should you pack for Costa Rica? Great question. We’re glad you asked. Packing for Costa Rica (or any other trip) shouldn’t be a chore. It should be exciting! Think of it as a preview of the fun to come. Though let’s face it, that is easier said than done.

Deciding what to pack for a vacation can be overwhelming — especially if you’re not sure what to bring. Traveling internationally only adds to the stress. The list of items is a bit different than a local weekend getaway and things can get confusing. But no worries, we’ve got answers to some of the most common packing list questions, with a simple breakdown on what to bring and what not to bring on your trip to Costa Rica.

Whether you’ve booked a stay at our all-inclusive Costa Rica surf resort in Nosara, or are just looking for some general info for upcoming travel, we’ve got the best packing list for your trip.

You’ve booked your flight.

Practiced your shakas.

Got stoked.

All that’s left to do now is pack your bags!

Packing for Costa Rica

The Essential Packing List for Travelers

Do you need a passport to travel to Costa Rica? Yes! Anyone traveling to Costa Rica from outside the country needs the following documents to enter:

  • Current passport: Valid a minimum of 3 months after arrival date (U.S. passports must be valid a minimum of one day from the day you enter Costa Rica).
  • Proof of Departure (flight itinerary)
  • Color photocopy of your passport
  • Government issued photo I.D. is strongly recommended

What clothes do I need for Costa Rica?

The big question of what to wear during your vacation can lead to overpacking the wrong items or leaving out important ones. Climate and activities can be the biggest deciding factors of what to wear. Depending on what season you’re traveling and what you plan to do while there, you may need to pack more or less. Keep in mind, the weather is always warm (85- 95 degrees in the afternoon and 75 degrees at night), the atmosphere is very casual and packing light is a good idea. Here are some essential clothing items to include :

  • Shorts, Shirts, Tank Tops, Lightweight Long Sleeve Shirts
  • Board Shorts / Swimsuits
  • Long Sleeved RashguardLight Jacket (Rainy season is May-August and November)
  • Ladies’ Cover-up (Sarong or Sundress)
  • Underwear & Extra Socks (in case feet get wet)
  • Athletic Shoes
  • Sandals (it’s a good idea to pack an extra pair)
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Optional Lightweight Pants or Surf Pants

Toiletries

  • Shampoo & Conditioner
  • Toothbrush & Toothpaste
  • Antiperspirant
  • Bodywash
  • Face / Makeup Remover Wipes
Costa Rica Packing List

Packing for Costa Rica

First Aid Kit

  • Prescriptions
  • Bug Repellent & Anti-itch Cream
  • Advil (muscle relief)
  • Vaseline (for ocean rash protection)
  • Aloe Vera for sunburns
  • Sunscreen SPF 30+ (We love Sun Bum Zinc & Headhunter!)

Electronics & Miscellaneous Items

When traveling out of the country, home can seem very far away but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the creature comforts. Guests can enjoy TV with cable and free wifi in our open air rancho and lounge. We also use standard US outlets so no adapters are needed. Below are some important items to pack for a more enjoyable trip and for the downtime when you’re ready to retire to your private bungalow:

  • Cell Phone
    International Cell Phone Plans
  • GoPro and/or Camera
  • Chargers for Phone and Electronics
  • Flashlight for Nighttime Excursions
  • LUCI Light in case of power outage: Check them out!!
  • Favorite Candy & Snacks
  • Books and Magazines
  • Cards, Small Board Games or Puzzles
Packing essentials

Electronics In Costa Rica

Money

  • Cash is recommended, especially for nearby activities and same day tours
  • No need to change your money at the airport, Costa Rica accepts U.S. currency (make sure they are unmarked and not torn).
  • Small bills/$20 are best to carry around
  • ATM/Credit Cards are accepted in most places
  • The average exchange rate is 550 Colon to $1.
  • Activities in Nosara include; Horseback Riding, Kayaking, Zip Line tours, Fishing tours, Tennis, Mini Golf, Quad rentals/tours, yoga & massage. Average outside vendor costs $60-$150 per activity. Yoga classes vary between $10-$20. Zip line is $50 for kids & $60 for adults (+$120 roundtrip transportation). For a full list of activities beyond surfing check out a typical day at our resort.

Important Reminders

  • Contact your bank to inform them you will be out of the country
  • Contact cell phone carrier for international travel pass. Read more about International Cell Phone Plans.
  • Each bungalow is equipped with a small safe that can hold small items and a tablet or 13” laptop but please leave jewelry and valuables at home!

Our 2nd generation family business has hosted guests for over 20 years and if there’s anything you need, our friendly staff are available to help. There is also a local Super, the equivalent to a small grocery market (like 7-Eleven), that most likely has any items you may have forgotten, such as toiletries, beverages and snacks .

Whether you’re planning a family vacation, romantic getaway, or epic Costa Rica surfing trip, we combine hospitality and the perfect location to help make the most of your vacation getaway!

By: Alexis Folden

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2018 Resolutions: A New Year For A New You!

New Year Resolutions

Congratulations, you survived 2017 and you’re ready to surf into 2018 looking, living and feeling better than ever! You made your list of New Year’s resolutions and now it’s time to get started and conquer those goals to make a lifestyle. Read on to learn how the sport of surfing can help you Get Fit, Learn Something New and Travel this year…

Resolution #1: LEARN SOMETHING NEW
Looking to make a lifestyle change or find a new passion? Let our Huntington Beach surf school introduce you to an active, healthy, fun learning experience through the sport of surfing. Our professional coaches provide private lessons that teach you ocean awareness & safety, step-by-step instructions and proper techniques, taking you from curious student to enthusiastic surfer. Our programs are perfect for kids and adults of all skill levels. Learning how to surf is a great way to start your year off right.
For more information about our program please visit our all – inclusive Coast Rica Surf Camp page.

New Year Resolution

Resolutions

Resolution #2: GET FIT
If you hate the gym and are looking for another way to get into shape, look no further. Surfing incorporates a whole-body workout and can help you burn calories, lose weight, tone your muscles and improve balance, strength and flexibility. This is achieved through a combination of cardio exercise and yoga-like stretching before and after sessions. Paddling, pushing up, standing and staying on the board requires your body to wake up and work out. Upper body, lower body and core muscle groups in your arms, legs, back and abs are all targeted when surfing. It doesn’t just benefit you physically either but also mentally, as surfing pulls you away from the stresses of everyday life and connects you with nature and the outdoors.

 

new year to learn something new

Resolution #3: TRAVEL
You made a promise to yourself that this year you’re finally going to take that vacation and explore a different part of the world. Keep your promise, pack your bags and let us take care of the rest! Our all-inclusive surf camp and ranch is hidden away in the beautiful and exotic destination of Nosara, Costa Rica. Private bungalows, freshly prepared meals, surf lessons, a lagoon-style pool and transportation to and from the airport are all included! Our private property is located just minutes from the stunning white sand beach of Playa Guiones where there lies a perfect, uncrowded, sandy bottom beach break. There’s also plenty of nearby entertainment and activities to soak up including world class yoga studios, fishing, horseback riding, snorkeling, turtle watching and ziplining to name a few.

What are you waiting for? Give us a call and get started on your New Year’s resolutions today!

By: Alexis Folden

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The Ultimate Surfing Holiday Destination

Nosara, Costa Rica: The Ultimate Holiday Travel Destination

What gift should you get that favorite surfer in your life this holiday season? Why not give the best surfing gift of all and celebrate in style with an unforgettable journey to one of the most picturesque and sought after surf destinations in the world. Come surf and stay at our private, all inclusive ranch in the relaxing and scenic beach town of Nosara, Costa Rica for an epic and memorable experience the whole family will enjoy.

Surf, stay, play and eat while you enjoy the climate and culture that encompasses the essence of Costa Rica. Come and experience true Pura Vida at an epic Costa Rica Surf Resort!

SURF
Travel to the warm, sunny, white sand beach of Playa Guiones where we provide our guests with daily step-by-step surf instruction for all experience levels. There you’ll discover an uncrowded, pure sandy bottom beach break with consistent glassy peaks. The water temperature stays around 80 degrees and offers ideal surfing conditions with a variety of waves and swell directions to suit any surfer, from beginner to advanced. We film each morning session from the shore and the water to help capture and improve individual progression. Guests will also take home a highlight reel of their surf lessons. And there’s no need to bring a board since we have nearly 100 to choose from!

Ultimate Holiday

STAY
Our surfing camp and ranch is ideally located in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica’s “gold coast.” It is situated on a privately owned half-acre of lush tropical land that rests just a quick 4 minute walk from the breathtaking shoreline of Playa Guiones and minutes away from the village of Nosara. The property consists of 6 well acquainted private bungalows, a lagoon style pool (open 24 hours), chaise lounges, outdoor showers, a jungle garden and an open-air dining area with TV and WiFi.

Ultimate Holiday Resort

Breakfast, lunch and dinner meals are freshly prepared each day with Costa Rican coffees, juices and beers and are included in your stay.

PLAY
When it’s time to take a break from surfing, soak up the local culture with plenty of nearby entertainment options that will surely appeal to everyone in your group. Enjoy a relaxing day in the village with an array of fantastic restaurants, retail shops, local arts & crafts on display and some of the top rated yoga studios in the country. Tennis, mini-golf, a skatepark and the world’s largest Olive Ridley turtle nesting site (located near Nosara at the Ostional Wildlife Refuge) offer fun, family-friendly options. For the more adventurous travelers, explore all that Costa Rica has to offer with paddleboarding, legendary sportfishing, turtle watching, horseback riding, zip lining, and quad rentals!

EAT
Our in-house cooks prepare delicious family style cuisine in our state of the art kitchen, using only the freshest ingredients of the highest quality. Traditional meals including rice, beans, local fish, meats and produce provide guests with a variety of enticing options. Freshly brewed Costa Rican coffee and fresh juices are served with breakfast. “Bocas” (appetizers) are provided after sunset with a selection of local Costa Rican juices and beers. Local organic cafes and restaurants provide expanded dining options to visitors.

CLIMATE
Winter is approaching in California but it’s summertime right now in Costa Rica! Put your parkas down and grab a bathing suit because the sun is shining, the water is warm and the waves are breaking. Daytime temperatures stay in the mid to high 80’s with nighttime hovering around the cozy mid 70’s. The beauty and warmth of this tropical paradise remains throughout the day with stunning sunsets and an exotic backdrop.

CULTURE
Located just a couple miles inland from the sea and still somewhat undeveloped, it’s no surprise that the small beach town of Nosara is one of the most popular in Costa Rica. The village has become well known for its endless yoga options, exotic beaches and amazing surf. The primary spoken language is Spanish, although Nosara’s community is a multicultural mix of locals and expats, many arriving from America, Canada, and Europe. With plenty to see and do, there’s never a shortage of entertainment in this town.

Our 2nd generation family business has hosted guests for over 20 years and whether you’re planning a family vacation, romantic getaway, or epic Costa Rica surfing trip, we combine hospitality and the perfect location to help make the most of out of your holiday getaway!

By: Alexis Folden

 

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Cell Phone Service in Costa Rica

Costa Rica Cell Phone Service

Traveling to Costa Rica just recently became even easier as you can now use your US cell phone and cell phone plan while here!

How It Used to Be

Previously, you could either bring an unlocked phone to Costa Rica and then buy a SIM card and a temporary service plan for that phone, or buy a cheap phone in Costa Rica, complete with SIM card and temporary service plan. Those options still work of course, and you can buy everything you need at the airport in Costa Rica, or from one of hundreds of stores, kiosks, or street vendors all over the country.

The four cell phone carriers in Costa Rica are Kolbi (state-owned), Movistar, Claro and TuYo (all private companies). You can buy a low-end phone from any of these carriers for around $25, then buy a prepaid SIM card for texting, calling and internet use. Often a 5000-colon (US$9) prepaid SIM is sufficient for your average vacation, as long as you don’t make many international calls.

Cell Phone Service Sim Card Gsm Vs CDMA

How It Is Now
If you want to bring your own locked cell phone from the US and use it in Costa Rica, here’s what you need:

1. A cell phone that operates under (or can be switched to) DSM mode.
A Samsung Galaxy S4 cell phone, for example, can operate as either a CDMA phone (the mode used on Sprint in the US, with a Sprint account) or GSM (the mode you should switch to in Costa Rica). Once you land at the airport, you can switch to GSM mode (settings/connections/more networks/ mobile networks/network mode/chose “GSM”).*

OR

2. A US cell phone with an international plan that you are good with.
AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cell phones all have different options for international travelers, none of them free. The best bet seems to be paying $10/day to have full use of your domestic plan with the same benefits. This is easy, and takes only a 5 minute cell phone call to your carrier. Be sure to check with your individual carrier to be sure as plans and features can change quickly.

If you have Sprint, it works a bit differently. For example, if you sign up for their Open World program (at no charge) you get free calls and texts within Costa Rica and from Costa Rica to the US. The plan also comes with 1 GB of data (you can pay for more). With the Open World plan, if you’re in Costa Rica with your US phone, and want to dial a Costa Rican number, you dial 506 (the country code), then the 8-digit Costa Rican number. Although you are dialing from a US number to a Costa Rica number, you don’t need to bother with the international access code from the US (011) if you are physically in Costa Rica.
If you’re dialing from your US cell phone in Costa Rica to a number in the US, you don’t need the international access code (001) from Costa Rica; just dial 1, the US area code, and the US cell phone number.

If someone is calling you in Costa Rica from the US, they just dial your US area code and your number; no international access code needed.

*Side note: In the US, two of the four major carriers (Verizon and Sprint) use CDMA while the other two (AT&T and T-Mobile) use GSM. Many phones are compatible with either GSM or CDMA, but not both.

Cell Phone Service GSM Vs CDMA

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