Surf and Service

In 2017 I traveled with Rustic Pathways to Costa Rica where I surfed and learned what the true meaning of community service is. After a few card games and friendship bracelets, we became a family to take on the waves and building sidewalks together.

Being a new surfer I was nervous as I looked out into massive waves. Soon this fear went away as the leaders taught us how to surf and we started off at the small waves. The group was the perfect mix of half of us being first-time surfers and the other half being experienced. On the last day, everyone could paddle far out and surf the amazing waves.

We also learned how community service is not about "helping or saving" people that have less than us, rather it is about supporting communities. We build sidewalks and ramps in a school because there was a new law that required them. Rustic Pathways asked the community how we could support them the most and building ramps was the answer. In past years there this program has build houses and ect.

Whale watching and white water rafting were amazing days! We saw so many whales and all got to hang out on the beach together. On the 2nd to last day where we went white water rafting, we all made nicknames and had a great time going over rapids, jumping off rocks and swimming in huge waterfalls!

The food is awesome, I loved trying new fruits! The coconut water is the best thing ever!! The base house is also awesome as it was very clean and we could walk to community service and say Pura Vida to EVERYONE who we crossed paths with. This program is perfect for anyone who is a first-time traveler! (or experienced)