Highly Recommend Surf Strong!

Surf Strong is a great program and the volunteer experience was everything I was looking for. I wanted an authentic cultural experience, and Surf Strong really fit the bill. Sarah and Jerson are such great hosts! They are so passionate about the mission of Surf Strong, and you can tell they are really making a difference in these kids' lives. Some of my greatest memories of the trip were of sitting around the table eating our local meal of tortillas, rice, beans, avocado, listening to Sarah and Jerson speak about the program and the kids, and seeing how they both light right up just talking about the kids and their goals for the program. Right on San Blas beach, the location cannot be beat. It is a quiet location off the beaten path, but with easy access to El Tunco and La Libertad for anything you might need or a more lively social scene. The weather was perfect, sunny and warm, with not a cloud in the sky. The beach was clean, the surfing was great, the sunsets were incredible. We went out surfing with the kids several times, and Jerson also gave us a private lesson. I would have to say he is probably the best surf instructor I have come across. The home is gated and I felt very safe the entire trip. The guest rooms were simple, clean, everything you need. Above all, the kids they are working with are just incredible. You can just see how much potential these kids have, they are so smart and eager to learn, and with the supervision and direction that Surf Strong provides, the possibilities are endless. We spent most of our volunteer time with the kids, but we were also able to help with some projects around the property. When we were there, they were also learning to make their own surf wax, refinishing furniture, and brainstorming for how they can build a compost system and start a garden on the property so that they kids can learn to grow healthy food. I highly recommend volunteering with Surf Strong, I can't wait to go back!