Safari Surf’s Dynamic “foodie” Duo!

Foodie: A foodie, as defined by Wikipedia, is a gourmet or a person who has an ardent or refined interest in food and alcoholic beverages. While gourmet and epicurean can be used as synonyms they have fallen out of favor and bring to mind a stodgy or snobbish attitude.Simply stated, a foodie is a person keenly interested in food, especially in eating or cooking. I am not sure this descriptive has been adopted into Costa Rican culinary culture yet, but if there ever were two avid foodies in Nosara, they are Safari Surfs Maritza Sanchez and Alicia Matamoros. They have worked together in local foodservice establishments for 11 years, including five years at Casa Tucan, Safari Surfs original home. Maritza wears the chef’s hat while Alicia is a top-shelf bartender and food server. Together they really are a dynamic duo! As the construction of the Olas Verdes Sustainable Surf Resort moves full speed ahead, we look to these two talented ladies to play significant roles in the development of the resorts restaurant and bar. They are both brimming with excitement and chock full of ideas for both the food and bar service operations. Here’s an inside peek – provecho!

Chef Maritza Sanchez                                                                                                         Server/Bartender Alicia Matamoros
 
Alicia and Maritza are very familiar faces around Safari Surf. This past year as we adjusted to conducting business in the “Safari House”, they have been the ultimate food team. Maritza’s wonderful cooking and Alicia’s seamless service just seem to complement each other. I have seen these girls in action when 25 ravenous Safari Surf students were awaiting dinner. The barbeque was cranking and all burners on the stove blazing away. When dinner was ready everyone sat down and was treated to one amazing multi-course dinner. The timing was just incredible as Alicia and Maritza orchestrated the cooking/serving with precision coordination. They are used to working in small cramped spaces so the move to Olas Verdes is like a dream come true to them.

Alicia’s special touches                                                                                                        Nobody leaves hungry

We spent a couple of hours together chatting about the exciting things to come:
 
PL: Well ladies what do you think about this new opportunity at Ola Verdes?
Alicia:It is like a dream come true, something I have always hoped for.
Maritza:All of my past cooking experiences have been in preparation for an opportunity like this, a place where I can express myself in my cooking, recipes, and flavors.
 
PL:You two have worked together a combined total of 11 years. What do you consider your strong points?
Maritza:I love to cook; I guess you can call me a chef! I incorporate a number of different styles, flavors, and influences into my cooking, from Italian, French, Mediterranean, and local “tipico” recipes; I think this is called “fusion”.
Alicia:My background is in bartending and food service. I love to work with the public. Safari Surfs guests are always wonderful people; I want to make them feel welcome and to have a great vacation here. Also – I make amazing cocktails!
 
PL:What kind of menu will Olas Verdes feature?
Maritza:Everything fresh, fresh, fresh. We will be a green and sustainable resort and our food will reflect that: salads, fruits, and lots of fresh seafood. One specialty will be our Ceviche, made fresh daily. I want to have a variety of daily fresh fish selections. I will also feature local ‘tipico’ favorites such as lomito jalapeño (filet mignon in jalapeño sauce), and arroz con pollo.
Alicia:I will create a bar menu using only fresh fruits and juices. Our mojito will be made with fresh yerba buena (mint), margaritas will be created with fresh hand-squeezed lime juice, and daiquiris will come in many flavors: mango, pineapple, banana, strawberry, and passion fruit.

The restaurant at Olas Verdes will feature indoor and outdoor dining. The facility is adjacent to the wildlife refuge, providing a green and serene atmosphere. There will be outdoor patio dining overlooking the pool and jungle. Keep tuning into the Safari Surf website and Facebook page for updates and previews!

Ola Verdes – Restaurant & Deck Dining

Dream Team: Jeffrey, Alicia, & Maritza

It’s been a great week here at Safari, highlighted by the visit of The Chandler Family and their guests. I pondered scripting a splashy and profound title for this blog; “Genesis of a Dream” or “Jersey Angels” or how about “Olas Verdes First Family Revealed”. The truth is, the Chandlers are such gentle, lovely, “salt of the earth” folks that none seemed appropriate or necessary. The Chandler’s have been loyal Safari Alumni for the past nine years. They come from Sandy Hook New Jersey, which makes me smile, since Jersey is my birthplace as well. There must be something about the New Jersey Atlantic salt air that gets in your soul and points you to the beach. My family devotedly spent those three precious summer months (June, July, August) on the beach for countless years. Come Labor Day the whole place would shut down and saltwater depression would set in. Same with the Chandler family. In those long, cold, dreary New Jersey winters we would dream of perfect waves in warm water, sunny skies, with palm trees on the beach……..seek and ye shall find. That we all have discovered Nosara is no coincidence – its serendipity! When Casa Tucan sold last year, Safari embarked on a new adventure. Tim and Tyler reached out to faithful alumni who might be interested in helping grow and expand the dream. Jeff and Kerry Chandler answered that call, and a partnership was formed to develop a one-of-a-kind sustainable upscale surfing resort called Olas Verdes.

A week with the Chandlers

One of the coolest things about the Chandlers is that when they come back to Nosara each year (sometimes twice) they come to Safari and enroll in the full program, lessons, meals, the works. Many folks return to Nosara determined to do it on a budget, which is fine, but the Chandlers seek the camaraderie and fellowship, the relationships, cultivated with Safari’s instructors and staff years ago. It is a true pleasure to have them here and kind of sad when they leave. Usually their kids Sam and Tess come with friends, and on this trip they each brought their 3 best friends in kind of a belated birthday trip. Sam and Tess celebrated their actual 16th birthday in January (yes, they are twins!). So here come the Chanders, 10 strong, extended family, instant atmosphere!

Here Come the Chandlers!

Extended Family

I sat down with Kerry and we chatted about life, kids, New Jersey, and of course Olas Verdes.

PL: Welcome back Kerry! When and how did you folks find Nosara and Safari Surf?
Kerry: We wanted to have a family surfing vacation and I knew Costa Rica was a cool place to visit. So I went on the internet to do research, typing in the search box ‘Surfing in Costa Rica’ and that’s where I learned about Safari. That was about nine years ago and we’ve been coming back to Safari every year.
(Kerry was actually in the Peace Corps in Costa Rica in 1985-87. Destiny!
PL: I was stoked to hear you are from New Jersey. I was born in Atlantic City, and learned to surf there. I spent the Summer of Love in Ocean City! Do you guys go to the beach in Sandy Hook?
Kerry: Oh yes, my family tree is full of beach people! Learning how to surf with Safari has led to us being year-round surfers in New Jersey.
PL: I am impressed that each time your family visits here, you enroll in the full Safari package rather than setting out on your own.
Kerry: Always! We feel so comfortable here. Our kids grew up with the instructors and they keep in touch. The meals together are a special time as well. Back home it’s hard to get everyone together at the same time – well you remember!
PL: Let’s talk about Olas Verdes. How did you come to be involved?
Kerry: We had heard that Casa Tucan was sold and Safari was in the process of reinventing itself. We had recently received a prospectus from Tim Marsh (Safari president/co-owner) seeking private investors interested in creating a partnership to expand the operation. Somehow it just resonated with us on many levels and we came aboard. The project is now full steam ahead. We will have 17 rooms, a restaurant, clubhouse, pool, and all the trimmings. Safari Surf School will be an integral part of the overall operation. Olas Verdes will be a sustainable surf resort!
PL: How do you envision the hospitality, theme, and creature comfort standard of the new resort?
Kerry: Olas Verdes will be upscale and very family-friendly. We have designed the accommodations as mini apartments with either a wet bar or full kitchen. Single units can be conjoined to form two and three bedroom suites. We are committed to making the facility as sustainable as possible following the LEED certification process. The resort will be a model of sustainability. There will be an educational component to this and we will conduct tours, identify all plant species with signs, and lots more. Most importantly, we want to capture the heart, spirit, camaraderie, and joy of Pura Vida that we have experienced so deeply on all of our trips with Safari.
PL: Any idea on the grand opening date?
Kerry: We are optimistically hoping for March 2015. And what’s this I hear about Donavon Frankenreiter performing at the grand opening?
PL: Confirmed! I was there when Tim asked him. He will most likely be here simultaneously with a Billabong ‘Surf with a Pro’ camp. The resort will be crawling with surfers!
PL: In parting I must say it has been a true pleasure getting to know you all better.
We are all very excited about Olas Verdes. Take good care and we’ll see ya at Christmas.

Kerry and Jeff Chandler

A chat with Sam and Tess

Sam and Tess Chandler are some of the nicest kids I’ve ever met. On this trip they each brought down three of their best friends, all wonderful people. They both turned 16 in January and belatedly celebrated the occasion here with family and friends.

Tess                                                                                                                                                                               Sam
PL: What do you guys think of this amazing place being built?
Sam: So stoked, Costa Rica here I come!
Tess: It is truly a dream come true to have a house here one block from the waves (the Chandlers are also building a home near the resort)
PL: What do you see yourselves doing in five years?
Sam: I’ll be living here working at the surf school!
Tess: Oh wow, let’s see, in college?
PL: What is your “must have” on the Olas Verdes breakfast menu? Dinner?
Sam: Breakfast: granola with yogurt and fruit. Dinner: large selection of seafood.
Tess: Breakfast: French toast. Dinner: arroz con pollo.
PL: TV’s in the rooms, yes or no?
Sam: No TV’s. The entertainment here comes from natural sources. I don’t think we’ve ever turned on a TV in all of our trips here.
Tess: Yes and No. It might be nice for families with kids, but personally I won’t watch it!
PL: Thanks guys, it has been great getting to know you and your friends. See you at Christmas and keep surfing in New Jersey.
Sam/Tess: (in unison) PURA VIDA!

Sam with his “Awesome Surf Mom”                                                                                                                                                  Sweet 16

Winter in New Jersey                                                                                                                                                  Tess and Kerry

December 2013 trip

Surf Photos

I found it interesting that I couldn’t find many surfing photos of the Chandlers. Truth is that they are having so much fun that they don’t really care! They are avid surfers who will be a presence in the Guiones lineups for many years to come. More photos to come!

Jeff                                                                                                                                                                                                            Kerry

Sam                                                                                                                                                                                                            Tess

COWABUNGA! Papa Jeff leads the charge

Symphony of the Sea

With conductor Alonso

Tyler Marsh admires the new Safari Clubhouse at Olas Verdes

A wave shaped pool – very cool!

Welcome to August! It was a quiet “news week” here in Nosara so for this week’s edition I thought it would be fun to take a look at surfing rides – the vehicles used by surfers to get to the beach. I’ll make sure to cover transportation options available here in Nosara as well. Surfing really caught on in California in the early 60’s and spread like wildfire to the Gulf and East Coasts. Surfers were becoming a distinct “demographic” with their own culture; music, clothing, lingo, hair styles, and surf vehicles. I remember my very first surf vehicle – it was a 1960 hand-me-down Valiant station wagon with pushbutton transmission. Mom make curtains for the back windows, and I had an 8 track tape deck blasting the latest Iron Butterfly album- a sure-fire chick magnet. Wood paneled station wagons or ‘Woodies’ were all the rage back in the day, and many woody clubs are going strong in the USA. The venerable Volkswagen Bus was the surf ride de rigueur back in my surf hippie days. Seeing them always sparks a tinge of nostalgia. Nowadays big SUV’s dominate the beach lots, but creativity is still in charge when it comes to finding a ride to the beach in style.

My 1st car – 1960 Valiant                                                                                         The legendary VW Bus
Back in the 60’s we had a word for someone who talked a good surf but never actually paddled out: HODAD. A hodad would bleach his hair blond, wear baggies and sandals, and drive around with a board strapped on his car to impress the girls. In later years these characters still existed and were called many things: poser, greaser, glam, wannabe, pretender, etc.

Perfect Hodad Car!

Surfing Safari

‘Let’s go surfin’ now, everybody’s learning how, come on and Safari with me’ – The Beach Boys
Tim and Tyler had it right when they chose the name Safari Surf. Perhaps based on the African wildlife expedition concept, a surfing safari is the search for waves by vehicle.

Camping

Most surfing safaris became camping trips, and over the years I’ve seen some amazing vehicles customized for a long stay at the beach.

The Woody

Very popular in the 50’s, the woody is a wood paneled station wagon. It became the perfect surf vehicle. There are many thriving woody car clubs that won’t let go!

VW Bus

If there ever was a classic timepiece of 1970’s surfing it was the coveted VW Bus!

Different Rides for Different Tribes

Horsepower to the surf zone – (just keep an eye on your board)!

Helicopter Entry                                                                              Fine Car Transport                                                                                Pedal Power

Camel Taxis are booming in the bustling Morocco surf scene!

Indonesia Luxury Charter                                                                                                                                                                              Cruising south of San Francisco

Hearses were great surf vehicles!

Where there’s a will, there’s a way…….

What the???

Getting Around Nosara

Playa Guiones in Nosara is the front yard of a mellow little surf community. Hotels, restaurants, a market, and bank all lay within easy walking distance. For those looking to explore a bit there are several options available: rental car, bicycle, golf cart, and ATV’s.
My favorite is the quad or ATV (all terrain vehicle). Quads are economical and easy to drive.
The best thing about the quad is you feel part of everything you see since you are outside.
Quads handle our rough dirt roads and seem tailor-made for this kind of place. Answering to demand, most quad rental businesses equip them with surf racks.

Customized Quads – ideal for surf exploration!

Tinis & Ricardo’s surf ride                                                                                                                                                  Helberth’s clan off to the beach

Fun Mobile!

True Story: This group of guys has been coming to Nosara every year for 20 years. In the early days they would charter a private plane that would remove the seats to be able to load all the boards on. The hotel owner would meet them at the airport and drive them to the hotel in his dump truck!

And don’t forget good ole’ walking – Go Surfing!
PURA VIDA!

EL VERANILLO de SAN JUAN

“Little Summer”

We have been experiencing a long stretch of beautiful dry sunny weather and all day offshore winds this month, more so than in past years. The locals refer to these dry spells as the “veranillo”, which means ‘little summer’. I have read in various guide books that the actual name of this phenomenon is ‘El Veranillo de San Juan’. Being a surfer/ armchair meteorologist (and also the son of a real life one), I like to probe a little deeper into these things and learn a little more about what makes this place tick. I never did find out who San Juan is/was and what he has to do with this weather trend, but I reckon surfers owe him a debt of gratitude for these awesome off-season surfing conditions.

El Niño
Most likely we all have heard by now that scientists are confirming that another El Niño is developing. El Niño means The Little Boy, or Christ Child in Spanish. El Niño was originally recognized by fishermen off the coast of South America in the 1600s, with the appearance of unusually warm water in the Pacific Ocean. The name was chosen based on the time of year (around December, i.e. The Christ Child) during which these warm water events tended to occur. The term El Niño refers to the large-scale ocean-atmosphere climate interaction linked to a periodic warming in sea surface temperatures across the central and east-central Equatorial Pacific. Typical El Niño effects are likely to develop over North America during the upcoming winter season. Those include warmer-than-average temperatures over western and central Canada, and over the western and northern United States. Wetter-than-average conditions are likely over portions of the U.S. Gulf Coast and Florida, while drier-than-average conditions can be expected in the Ohio Valley and the Pacific Northwest. For Costa Rica the implications point to a dry rainy season.

          El Niño: warmer than average waters in the Eastern equatorial Pacific ( in orange, affects weather around the world.
The real concern in Central America of course is severe drought and water shortages. For surfers lucky enough to be here, it all feels like a tropical fantasy.
Another interesting factor contributing to these little summer periods is the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a large band of clouds, usually thunderstorms, that circle the globe near the equator. Its location is affected by many things, most noteably landmasses and ocean currents. A deflection of the ITCZ northward past Costa Rica in July enhances the creation of offshore wind and dry weather.
Disclaimer: the world’s weather is changing. As much as we try to understand it all scientifically don’t be surprised when another weather surprise springs up – like last night, in the midst of a seven day dry spell the thunderstorm from hell dropped six inches of rain in one hour!  As Saturday Night Lives’ residence weather man Father Guido Sarducci proclaimed: “It all depends on the weather”.
Enough science! Now the photos tell the story…
 El Veranillo – the Goods and Bads

MUCHO POLVO – DUST!

Dry river mouths = new sandbar formation and pristine beaches

Sand Factory

Jennifer planned to stay with us  a week – it turned into a month and counting!
 

Edyie                                                                                                                 Scott                                                                                                                    Anya
 

      Next Bay Over

“It all depends on the weather”
The skies open for 6 inches of rain!

This past week the entire west coast of Costa Rica (and Central America) was slammed by a massive “Southern Hemi”. That’s surf speak indicating a swell born on the poles and charging up from the Southern Hemisphere. In this era of technological advancements and wizardry, these swells are now predicted well in advance of the event, and delivered to the world via numerous websites. Now any of you fellow baby-boomer surfers out there can remember a time when getting a surf report meant driving to the beach and looking at the ocean to see how the waves were. Surfers by nature become armchair meteorologists, tuning into wind directions, tides, seasons, and the like. The phenomenon of computer model forecasting has only been around for a decade or so. This issue of Inside Peak will focus on some of the basics of modern day surf forecasting, including the monster swell we had last week.

What Makes Waves?

Waves are created as wind blows over the ocean, transferring its energy into the water. The size of the swell is affected by three variables: the velocity of the wind, its duration, and its fetch (distance the wind blows in a specific direction). There are two different types of swells that influence the surfing conditions.

1. Groundswell- waves that are generated a long distance away, far off the coast. This can be thousands of miles!
2. Wind Swell – waves that are formed from local winds.

In general groundswells produce better surfing conditions. Wind swells are usually smaller, choppy, and more of a challenge to surf. Although both types of swells are normal at most surf spots, groundswells create more powerful, lined up surf. Groundswells will tend to dominate, reducing the influence of local wind waves. This occurs because groundswells originate far from the shore and have more time to organized and groomed.

       Ground Swell                                                                                                                                         Wind Swell
 

Swell Data

In order to forecast surf conditions important data needs to be analyzed:

• Swell Height – the height of the swell in deep water.
• Swell Direction – the direction from which the swell is coming, measured in degrees.
• Swell Period – the swell period is a measurement of the time between successive waves in seconds. Waves travel in groups (called sets when they approach shore, as in “Big Set Outside”! In general waves will be referred to as either short period or long period. A long period indicates a wave born on a storm far out to sea making its way to shore. As waves travel they pick up velocity and amplitude. If there is a swell of significant height and swell period heading your way, you are probably in for good surf.

Our swell last week was forecast to be 6 feet of deep water swell with a period of 25 seconds. This would indicate a gigante swell. As these waves reach shallow reef or sand they stand up and heave, throwing out huge caverns of Pacific Ocean energy. Interesting to note is that a 6 foot deep water swell at 25 seconds is capable of generating breaking waves with faces up to 20 feet!

Big swells can light up offshore spots that are dormant under normal surf conditions

 

Bathymetry

Bathymetry is the study of the depth of the Ocean floor. Its land based equivalent is topography. Waves will always turn and refract towards shallower water and meets a variety of surfaces; sand, reef, piers, jetties, etc. The shape of the ocean floor greatly affects a wave’s mood, shape, and size. A gradual sloping ocean floor like we have here in Guiones generally results in a slower crumbling wave, great for learning how to surf. However with a swell the size of last week’s event, the whole ocean can come crashing down on you all at once. There are many more factors including land contours, tides, local winds, etc. I don’t want to get anymore technical here than this, but I think this gives you a good idea on wave formation.

Perfection through the arches of Hotel Nosara

       Rumbling giant heading for the impact zone      

 

Surf Forecasting Websites

There are numerous websites that offer wave forecasts, many with a great degree of detail, photos, and weather charts.
For Nosara my favorite is: http://www.globalsurfreports.com/p/central-america.html
Many of the local like this one: http://www.magicseaweed.com/Nosara-Surf-Report/445/
The original pioneer: http://www.surfline.com

Pavones

In Southern Costa Rica, pavones is one of the true wonders of the surfing world. Pavones focuses Southern Hemisphere energy into perfect peeling freight train lefthanders that wrap into the Golfo Dulces many perfect points. It is said to handle waves up to twenty feet!

Sequence: local womens legend JESSIE on the wave of the day!
[soliloquy id=”4170″]

Cover Shot

The breathtaking lead photo was taken by local master photographer Graham Swindell.
Graham hosts a popular website called Nosara Shack. Graham focuses on surfing as an artistic expression, which you can see in his brilliant compositions. He and surf buddy Scott McDowell set off on a reconnaissance mission to witness how this monster swell behaved at the multitude of coastal nooks and crannies to our south. Check it out at:
http://www.nosarashack.com/wavehunt-during-a-massive-south/

Road Trip!

Costa Rica is a wonderful place to explore by rental car. In my early years as a travel agent for Surf Express Travel in Florida, the majority of our bookings were fly/drive packages, facilitating adventurous minded surfers to roam the country looking for perfect, uncrowded surf. Renting a car in Costa Rica has the potential to create a very unique trip for travelers. You can seek out little-known places, stop when you want, and craft your own adventure from scratch. However, driving in Costa Rica is serious. Road conditions can be difficult, signs are spotty, and driving times can be long. Before getting behind the wheel, think about what it requires and how you want your trip to unfold. Costa Rica has more than 20,000 miles of roads, yet fewer than 25% of them are paved. Many are so poorly maintained that driving on gravel surfaces is the better option. The road system infrastructure in Costa Rica is incomplete but somehow gets you there if you persevere.

City Driving

Driving in San Jose can be harrowing, especially during rush hours. Tico’s tend to drive offensively and assume they always have the right of way.  Fortunately the airport is on the outskirts of San Jose; point your car west and go prepared for anything! Road signs out of San Jose are good, but become less and less so as you get out in the country. Seat belts must be worn and are strictly enforced by the Transit Police. Always carry a copy of your passport with you. Distance and speed limits are in kilometers (1 kilometer is equivalent to 0.6214miles). Avoid night driving! As you depart the city, the scenery becomes breathtaking. Plan to have a leisurely drive and enjoy the experience. There are some great roadside restaurants, and plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

Avoid rush hour!                                                                                                                                Don’t drive at night!
 

Country Driving

The real fun of driving is when you get out of the city and into the country. Once  of the you exit the mountains you can cruise to your beach destination. You will encounter big trucks that appear to be taking up the entire road. Pass only if you are on a clear straightaway and can see oncoming traffic. It is more likely that the trucks will pass you, on a blind curve in the fog! Two lane roads often narrow into single lanes over bridges. Some roads lack guardrails and have steep drops along either side. Rainy season driving can wreak havoc on Costa Rica’s roads – landslides, flooding, dangerous erosion, and horrendous gaping huecos (pot holes). In spite of all these hazards and deterants, driving is a great adventure and gives you a sense of achievement.

Dirt Roads

One of my favorite sayings is “Dirt Roads bring good people, paved roads bring all kinds of people”. Many great beach destinations are end of the road places. The driving is slow and sometimes sketchy with river crossings, cows and horses on the road, and unbelieveable potholes. On one of our trips we got behind a big funeral procession where  mourners  were carrying a coffin to it’s burial site. This created a huge traffic back-up, but was cool  to see.
 

                                         GRANDE JUECOS – THEY’RE EVERYWHERE!

            RICKETY ONE-LANE BRIDGES                                                                                                          COLLAPSED ROAD – YIKES!

        TREE DOWN!                                                                                                 MUD                                                                                      MOUNTAIN MIST

4-wheel Drive Mandatory!                                                                                                                                                         True country

Ferry to Tambor

River Crossings

When driving in the rainy season (May to November) you will surely encounter a few rivers. Always get out of your car and walk through to the other side to test the water depth and river bottom (mud, sand, rock). Drive across slowly but with determination!

Rocky Bottom and Shallow – GO!

 

Getting Around in Nosara

Most Safari Surf guests arrive from the airports (San Jose or Liberia) via shuttle van. Because of Nosara’s beach protection, no roads are permitted within the maritime zone. Most of the hotels are within walking distance to Safari Surf. Some folks rent golf carts and “quads” to tool around. Bicycles have become increasingly popular and there is a fully equipped bike shop on main street Guiones. It is also possible to rent a small car for use in Nosara.

Walking!                                                                                                                    Quad fun                                                                                  Golf Cart

True Story – my near disaster!

We live up on a mountain north of the Nosara River. In dry season, crossing the river saves fifteen  minutes from going the ‘long way’. Once the rains start the river fills, but this year there has been a tremendous build-up of small round river rocks that have formed a natural corridor across the river. I’ve made successful crossings up until the other day. As I neared the far side I wasn’t  paying attention and nudged closer to the bank than I should have. Suddenly the left side of my quad sunk down and threw me off into the water. As I surfaced I saw the quad  still there idling away, so I got up and little by little pushed it to safety. (Remember, dark water indicates deep, lighter colors means shallower water).  All I lost was my cheap cell phone, it could have been much worse. Gracias a Dios.

  Smooth Sailing.                                                                                                                                                                              Avoid the bank!

“DIRT ROADS BRING GOOD PEOPLE, PAVED ROADS BRING ALL KINDS OF PEOPLE”

Soccer Madness Captures Nosara!

The 20^th edition of the World Cup of soccer kicked off on June 12 in host country Brazil.
Not being a big team sports fan, I was converted on last Friday when Costa Rica won their game 1-0 against highly favored Italy. This happened as I was driving to the beach. As I passed by the Rancho Tico restaurant I was amazed to see cars parked everywhere up and down both sides of the street as far as I could see. I decided to stop and take a look, and what I encountered was actually shocking – 300 revved up fans celebrating and partying like there was no tomorrow. The win puts Costa Rica in the top 16. It has been 24 years since Costa Rica advanced this far, and Costa Ricans everywhere are on fire. Today Costa Rica faces England but this time “Los Ticos” are favored to win. I am told that soccer has become very popular in the states now. The game last night between the U.S. and Portugal was a heartbreaker for the American team ending in Portugal’s last second tying goal. The following gallery of photos tells the tale of spirit, loyalty, and national confidence.

‘Los Ticos’ team and Fans celebrate after Friday’s victory over Italy


Carnival Atmosphere prevails in Nosara!

Camilla and Sebastian  in team colors waiting for start of game

 

Espiritu!!

Tailgate Party at Safari House!

Brazil’s Stadiums are Out of this World

BLONDE AMBITION

We are stoked to have the Tim Marsh Family here for their annual summer vacation!

Tim, Marsi, and Tyler Marsh own and operate Safari Surf. Tim and Marsi live in Southern California and operate the corporate offices, and Tyler lives in Nosara and oversees the surf school operation. I have grown very close to them and especially love the kids. This week I will introduce the kiddos to you and next week’s blog will feature interviews with Tim and Marsi. The Marshes are a very tight-knit unit. They always seem to be together and one easily gets the sense that they adore each other. They love people, animals, and the ocean. I marveled at the five of them in the pool together tossing a football and having so much fun. Camille, at 15 doesn’t strike me as being the stereotypical moody angst-ridden teenager. She is quiet, sensitive, and intelligent, and she sings in a voice as smooth as honey. Zane and Liana are 10 year old twins. They are smart, clever, and fun loving grommets and they are an ambitious lot, always scheming up some new creative endeavor. The Marshes have traveled together as a family since the kids were toddlers and they all have that beautiful bushy-bushy blonde hair for life!

The Twins

Zane and Liana Marsh were born within one minute of each other, Zane 1^st, and then Liana. There has been a lot written about twins; they are unique and special.I have had the pleasure of knowing these two for four years or so and it is so great to see them every summer. I love to hang out with them individually or together, we always have a blast. I know without a doubt that these kids are going somewhere. They may figure largely into future incarnations of Safari Surf, or maybe not. But they will always be an integral part of Safari’s soul and spirit. I thought it would be fun to ask them some questions and see what’s on their agendas.
 

Zane

PL:                   Hey Welcome back Zane-Brain, howz it going?
Zane:              Solo Bueno, that means really good right?
 
PL:                   Yes and it shows because you always have a huge smile on your face.
Zane:              (Smiling) Yeah I like it here.
 
PL:                  Cool beans. You get to come every year and see your cousins, go surfing, dig for clams, play at the waterfall, and visit the monkeys. How long have you been coming down to Nosara?
Zane:             I think for like 7 years, since we were babies.
 
PL:                  When did you 1^st go surfing?
Zane:             I was three and my dad took me out on a soft board.
 
PL:                  You got pretty good! Do you like big waves?
Zane:             Yeah I do, but not too big. The biggest I surfed was three feet over my head.
PL:                  Dude, I’ve seen some pictures of you on some mackers!

Zane – Starting Early                                                                            Tough questions for Zane-o

BIG WAVE ZANE!

PL:                  What’s your favorite subject in school?
Zane:             Math
PL:                  What do you want to be when you grow up?
Zane:             I want to be a soccer star/surfer/artist combination.
 
PL:                  Wow now that’s original! I can see why you like it here!
Zane:             Here everyone loves soccer.
 
PL:                  Favorite food?
Zane:             In the US its ravioli, here its ceviche.
 
PL:                  Music?
Zane:             Classic Rock. My favorite group is Queen.
PL:                  OK now I see where the artist comes from!
 

Liana

Liana with cousin Maddox

PL:                  Nickernutt! It’s so great to see you! Watcha been doing?
Liana:            I have been over at Uncle Tyler’s playing with my cousins.
 
PL:                  That’s so cool, they just love you!
Liana:            I know, I’m hoping to be their babysitter.
 
PL:                  So last year you told me you were going to be a surgeon one day.
Liana:            Well I changed my mind! I now want to be a forensic scientist or personal chef.
 
PL:                  Wow! You still love writing I hope.
Liana:            Oh Yeah, still do. I love writing stories and making up characters.
 
PL:                  Still surfing?
Liana:            Always! I love the warm water here.
 
PL:                  What are your favorite foods?
Liana:            Back home: artichoke. Here: mangoes
 
PL:                  Favorite Music and Band?
Liana:            Alternative; One Republic. I love to sing too. I even recorded a song!
 
PL:                  Interesting. Hey do you know  Zane’s favorite group?
Liana:            Queen, he’s a Queen freak!
 
PL:                  Hey let’s write a story together for the blog

Liana:            OK Cool

Tandem with Helberth

              Liana making a record!

Camille

I am getting to know Camille better and had the distinct pleasure of hearing her perform during the brunch at Harbor Reef Lodge. Her singing is amazing, “a sound blend of Jewel and Natalie Merchant” I said – but I don’t think she know their music. No matter – at 15 this kid is poised for greatness. She is focused and disciplined and has a beautiful lilting voice.

     Camille – Oozing with Style!                             Smooth   Surfin’                        Performing in Nosara
 
PL:                  (During Break) Wow Camille, that was amazing!
Camille:         Thanks for coming!
 
PL:                  When did you discover you were “musical?”
Camille:         I sang in my 3^rd grade talent show and liked it.
 
PL:                  What instruments do you play?
Camille:         Guitar, piano, trumpet, ukulele, drums. I’m learning the banjo now.
 
PL:                  Do you write your own songs?
Camille:         I have written 5 so far. I know more will come.
 
PL:                  What about school?
Camille:         I like school and want to go to college.
 
PL:                  Where have you performed?
Camille:         I play at the wineries around here (Temecula, CA) and go to open-mic nights              where I can find them.
 
PL:                  So what’s ahead for you?
Camille:         I want to be a singer or a teacher.
 

PL:                  Keep singing Camille, the world will be better for it!

Karaoke duet with Sister Liana

Nosara summer vacation – the early years

Summer 2014 at Safari House (with Zane hamming!)

Next week I’ll be interviewing Señor y Señorita Marsh!
Pura vida!
Peter

“EAT, SURF, SLEEP, REPEAT”…

is a much ballyhooed mantra heard around Nosara. Surfing is great exercise that sets all of your senses pulsating. There is something about the salt water that brings on hunger! Fortunately Nosara has excellent restaurants featuring a variety of fresh and delicious cuisine. I thought it would be helpful to describe Safari Surfs food programs. When planning your Safari vacation you have an assortment of meal plans. Most folks seem to select the (prepaid) breakfast and dinner plan. Others choose the daily breakfast and keep the dinners open to explore individually. And still others leave their eating options totally open and make it up as they go along. Regardless of which food plan you select, you can always join the Safari group for breakfast and dinner and just pay as you go!

   Fresh Pacific Lobster!                                     Tyler Marsh’s “everything” pizza!

Carina and Alicia | Hungry Surfers! | Jeffrey super-stoked!
Breakfast
Prior to the morning surf lesson we set out trays of fresh tropical fruits; something light before surfing.
After the lesson a ‘proper’ breakfast is served in the Safari House. Breakfast choices are Banana pancakes, Tico breakfast (scrambled eggs, sausage, rice & beans), huevos rancheros, French toast, granola & yogurt with fresh fruit, eggs any style, and Costa Rican coffee and juices.
Dinner
Safari Dinner guests gather at the Safari House on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for our legendary hosted dinners. Your ‘host’ for the evening festivities could be Tyler and/or Jeffrey, or one of Safari’s affable instructors. Menus vary with the season and include fresh fish, shrimp, or lobster, Tyler’s “free-range” organic chicken, Lomito (filet mignon), pasta, pizza fresh from our oven, salads, veggies, and Safari’s famous Carrot Cake. Dinners include two beers or one wine, and mixed drinks can be purchased ala cart.
Staff: We are fortunate to have two of Nosara’s best ‘foodies’ on staff to serve you: Maritza is our very talented chef, and Alicia, the worlds’ best server. We can accommodate vegetarian or specialty diets. On occasion we have guests who rent a private house and our culinary duo cooks and serves specialty dinners on site. One night per week we feature ‘Ems Yums’ amazing carrot or mocha chocolate chip cake for dessert.

OUT ON THE TOWN
A favorite time-honored tradition at Safari Surf is loading up the van and visiting Nosara’s finest local restaurants. Currently our out to dinner nights fall on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. We have chosen to dine at our four favorite restaurants – Harbor Reef, Kaya Sol, Rancho Tico, and IL Basillica.
Pre-paid dinner guests can order anything they desire off the menu and two beers or one glass of wine is included. We always welcome non-meal-plan guests to join us on a pay as you go basis. Meet at Safari House at 6:30 pm or we will pick you up at your hotel!
HARBOR REEF
The Harbor Reef Surf Lodge and Restaurant are well established mainstays in Nosara. Taco Tuesdays there have become so popular that reservations are required. The tacos are made fresh and tasty and they just keep coming! This is also a great people watching night. You will encounter folks you met on the zipline or our surfing, and the atmosphere is upbeat and happy happy!
Jeffrey’s Favorite: Tacos and more Tacos
Tyler’s Favorite: Tacos and Beer

                       Harbor Reef Restaurant                                     All you can eat Tacos!
 
KAYA SOL
Kaya Sol Surf Hotel and Restaurant are a weekly stop on Safari’s restaurant tour. Chef Jorge Diaz is well known around Nosara. Jorge spent many years at Harbor Reef Restaurant (as did our chef Maritza), and is well known for his creativity and generous portions. Kaya Sol’s diverse menu features market fresh meats and seafood as well as pastas and local ‘tipico’ dishes.
Jeffrey’s favorite: chicken nachos supremo
Tyler’s favorite: steak with portabello mushrooms

*Kaya Sol Menu Download:  http://www.kayasolsurfhotel.com/#/menu/4567305391
RANCHO TICO
Rancho Tico is a true local Tico spot that’s a bit off the beaten path in the Pueblo. Specializing in Casados (meaning married), this dish combines meat, chicken, or fresh fish with rice, black beans, salad, plantains, and veggies. There are many other items on the menu that are terrific, such as typical Costa Rican Sopa de Mariscos, Ceviche and Camarones a la Milenesa. Famous for huge portions, great prices and a fun, friendly traditional Tico atmosphere, Rancho Tico remains a weekly Safari favorite.
Jeffreys favorite: lomito jalapeno
Tylers favorite: fish casado
Rancho Tico – made from scratch tipico cuisine under the huge open air rancho

 
IL Basillica
The hands down favorite for pizza and Italian specialties in Nosara, IL Basillico is the creation of local a local surfer known as Chandy. Chandy spent years learning the art of Italian cooking in various local establishments, and was the kitchen manager for 6 years at Pomodoro, a very popular Italian restaurant in San Jose. One of the most popular selections at Il Basilico is the Pizza Il Basilico; a house specialty featuring ham, pepperoni, salami, mushrooms, chili, onion, garlic & olives. The authentic menu also features a full range of traditional pastas, as well as seafood & meat specials.
Jeffrey’s favorite: pesto pizza
Tyler’s favorite: seafood pasta

Chandy´s IL Basillico: Out of this world pizza, and Italian delights
 
Safari Kids Camps
Snacks and lunch at the Safari House are included in our half and full day kids camps!

 
**Special Requests**
Safari will gladly help plan and arrange birthdays, anniversaries, or other special occasion. Please let us know!
How about a sunset horseback ride on the beach and dinner at La Luna – we can do that!

La Luna Restaurant
 
Hope to see you grubbing down here soon!
Pura vida,
Peter 

Nosara’s Blue Zones

It seems like Costa Rica makes headlines everywhere you look these days: CNN’s top 11 places to go in 2014, NY Times lists Nosara in their TOP 45 Places to Go article, National Geographic’s Top 20 Surf Town includes Nosara, and on and on. In 2004, population researcher Dan Buettner teamed up with National Geographic and the world’s leading longevity experts to identify pockets around the world where people lived longer and better. He named these areas “Blue Zones”. In these Blue Zones he found healthy, active, and thriving communities, inhabited by an inordinately large concentration of people enjoying life in their 90’s and 100’s. He visited these areas to study the lifestyles, community, diets, etc. in an effort to distill the essence of each Blue Zone and share his findings with the world. Buettner discovered Blue Zones in Japan, Greece, Sardina, and more recently the Nicoya region, which includes Nosara!

  

Everyone who comes to Safari Surf seems to get swept up in the vibrant energy that defines Nosara. The inviting warm ocean, blazing sun, good food, yoga, amazing surfing, and Pura Vida vibe serve to put the spirit in a happy place. Now to be informed we are encompassed in a Blue Zone – well it all starts to make sense! Spending a week surfing in Nosara is good therapy for the body, mind, and soul. I am convinced that the youthful population of Nosara’s local surf population will yield many future nonagenarians. The defining characteristics of Blues Zones vary from place to place but generally include diet, exercise, lower stress, family, community involvement, worship, and even taking sun! In Nosara surfing can be added to that list. I once heard the ocean referred to as Big Blue. Better add salt water to the list!

  

My dad and I watched a ‘60 Minutes’ broadcast that featured a California doctor’s recent research and report on an active senior community developed in the 70’s called Leisure World. The doctor looked into old files and records of the original residents. She then went to check up on them, see if they were still ticking, and indeed found that many were still actively enjoying life. My dad lives in a ‘senior’ community in Florida, originally set up for retirees from all branches of the military. I find this to be a very cool place – everyone waves, helps each other, swims, walks, plays golf, square dances, and gathers at the community clubhouse. I attended a weekly dominoes game of 90 somethings and was immediately recruited as a player. It was fun, fast-paced and competitive, and required quick thinking. I was amazed at their sharp minds, wit, and math skills. The 60 Minutes broadcast stated that the largest growing segment of population in the U.S. was that of 90 years olds and higher, who are living longer and better. And from what I have seen in Nosara and Florida, I believe this to be 100% true.

  

[L to R: Instructor Pio’s folks in Nosara; Dad’s Florida dominoes team; Delightful Sue heads home.]

BLUE ZONE HEADQUARTERS

As I see it, Safari Surf School is a Blue Zone Destination. We all want to get more years out of our life and more life out of our years. A Safari vacation will put you in touch with those things we lose touch with in our busy lives. When is the last time you sat around a dinner table for three hours with new found friends and even your own kids?! Surfing together and immersion in Nosara’s abundant tropical pleasures will do you (and us) a world of good. See you soon and Pura Vida!

 

“IN LIFE, BALANCE IS EVERYTHING”

Hey Gang, it’s May 5, Cinco de Mayo! I am in Florida visiting my very cool 94 year old dad and prowling around my old stomping grounds in Melbourne Beach.  So today all the Mexican restaurants and bars here are jammed with people drinking margaritas at 10am and all I wanna do is go to the beach. I did manage a morning surf yesterday and that felt good. I ran into my old pal Hunter “Indo Man” Joslin, the creator of the Indo Board Balance Trainer. We use this ingenious device at Safari Surf School and man it really works. My dad and I paid a visit to Hunter at his office/warehouse facility and had a blast. True to form Hunter had my dad ‘Log’ on an Indo Board grooving! In terms of surf training, the Indo Board is a great tool. We have one in constant use at Safari, it just kind of draws you to it, enticing you to get on. I thought a little profile of Hunter and his inspired product would make an informative and useful blog!

 

INDOBOARD PRACTICE AT SAFARI HOUSE

 

Hunter Joslin hatched his balance board idea 40 years ago as a young swimmer/surfer in Palm Beach Florida. He placed a basic wood platform on a roller and voila! He loved the sensation, it was fun but it also provided serious exercise and a balance challenge that would entertain him and his friends for hours. Then life took over and Hunter became involved in numerous surf industry ventures; owning and operating  a bikini company, importing & selling merchandize from Bali, announcing professional surfing and skateboarding events, and co-owning a surf-trip travel agency called Surf Express. Hunter hired me at Surf Express and our #1 surf trip destination was Costa Rica. It was here that I began my love affair with Costa Rica, and over my 10 year stint at Surf Express I became very well acquainted with this magical little country. Hunter ended up selling his share of the travel agency and launched full-on into developing the Indo Board Balance Trainer.

“INDO MAN” HUNTER JOSLIN AT FLORIDA HQ

 

PL: Great to see you mate! So things are hopping in Indo-World?

Hunter: Yes business has been good. We have been spreading Indomania across the globe!

 

PL: Great to hear. So what does the Indo Board do?

Hunter: The Indo Board is a fun and very effective balance trainer. The simple act of balancing the deck atop the roller engages your core and stabilizer muscles by challenging the rider with “instability” which must navigated. In scientific speak it’s called ‘Proprioception’: The ability to sense stimuli arising within the body regarding position, motion, and equilibrium.

 

PL: What are the key elements in balance training pertinent to surfing?

Hunter: A centered, “planted” stance is the key. Knees should be slightly bent, back straight, arms at your sides. If you can remember these basic elements, your surfing will improve. I see many students struggling with bending/leaning over – “butt-out-itis” – or throwing their hands up in the air which throws you off balance. If you always remember to return to the core stance you will progress. The Indo Board greatly helps with this!

 

PL: Outside of surfing, where has the Indo Board found audiences?

Hunter: Any sport or movement activity can benefit from Indo Boarding. We are working with Pro golfers, PE teachers, dance instructors, personal trainers, skiers, runners, swimmers, martial arts; the list is ever-expanding. Our latest product is the Indo YOGA board which has become very popular.

PL: As you know, Nosara has developed into a major yoga destination so this is very welcome news.

Proper Posture for Balance Training (from indoboard.com)
A centered and balanced posture on the Indo Board is achieved by

PL: The Indo Board comes not only with the roller, but a mouth inflated cushion. What does the cushion do?

Hunter: The IndoFLO cushion offers the user a less intimidating balance training experience. Unlike the roller, the cushion stays in one place and you can’t be thrown off. This is ideal for rehabilitation exercises and for older folks who want to take it slowly. Now, let’s get your dad on it!

My Dad – 94 years young – getting’ INDO it!

 

PL: Well to us it’s always been about surfing! Thanks Hunter and Pura Vida!

We’ll have you come down and do some training sessions when the Olas Verdes opens next year.

Hunter: See you in Nosara

 

Indo Man in Indo

FLORIDA!

 

Introducing Safari Manager: Jeffrey Noguera

One of the great things about living here is getting to know the local people. I find it very easy to make friends here as everyone you encounter seems upbeat, cheerful, and exuberantly social. My all-time favorite Tico and closest friend is Jeffrey Noguera. Jeffrey migrated here from the big city (San Jose) and decided to make Nosara his home. He began working at Casa Tucan as a waiter, and eventually got coerced into management by Tyler and Tim. He has learned the hotel/restaurant/surf school business from the ground floor up, but also hit the books on nights and weekends, graduating with a college degree in business management. Jeffrey really came into his own after Casa Tucan was sold and we moved into the transitional ‘Safari House’. He became the resident manager of Safari Surf School and really found his niche. I have enjoyed every moment working with this outstanding gentleman, and will always treasure our friendship.

PL: When did you get here?

Jeffrey: I moved from San Jose in 2009. My dad lived here and I visited him and got to check out Nosara. I had just come from a hectic city life where I mainly played   soccer professionally. Man it was so beautiful and laid back, everyone was smiling, carrying surfboards, girls in bikinis………. I told myself this is where I belong!

PL: When did you start working?

Jeffrey: Soon after I came here I got a job at Casa Tucan as a waiter. Tyler and Tim were Co-owners and Safari Surf School was located there. As time went on I got pulled into hotel and restaurant management responsibilities and I liked it. I had also started business management classes at the University of Costa Rica campus in Nicoya.

 

  

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS – AT CASA TUCAN

PL: Were you a surfer at that time?

Jeffrey: No, my sports background was in soccer. I played professionally for the National Team in Alajuela. But the guys got me out on the beach and in the water, and ahhh it was great!

 

LIFES A BEACH – JEFFREY’S A NATURAL!

PL: You recently graduated from college?

Jeffrey: Yes I graduated from a 4 year business management program. Now I am a “Licensia”, kind of the same thing as Bachelors degree. It was a very good program. I learned a lot about business law and finances, things I use every day here at work.

LICENSIA JEFFREY NOGUERA & MOM

PL: How do you like your new role at Safari House?

Jeffrey: Everything is very different from Casa Tucan. Now we do not have a public restaurant and hotel to manage. I like it because we can give our full attention to the surf school guests. I am much more involved with the surf lessons and do all the scheduling, which can get pretty complicated when we are busy. I also live here so am pretty much always on the job.

PL: And you are the resident PING PONG CHAMPION!

Jeffrey: Yeah man I even won a bottle of tequila at one of our tournaments!

  

  

        

  

GRANDE FUN AT SAFARI HOUSE!

PL: You have worked hard and saving money. Now you have a blue MacBook, a blue iPhone, and now a new blue car! Dude you are living the dream.

Jeffrey: Yeah man, I like blue!

PL: How do you feel about the opening of Olas Verdes?

Jeffrey: It is going to be really special. The location is very private and close to the beach. For sure it will be the #1 hotel in Nosara. I am very proud to be here!

OLAS VERDES – OPENING IN 2015!

Welcome back! This week we feature our favorite Surfer Girl!

Tinis Gomar heads up our very cool Womens Surf Adventures program as well being one of Safari Surfs illustrious surf instructors. I have always enjoyed talking to Tinis; she is super smart, super fit, super stoked, and a lot of fun to have around.

PL: Hi Tinis, well it’s your turn to be interviewed for the blog…

Tinis: Ok, let’s do it!

 

PL: About your name Tinis, it’s kind of unusual, does it have a meaning?

Tinis: It’s a nickname my sister called me as a kid, I think it had something to do with being a small kid, as in tiny!

 

PL: Where are you from?

Tinis: I was born in San Jose; I have been in Nosara for 7 years.

 

PL: How long have you been surfing?

Tinis: Seven years – I started the minute I got here, naturally!

PL: How long have you been teaching?

Tinis: Six years. It was a natural fit, I love helping people.

 

PL: Do you surf in contests?

Tinis: I did a couple of times but it’s not my thing, it felt too confining”

 

PL: Tell me about Womens Surf Adventures

Tinis: This is Safari Surfs customized surf adventure packages for women.

Safari sets up an all-inclusive experience which includes lodging, meals,

yoga, massage, a canopy tour zipline day in the rainforest, and lots of surfing.

 

PL: Do you feel there is an advantage for women students to work with a female instructor?

Tinis: Yes I do. Many women, especially Americans, are a little reserved coming here and they just feel more comfortable with a woman teacher/guide. It’s a psychological thing. I love it because it is very involved and intimate. I spend a lot of time with them and really get to know them, who they are inside. I miss them when they leave; we share a deep bond of friendship. 

 

PL: You also like teaching the kids do you?

Tinis: Oh Yes, I love the kids and especially our Kids Camps, so much fun.

  

PL: You always seem very healthy and fit, what is your secret?

Tinis: I eat well; do yoga, and lots of workouts. My boyfriend Ricardo is a well-known personal trainer here and he helped me become a certified TRX trainer. I teach three classes a week at Guiones Wellness Center.

 

PL: Ricardo is a great guy and you two just look like you belong together!

 

PL: Do you like big surf?

Tinis: Well yes, up to a point. I like waves in the 4-6 foot range, just overhead!

 

TINIS RIPS BOTH WAYS!

PL: You are always wearing the latest styles in swimwear.

Tinis; I had a bikini shop at Kaya Sol 2 years ago. I like designing surfwear for women. Maybe I can open a shop in the Olas Verdes Resort!

 

PL: Importing figures in your life?

Tinis: My mom all kids!

 

PL: Dream surf trip?

Tinis: Indonesia and Australia

 

PL: If you could own any car in the world what would it be?

Tinis: A monster truck!

 

PL: Thank Tinis, nice talkin’ to ya!

Tinis:     Ciao!

TINIS CAPTION CONTEST!

 

1) 2)

*Safari t-shirt to the winner!*

New Kid on the Block: Kevin Montiel

Safari is stoked to introduce our newest instructor Kevin Montiel. This kid is a fireball of dynamic energy in the water. He is in superb condition and devotedly surfs 4-6 hours each day. The first time I saw him surfing here really blew me away – I look up to see this guy just blazing across the blue face of a head high wave, subtly weighting and unweighting  his board and pumping for maximum speed and trim. It was the fasted I have ever seen anyone go on a wave in Guiones, or anywhere for that matter. Kevin is well known in the surfing ranks here and is a top-notch competitor on the National Pro Surf Circuit and the locally promoted Nosara Triple Crown of Suring. You never see him without a huge smile, he is polite and affable and a pleasure to talk to.

 

PL: Hey Kevin welcome to the Safari Team!
KEVIN: Thanks man, so stoked to be here

 

PL: So where are you from?

KEVIN: I was born in San Jose but have lived in Nosara all my life

 

PL: When did you start surfing?

KEVIN: I started when I was 10 years old. I’m 18 now so I’ve been surfing for 8 years

 

PL: You are very dialed into the contest circuit here, when did you start competing?

KEVIN: I started surfing in contests when I was 11 in the mini-grom division

 

PL: And now?

KEVIN: I surf in the Juniors division. I am #1 ranked in the Nosara Triple Crown Series

 

PL: Where have you traveled to compete?

KEVIN: All over Costa Rica. Last year I got to go to the East Coast Surfing Championships in Virginia Beach, it was a great experience.

PL: Wow dude I surfed in that contest in 1968, I feel old!

The Future

 

The Past – young Kevin                Me in 1968

PL: What are the “strong points: in your surfing?

KEVIN: Aerials and power carves!

Kevin in Flight!

Blazing Speed!

Power and Style!

PL: How did you become interested in becoming an instructor?

KEVIN: My brother Luigi started a small surf school here and I started there.

I liked teaching but it was hard to working with family, you know?

When Tyler called and asked if I wanted to work at Safari I was so stoked, a dream come true!

 

PL: What do you like about it?

KEVIN: Safari brings in guests who stay for a week, so you really get to

know them and can work with their strengths and weaknesses. It is very satisfying to see them improve over the week. I also love teaching the kids.

Hard at Work

Fun with the Kiddos

PL: I always see you with Nuria, is she your novia?

KEVIN: Oh yes, for sure!

Nuria & Kevin

 

PL: With you surfing 6 hours a day how do you have time to see her?

KEVIN: She is out there surfing with me!

Nuria Styling!

Thanks for reading!
Pura vida,
Peter

Owen Stoneman – “The Internationalist”

Owen Stoneman is one my favorite characters down here.  He lives for surfing. Owen is one of the few who’ve contemplated surfing on a larger, historical scale. He has an innate appreciation for all styles and forms of wave riding, and even commented favorably on my old guy Skip Fry approach to riding a wave – 12 foot single fin, trimlining, California slouch, kind of just standing there feeling it all, like music. He’s a smart dude who could be living a number of different of human roles and profiles. Somehow his degree in environmental resource management seems appropriate to his chosen path. But Owen has chosen the path of what I call the ‘Bohemian Surf Nomad’, kind of like Nosara’s version of Dave Rastovich.  He rides all sizes and styles of surfboards expertly, and somehow is able to switch back and forth eloquently.  Owen embraces day to day life as a surfing metaphor: ‘whatever come s your way……ride it’.  He is a top-notch surfing teacher and coach and is very serious and focused on each individual lesson as if it has deep meaning and importance – which we all knows it does when we are in the student’s position. Owen has spent many years hoping the globe from surf school to surf school, riding the seasons, following the endless summer, and logging countless hours of water time.  I recently learned that the love of his life, lovely Belle and he, are going to have a son.  They are both over the moon about this and it makes me wonder how it will all play out for them in “surf metaphor” terms.  I’ve never seen the guy with dry hair – likely a trait that will be passed on to the little guy.

PL: Where are you originally from?

OWEN: The UK, guess you’d call me an ‘Englishmon’

 

PL: When did you discover surfing?

OWEN: I started in 1993 in Cornwall. People don’t realize that England is basically an island surrounded by the North Sea, English Channel, Celtic Sea, Irish Sea, and Atlantic Ocean. Cornwall is on the southern tip with some beautiful beaches, good swell exposure.

Geography Lesson – where’s England? Cornwall Coast [right photo]

PL: At what point did you discover this “knack” for teaching people how to surf?

OWEN: I had always lifeguarded in Cornwall; I was close to the sea. When surfing found me I became obsessed. At seventeen I became a full-on surf bum, I would hang out on the beaches of France all summer. This was before the global surf school boom. People would always ask me, “hey, can you teach me how to surf?” I gave it a go and really liked it; I was good at it and saw people renewed by the experience. It dawned on me that ‘surf instructor’ could be a valid career and keep me closely connected to the waves.

 

PL: And the rest is history as they say! Where have you taught surfing?

OWEN: Cornwall, Canary Islands, Australia, Portugal, Morocco, Ireland, Panama,

Costa Rica. When the season comes to a close here in Nosara I head off to somewhere where it is just getting started.

PL: I’ve heard that ski instructors and white water rafting guides do the same thing, kind of follow the sun, the old Endless Summer cliché!

 

PL: You have a huge following of students who return and request you for lessons. There is a wide range of ability levels that you work with, and you regard all with equal concentration and intensity. You seem to take your lessons very seriously. What is your approach to teaching?

OWEN: In my own surfing I look carefully at the waves and “mind surf” for a few minutes. I look for sections, rip tides, shoal areas, and channels. To me surfing is about tapping the energy from the source (the wave) and flowing with it. I try to instill this with my students, I want them to tune into the elements, be like water! I especially like coaching intermediate and advanced students

 

PL: Your almost “psychic” ability to read waves has earned you the moniker ‘Owen Almighty’.

OWEN: You’re a funny guy….

PL: Local legend says you are the ‘immaculate’ offspring of Coconut Harry and LuLu?

OWEN: That’s been going around for a long time! = ???

 

PL: You surf so many different boards, what’s your favorite?

Owen: Whatever one I’m riding at the moment……

Owen conducting his weekly video analysis class for Safari Surf School Students

PL: Your thoughts on next year?
OWEN: I am really excited about the opening of the Olas Verdes Resort. It will be an amazing base for Safari Surf School and I am looking forward to being a part of it.

Hamming it up with Safari Presidente Tim Marsh