One of the greatest moments of a surf trip is the second you first step onto the beach, feeling the anticipation of the adventure to come. The last thing you want in that moment is to realize in that you’ve forgotten something crucial. With so many items essential to your surfing trip, we’ve put together a list of 5 surfing necessities that you should always pack before you head out to catch some waves. Sunscreen When you’re out in the sun all day it’s important to bring a high quality, waterproof sunscreen to protect your skin. Try to get a container that is small enough to keep in a pocket of your board shorts. When you’re a hundred yards out and need to reapply, you’re much more likely to do it if it’s in your pocket than if you have to make your way back to the beach. Don’t come home a lobster. Backup Leash The last thing you want when you’re out surfing is for your leash to break, especially if you don’t have a backup. Bring at least one or two extra leashes of varying thicknesses in case yours breaks. It’s ideal to have a thinner leash in small surfs to prevent unnecessary drag, and thicker ones as the wave size increases, but beggars can’t be choosers. If your leash breaks, whichever one you have in your bag will do.
Board Repair Kit Having a board repair kit in your bag can be extremely helpful for fixing dings as they happen. Before getting a kit, it’s important to check what type of foam your board is made of. Boards that are made of polyurethane can be fixed with polyester or, if you have it, epoxy resin. If your board is made of EPS Blanks, make sure to use epoxy resin instead of polyester, because polyester can damage your board. A good repair putty that can work on either type of board is FCS Instant Repair Putty. Day Bag Many people don’t think to bring a day bag with them on a trip, because they’re often already bringing a larger travel bag with them. It’s easy to ding up your board when moving from car to car or getting on a boat, and bringing a day bag would provide the extra protection your board needs while you’re out and about. Surf Wax It’s important not to forget to bring your preferred brand of surf wax, because they may not have it where you are going. Additionally, you need to make sure that you bring the wax that best suits the climate you’re surfing in, so you can be sure it won’t melt.
Before you hit the road with just your board and your wetsuit, make sure to think through everything you might need. This quick list of things we often forget ourselves will set you up for success on your next surf trip. Don’t be caught unprepared!
The sustainability movement has truly come a long way in the last ten years. The stereotype of the environmentally conscious as a tree hugging hippie has long since passed with the rise of organic and pesticide free products in our everyday supermarkets. That being said, we still have an incredibly long way to go when working to make our earth a cleaner, better place and there are things we can all do to improve. One of the best guides we’ve found to living a sustainable life is Sara Gilbert’s The Imperfect Environmentalist: A Practical Guide to Clearing Your Body, Detoxing Your Home, and Saving the Earth (Without Losing Your Mind).
The author, who many know as Darlene Conner from the ABC sitcom Roseanne and more recently Leslie Winkle on the Big Bang Theory, is a lifelong environmental activist that has put together a fantastic reference manual on living green. The book is broken up into 10 parts such as clean eating, clean household products, and clean transportation and is great to have lying around when you need to find the most sustainable way of cleaning your couch or getting to work. Broken down by the level of financial ability from Donald Trump to sleeping on someone’s couch and living off ramen noodles making it easy for anyone to see what they can do right now to reduce their ecological footprint.
Living a sustainable lifestyle is all about choices and frankly, it can be just as easy if not easier in some cases to do what’s right by the environment. Some of the great tips Sara provides are to substitute chemical household cleaners with a cheap half white vinegar half warm water mixture in a spray bottle and to check the label for Low or Zero-VOC on gallons of paint before remodeling your living room. It’s these little decisions that when added up can help us do right by the earth. So tomorrow when you’re doing laundry or make the decision to run that last load on cold or reminding yourself to turn all the lights off before you go to work. There are so many ways that we can be green without going crazy.
NOTES
The author of the book is Sara Gilbert, also known as Darlene Conner from the ABC sitcom Roseanne and more recently the role of Leslie Winkle on the Big Bang Theory.
Environmental sustainability is important to us and you don’t need to be an activist to do it.
The book is broken up into 10 parts such as clean eating, clean household products, and clean transportation.
The book is all about “doing what we can, when we can.” And is meant to be used as a reference manual for when we need to know what to do.
She breaks it down by the level of financial ability from Donald Trump to Sleeping on someone’s couch and living off ramen noodles.
Because of the paint we use, the EPA ranks indoor air quality among the top five health risks. Scan your paint label for “Low-” or better yet, “Zero-VOC”— that’s volatile organic compound to you … but it’s not the good kind of organic. VOCs include cancer-causing toxic contaminants.
You can substitute store-bought cleaners with a spray bottle of half white vinegar and half warm water to save money and ozone toxins.
It’s all about showing us that it is just as easy to be green as it is to not be and that we can make a difference by doing the little things.
The majority of the energy used when doing laundry comes from heating up the water, use cold water when you can over hot water.
The greenest thing you can possibly do is to use what you have instead of buying something new.
Look for clothing that is made with organic cotton as up to 25% of the world’s herbicides are used in cotton production.
There comes a time in every surfer’s life when the itch to surf different waves comes to a “peak”. These different waves can be down the road a bit, up or down the coast, or for those lucky enough to be able to afford it…jump on a plane and go search for that perfect wave. I was lucky enough to grow up in Hawaii…Oahu’s South Shore, where there are so many different types of waves to choose from depending on swell direction and wind direction…that is the bonus of living on an island, the wind is always offshore somewhere!
I got the travel bug early in my life and set out to find new waves and explore new cultures. I have located some of the dreamiest surf spots to check out for your next vacation, regardless of skill level.
Uluwatu and Kuta, Bali
Bali is a premier spot for surfers who are looking for a full tourist experience. Uluwatu is an insane reef break for those with advanced intermediate to advanced surf skill set. It’s set off a major cliff, with waves running down the reef as perfect as one can draw them on paper or dream them in their head…setting surfers up with impeccable waves. For beginner surfers, the beach of Kuta is ideal with its 5km long shore free from coral reefs or rocks.
Do know that both locations can get pretty busy!
Surfrider Beach, Malibu For a sweet surf spot within the Pacific U.S., Surfrider Beach (Malibu) is the perfect place to catch some great long point break waves. Malibu Point creates perfect swells, and the heart of Los Angeles is just an hour away. That being said be prepared to share waves as there are a lot of surfers in the water there looking for that perfect long wave just like you.
Nosara, Costa Rica Costa Rica is a country loved by all who visit. In addition to being home to killer surfing spots, the country is full of beautiful landscapes and Ticos who live a simple lifestyle. The climate is ideal (80 – 85 degrees Fahrenheit year round), The water is in the low 80 degrees as well. Nosara is perfect for surfers of all skill levels. Convinced? Visit us at the Safari Surf School, and we’ll help you jump on a board!
Tourmaline Beach & San Onofre, San Diego
Both beaches are California favorites, as they are ideal for surfers across the skill spectrum. If you have kids, you might want to head to Tourmaline Beach, which is full of tide pools hosting many small sea creatures. San Onofre, also known as Old Man’s Beach, is part of the top five most visited state parks in California.
Surfer’s Point, Barbados Barbados is a Caribbean island with many shores catering to surfers, but Surfer’s Point is the perfect set-up for both beginner and intermediate surfers. Barbados is dedicated to tourism, so finding accommodations and a good meal after your ride will never be a challenge.
Taghazout, Morocco
As a country that hosts surfers who have traveled far to experience the waves at beaches like Crocodiles and Killer Point, Morocco is a hotspot for tourism. Despite the high concentration of visitors, the country’s culture remains intact. Taghazout caters to beginners and experienced surfers alike.
Noosa – Point Break, Queensland, Sydney This list wouldn’t be complete without a nod to one of the many surf spots Australia has to offer. In Noosa, you will find one of the best longboard breaks in the world. The area is perfect for advanced surfers who know how to catch a ride, as well as beginners who just want to master gliding on a board.
We hope this list inspires you to reach your full surf potential and enables you to visit the surf destination of your dreams. Want more info on the world’s top surf locations? Check the links below.
THE INSIDE PEEK – SEPTEMBER 2015
ESPIRITU-DE-CORPS: UNITY, COMMON INTERESTS AND RESPONSIBILITY IN SURFING
Folks on Playa Guiones last week were witness to quite a show, as Safari Surf School’s team of instructors underwent an arduous, week-long Lifeguard Training and Surf Rescue course.
Espiritu de Corps comes from French origins. It translates to “a sense of unity and common interests and responsibilities as developed among a group of persons closely associated in a task, cause, enterprise, etc.”
In a largely unregulated “industry” worldwide, surf schools seemingly can open on a whim with few boards and a surfer-dude instructor; little thought is given to format, technique, safety, and professionalism. As the Founder and leader at Safari Surf, I am dedicated to the cultivation of a team of top-level, highly trained and qualified surf instructors, authenticated by my ongoing support of specialized training programs and events advancing this cause. It is my assurance that our team is certified to the highest degree of preparedness and professionalism in all areas of instruction and water safety. As recently as last week, I found great joy and pride watching our Safari Surf squad of instructors running drills on the beach.
Lifeguard Training and Surf Rescue certification are a prerequisite course for inclusion in the International Surfing Association’s (ISA) professional development programs. Recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the world governing authority for the sport of surfing, the ISA Surf Coaching & Instructing Educational Program is the international standard for accreditation of Coaches and Instructors in the surf school industry.
Last week, such an intensive lifeguard training/surf rescue course was lead by Marvin Perez and his associate Kali Urena of Jaco Beach, on-site in Playa Guiones. “When we came to Nosara we didn’t know what to expect” stated Marvin. “We were so stoked to be received by such a dedicated group of guys, whom are now fully certified and ready to rock. Pura Vida!”
At Safari Surf School we take care of our team – they are our family, and we pay top dollar as well as cover their medical insurance, health insurance, retirement, social security, and vacation pay. We believe that this is not only fair, but the right thing to do.
Pura Vida, indeed!
Warm-up: Daily conditioning began with stretching and calisthenics, to kick off our ISA certification.
Daily Warm-Up: Morning exercise includes some laps around Olas Verdes’ new pool.
Coach Marvin Perez delivers his presentation through his motivational instruction technique.
Watching our lifeguard’s during sprints delivers a “Baywatch” effect, Safari-style!
Walk this way: Lifeguards practice technique and build endurance with rescue efforts.
Mealtime: Safari Surf School’s Chef Maritza’s delivers a wonderful and well-deserved meal to our lifeguards.
Turtle Arribada: Safari Surf School President Tim Marsh standing amidst an epic turtle arribada in Ostional.
Big Achievement: We are again renewed as ISA (International Surfing Association) Certified as well as Surf Rescue / Lifeguard Certified lifeguards.
Saludos amigos! A spirited send-off for Marvin and Kali. Thank you!
“Team Building, as defined by Wikipedia, is the use of different types of team experiences and activities that are aimed at enhancing social relations and clarifying team members’ roles, as well as solving tasks, achieving results, meeting goals, and improving performance”.
I was surprised not to see the word motivation used in any of the team building definitions I read as I researched this subject. Safari Surfs’ recent trip to Nicaragua certainly motivated me in relation to doing my best. Safari owners Tim and Marsi Marsh have wanted to take the gang on a little ‘employee appreciation’ surf trip for some time. Everything aligned at the end of May, and we were finally able to slip away together for a few days. Our destination was the recently finished La Jolla de Guasacate resort in the wave-rich Popoyo region of southern Nicaragua. Safari Surf School recently launched a new learn-to-surf package in this spectacular location and we were all excited to see it. “La Jolla” means JEWEL, and man does the place ever live up to that description! I do not know if Tim and Marsi ever considered this getaway to be a team building experience, but from my viewpoint this little trip put fresh wind in all of our sails. As we prepare to move into the brand spanking new Olas Verdes Sustainable Surfing Resort next month, Safari Surf has never been more optimistic and stoked! An Empty Left and the beautiful La Jolla Guasacaste
The Crew
PETER JEFFRY TIM ALI AND MARITZA PIO JORDANI
Luis, Helberth, Erick, Kevin
Midnight Express
The plan was to leave at midnight, get to the border crossing at 4am, and be in the water at 8am. Tim and I had both flown in from the states the same day and we knew we would be a more than a little fuzzy. I arrived ten minutes late at 12:10 am and the crew was all there amping to get underway. The boards were all loaded on top and we jammed into the very capable Safari van. Weird things happen when you have no sleep, you begin to “see things”. But we were adrenalized by the good vibes and energy surrounding the trip.
La Frontera (the border)
“One thing you learn here is patience” – Tim Marsh
Timmy’s wise words reverberated in my head as we approached the Nicaraguan border. I had visited Nicaragua before, but never entered this way (I’d flown into Managua). The first thing we learned was that the border crossing offices did not open until 6am. We watched as a line formed at the checkpoint. When we saw a crowded bus unload its passengers into the growing mob we realized we should be in line, not slouched out in the van. We were planning to lock down the van in a guarded parking area and Bob (La Jolla owner/operator) would meet us on the other side. The scene was chaotic and confusing, but we managed to park the van and join the line for the two hour wait.
It was about at this point that Luis discovered he did not have his passport. There was no way to sugar coat this dilemma; he had to take a bus back to Nosara. He called his girlfriend Laura to tell her the news and she responding by saying “no worries, I will bring it up to you”!
One of the fascinating things about living here is people watching. I am amazed at the women I meet who are traveling through Central America solo, carrying only a backpack. They speak multiple languages and seem to navigate what I call the ‘third world follies ‘with determination and no fear. Laura is from Australia and she does not speak Spanish, but somehow she threaded together three bus rides to reach the border, and she and Luis made it to La Jolla by 5pm – happy hour! The rest of our merry group trudged through the arduous and hectic border crossing routine and were met by Bob who had arranged for a large van to take us to the hotel. Made It!
NICARAGUA
I’d been to Nicaragua twice before, my last visit was in 2000. I was anxious to see what had changed in fifteen years. Nicaragua and Costa Rica share the Pacific Ocean and Spanish language, but that’s about it. I was astonished at the differences. The Pan American Highway is in excellent condition. The southern portion of Nicaragua is bordered by Lake Nicaragua which is huge, almost like a small ocean. The strategic positioning of the lake creates steady offshore winds which blow all day long.
Rendezvous with Bob Eason in Nica
Huge modern windmills dot the countryside, taking advantage of the gusty winds to create electricity. The cost of living is significantly lower than in Costa Rica; the price of land, goods, and services are a fraction of what we pay in Nosara. We turned off the paved highway and proceeded west on a good dirt road. Once we approached the beach region it was apparent how much it had changed. Dozens of private homes, beach hotels and surf camps, dot the coastline and hillsides. “Surf Colonization” had begun invading the surf zones about 12 years ago. The number of quality surf spots and cheap cost of living began to pull investors away from Costa Rica. In Nicaragua there is no discernable middle class; the rich and the poor coexist under the same sun. The Popoyo region is loaded with great surf spots, many accessible only by boat. Add in the round-the-clock offshore winds and you’ve got surf fever!
Stunning wave-rich coastline = Surf Colonization
La Jolla de Guasacate
The La Jolla resort is the brainchild of Tim Siviter, who also maintains some beautiful rental homes in Playa Guiones. After about a year Tim brought in a partner, Bob Eason, who runs the hotel along with his lovely wife Ditmara. I had a captivating talk with Bob about his experiences over the years in Central America. At one time Bob owned the very successful surfwear brand called Picante, but his heart was in Nicaragua and he eventually sold everything and returned to the simple life he loved. The La Jolla Resort occupies 50 acres of prime ocean view land. There are currently 11 fully appointed rooms with another 12 on the way. There is also a large, beautifully furnished private home that can be rented for groups and families. Additionally there are 114 lots for sale within an exclusive gated community, but hurry – 70 have already sold! The furnishings and amenities are modern and upscale. After our all-night jaunt and chaotic border crossing, we were all swept away by the special beauty and comfort of the place. Bobs heart has always been ‘for the people’ and he is very focused on taking care of the locals. “For 30 years these people have lived at subsistence level with no assistance from the government” Bob points out, “but they still have huge smiles on their faces”. The hotel website: http://www.lajollahotelnica.com.
Owner/Operators Bob & Ditmara Eason
The Surf
Nicaragua has abundant, incredible surf. The coastline is punctuated with numerous points, coves, reefs, river mouths, and sandbars producing a variety of surfing conditions suited to all ability levels. Many of these spots are only accessible by boat. Each morning our ‘A Team’ explored by boat, while Laura and I set out in search of softer breaks where Safari Surf guests are taken for their lessons. Everyone came back stoked. Learning Friendly Waves at Magnifient Rock
MAG ROCK! Note person walking at base…………………………and……………………Popoyo Flexing! Empty Left………………………………………………and……………………Outside Reef Beginning to Show
The Boyz
The A-Team in action at Colorados
Safari Nicaragua
Nicaragua offers a unique cultural experience in a wave-saturated ocean playground. The food, service, and cushy comfort level of La Jolla is off the charts. Non-surfing activities include golf, horseback riding, stand-up paddling, volcanoes, fishing, kayaking, and other custom tours. Grenada is a great day trip for exploring classic colonial architecture, sightseeing, shopping and dining. Bob and Ditmara are wonderful hosts and tend to every detail to insure your comfort and stoke level. Ali on Horseback at the Salt Flats…………and………………………local wildlife
Hasta Pronto!
Safari Surfs ‘Nica 2015’ trip brought us closer together and filled us with inspiration.
When is the last time you sat around a table with family or friends sharing good food, talking story, and laughing out loud? Hats off and big thanks to Tim and Marsi Marsh for such a marvelous experience. As Tim said “when it comes right down to it we are a family” Life’s a trip, better pack your bags! We look forward to your visit.
In 2001 a remarkable entertaining and inspirational video documentary called Surfing for Life was released, detailing the fascinating lives of nine heroic role models who are “following their bliss” through actively surfing into their seventh, eighth and ninth decades. “SURFING FOR LIFE not only challenges ageism, it also weaves a tapestry of unforgettable stories that embody many universal aspects of the human experience. The surfers’ tales reveal, among many lessons, courage in the face of adversity, the power of the human spirit and a celebration of values and relationships that contribute to rich, meaningful, well-spent lives.” From the videos press release: “Older surfers provide a great metaphor for how our society is struggling to redefine what it means to grow older. Similar to the Civil rights and Women’s movements, this age wave is tantamount to a movement and involves new behaviors – with new attitudes trying to catch-up. Could it be that “staying young” doesn’t need to be the goal after all, and that “staying well” – physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally – becomes the goal? It’s possible if the term “OLD” can shed some of its unnecessary connotations and stereotypes. The new attitude that is emerging – and supported by lots of medical and psycho-social research – is a view of our later years not dominated by sickness and decline. Rather, the later years can be very vital, satisfying and meaningful periods of our lives.”
Nosara has been described as a “wellness town”, with yoga, healthy food, and surfing leading the way to increased vitality and longevity. We welcome surf enthusiasts of all ages at Safari Surf. When is the best age to start surfing? Whenever you take that first step and paddle out. In this edition of Inside Peak we talk with a few of Nosara’s resident older surfers whom serve to dispel the myth that surfing is just for kids!
OLD GUYS RULE!
The growth in the surfing senior citizen population started with the shift back to longer surfboards following the pivotal “shortboard revolution” of 1967-1970. Older surfers found themselves wanting equipment with better flotation and glide. A new boom in “retro” longboards took hold and mid-range “fun shapes” became popular for their user friendly qualities. Many who had stopped surfing got back on board. Fathers and mothers were surfing with their sons and daughters. Surfing was just too good to leave behind. Here in Nosara we have a healthy population of older surfers. The frequently mellow waves of Playa Guiones invites all to get involved. One look at that gorgeous blue sparkling water is all it takes – how could you not go in?!
Coconut Harry
Harry Heinke is a well known icon in Playa Guiones. He is often referred to as “The Mayor”.
With his fit, tanned frame and long blond hair and perpetual big smile, he is easy to spot. This guy is almost 65 years old?
“I first tried surfing in 1967 on a 9’6″ Gordon & Smith longboard – Virginia Beach, VA – no leashes back then, so a LOT of swimming. “Surfaried” to Cocoa Beach, FL the next year with 2 high school buddies in a VW bug and 3 longboards – slept in a state park until the park rangers ran us off. Went to college in western part of VA (Va. Tech) and worked summers to put myself through school and then got a ‘real’ job, so did not take up surfing again until mid-80’s. Started going to Hawaii – made 7 trips – heard about Costa Rica via Surfing magazine and came to CR in 1992 – found Nosara in 1994 after somebody in Tamarindo told me about it – a ‘secret spot’ he said, “don’t tell anybody”! Although I don’t rip it up like the 20-somethings we have here at Guiones, I feel good and still have fun at my age – will be on Medicare in 3 more months…
Vaya con Dios” …..
“THE MAYOR” AT THE OFFICE
LuLu Wiegers
At 67 years young Lulu radiates boundless positivity, aloha, and stoke. “ I love love love surfing” she beams, “its my life, what I want to do forever! I started when I was 14 years old in Manhatten Beach, California. I took a 20 year detour with marriage and some bad choices, but
Thank God I got back into it and never looked back. Everything I do; eating, exercise, yoga, swimming, biking, etc. – I do to keep in shape for surfing. I live in Guiones 10 months out of the year and love the warm water, wave consistency, and positive vibes in the water. Back when I started there weren’t so many girls surfing and I felt like one of the guys. Now there are so many good woman surfers here, it’s so great. I plan to continue surfing forever! Age is just a number! Get out there with us!”
“VIDRIO AZUL” – BLUE GLASS…..
LULU IS EASY TO SPOT IN HER DARK GLARE-REDUCING ‘SEA SPECS’
John McGovern
Pictured above, John is a dedicated “North End” surfer (along with me!).“I began surfing at age 16 on Long Island at a beach called Gilgo Beach. So I have been surfing about 50 years in the summers. Now summer is all year long since retirement 12 years ago. I still work as a lifeguard supervisor in the summers at Tobay Beach on the south shore of Long Island so when there is surf I am on it. I am beginning my 48th year working on the beach in the summer so other than not surfing in the winters I have always surfed May thru September. As far as surfing into old age, I have never lost my desire to get in the water whenever I can. I think being active keeps you young to a certain extent and surfing is my favorite all time sports activity. Hope I can continue for many years to come”
‘JOHNNY-MAC’ GIVING THE NORTH END A WORKING OVER
Peter Lewis
THE WAY WE WERE ……………………………. AND NOW AT 63
“I started surfing in Ocean City, New Jersey back in the early 60’s. We would surf year-round in inferior wetsuits where we taped the seams with masking tape to try to stop the freezing water from getting in. When the ‘Summer of Love’ rolled into town in 1967 everything changed. Surfing back then was more aligned with the counter-culture than the high school football team, pep rallies, and cheerleaders. By the end of that summer I had grown a sun bleached peach-fuzz mustache and sideburns, a burgeoning hipster! We were the original gang of Baby-Boomer surfers in Ocean City. There are only two of us left from that original group who never quit surfing, me and Monk. Everything I did in my life reflected my need for ‘water time’ – where I went to college, career choices, relationships, marriage – all focused on being near an ocean. In 2008 I moved to Nosara with my wife, ‘looking for the seventies’, I like to say. It didn’t take long for me to find my way to Safari Surf, and I have worked there for the last 6 years. Guests seem to get a kick out of this old fossil still stoked and in the water every day. Safari is one of the best things to happen for me here. My wife Emily retired from 35 years of critical care nursing and now makes carrot cake! In two weeks my daughter Amber and granddaughter Jaida are moving here, bringing the family back together again. Pura Vida.
What comes to mind when one thinks about Bermuda? For sure the Bermuda Triangle pops up, but anything else? I venture that most of us (like myself) knows very little about this fascinating island.
Bermuda is the most northerly group of coral islands in the world, lying just beyond the Gulf Stream some 650 miles off the coast of the Carolinas. Although very small and isolated in its part of the ocean, it offers a wide variety of places to see, people to meet, and things to do. With an economy based on tourism and international business, Bermudians enjoy a high standard of living with almost no unemployment, no national debt, and no income tax. Sounds like paradise to me! Google Bermuda and your senses are bombarded by a panorama of dreamy blue seascapes – every shade of blue imaginable! One of the great joys of living in Nosara and working at Safari Surf is that it opens a portal to the big wide world we live in. The Bermuda-Nosara connection was spawned five years ago by long time Bermudians the Hammond family. “We were looking for a vacation where the boys could learn to surf, at least stand up” Sharon Hammond reflects. “Richard did a lot of research on the internet and found Safari Surf and signed us up”. “Everything about that first trip just resonated, says Richard, we all loved it; the waves, the food, the spirited people, and we kept returning for more”. As is likely to happen, it’s hard to keep a good secret, and as the Hammonds relayed their surf stories to close friends, the connection grew. “I reckon we are now up to around thirty-five fellow Bermudians that love the place and return every year”. And you have never met more affable, gentle, lovely slice humanity anywhere. It dawned on me that this is how Nosara continues to grow, with these kinds of good hearted, fun-loving families tuning into the Pura Vida. It’s magical, really!
Meet the Hammonds – Richard, Rudi, Louie, Sharon
We always love when Team Bermuda is in da house! Talk about energy, they are all buzzing with stoke and can’t wait to get wet. I reflect on my past trips here when we lived in Florida. I was absolutely rabid to catch as many waves as possible, and bottle it all up to get me through the flat spells. The beauty of this place is that there are always waves breaking out there, it is a constant, a defining gift that Nosara proudly offers. Bermuda is ringed by a coral barrier reef which results in beautiful calm swimming beaches, but also prevents consistent rideable surfing waves from forming. Nosara’s ever-reliable consistency can take care of our surf-starved friends in no time!
Bermudas Barrier Reefs “consume” Incoming Wave Energy
Here a kite surfer rides the wind!
Rudi and Louie
Serious Q & A with my new bros
Over the years I have watched Rudi (12) and Louie (11) not just become better surfers, but also turn into solid people. Surfing does that, it immerses you in something larger and very powerful, what I like to call Big Blue. They are easy going and fun-loving. They love the food here and are always hungry! “Fish, plantains, and Britt chocolates” the lads enthusiastically exclaim. They already have monikers or nicknames, perhaps to keep in pace with instructors Chumi, Gato, Hellboy, and Pio!
‘Tsumani Rudi Gabas’ on a Screamer!
‘Big Wave Louie’ Sets up a nice Bottom Turn
Richard and Sharon
It is interesting how many doctors come to Safari Surf. Richard and Sharon are M.D.s in Bermuda.
I asked them what fuels the economy there: “tourism has been overtaking by the reinsurance industry” explains Richard. What is that I asked? “Reinsurance is insurance issued for Insurance Companies, and Bermuda is a leading hub for this”. When asked about Bermudas beaches, Sharon says “oh we have many lovely beaches here, perfect for snorkeling and swimming, but few waves”.
Richard Backdoors a Nice Section
Sharon Pulling in at the Boca
Beautiful Seascapes but No Waves!
The Bermuda Triangle
The real Bermuda Triangle in my book is the connection to Nosara spawned by the Hammonds’ sharing with their friends via the Coconut Telegraph. Richard says “we would come back after these fabulous surfing vacations and spread the word to our best friends. They would look at the photos of the whole family surfing together and one by one more families joined the next trip.” “Let’s see” says Sharon, “We have the Pecketts, Outerbridges, Skinners, Betts, Kendalls, and Wojo’s, that’s nearly 40 people!”. Many thanks to all of our Bermuda families for coming – our house is yours!
Every season here in Nosara ushers in a wave of new businesses and this year is no exception. So from us to you, here is Nosara News- New Stuff!
From restaurants, to retail, to recreation, Nosara is continuing to grow in support of our already well established active/surf/wellness reputation. Despite this inevitable growth Nosara still retains its charm and “mom/pop” feeling. This I attribute to the enormous impact of our beachfront protection, which has steered big time developers and chain hotels further north. Here is a sampling of some of Nosara’s new offerings this season.
Food and Beverage
Every new season brings a new wave of eateries to town. Some “make it’, but others disappear once the rainy season arrives. This season has seen quite a few new eateries. We haven’t tried them all, but did seek some reviews from visitors.
Al Chile
Located in the former Casa Tucan restaurant (Safari’s old digs), Al Chile opened at the end of July with a menu of tacos and burritos. All ingredients are fresh and prepared to order, including the corn tortillas used for tacos and the wheat tortillas used for burritos. Jeffrey loves the place!
Tibidabo
Mediterranean restaurant with a chef from Barcelona offers authentic tapas, montaditos, paellas, sangria and desserts. Very positive reviews on Facebook page – looks worth a try! Tim is stoked about this one!
Fusion
Located within the 506 Townhome community, Fusion is upscale, serving cuisine from celebrated Chef Jairo “specializing in the fusion of culinary tastes”. The Wednesday “Sushi Night” gets great reviews.
Solo Bueno
Converted from an old surf hostel, Solo Bueno is a restaurant/water park featuring inside and outside dining, an 8 jet jacuzzi for adults and a small step in pool for children. There are 4 pools in total, on 4 different levels, overlooking 3 patios, 8 waterfalls, and a multitude of exotic gardens. The menu varies from salads, burgers, and wraps on the pool deck to gourmet dinner entrées and custom cocktails.
Go Juice Smoothie and Juice Bar
All natural fresh fruit and vegetable smoothies, fresh pressed juice, iced coffee, fresh ceviche, poke, and nutritious snacks. Super healthy juice concoctions such as ‘beetnick’ (for detox), hydro blast (for hydration),‘ginger kale’ (for blood circulation’, and ‘Eye Opener’ (for immune system), had me totally perplexed! My daughter loves this place.
El Chivo
Located in Playa Pelada on the site of the former Panchos, El Chivo is a beautiful new restaurant with made from scratch Mexican cuisine and specialty margaritas. The burritos are amazing. Thumbs up!
La Luna Breakfast/Brunch
Super popular and trendy beachfront restaurant La Luna in Playa Pelada now serves daily breakfast. The very interesting and eclectic international menu features such specialties as the mediterranean feast, breakfast pizza, shakshuka, balkan, full English breakfast, and muesli. Their brand new espresso machine rocks!
Pipa Fria
Undoubtedly the hottest ticket in town these days is ‘Pipa Fria’, or chilled coconut water served in the shell. Vendors have popped up on every corner this season, and there is nothing better than grabbing a cold pipa right after surfing – plus it’s just plain hip, everyone’s doing it!
Retail
Love Nosara
Open air women’s clothing boutique created by Susanna and Manolo. Offering distinctive and original clothing, jewelry, and leather goods sourced from small independent artisan clothing manufacturers. May not be open on rainy days as they are completely exposed to the elements!
Hot Tamale
New recycled and vintage fashion located on main street Guiones.
Recreation
Tennis Club Colibri
Beautiful red clay tennis courts on main street Guiones
Climb Nosara
A unique freestanding climbing wall offering 36 roped routes and other bouldering options. Designer/climber Steve Way proclaims “Climbing helps to build confidence, with great lessons in teamwork, trust and leadership skills. It also helps to develop core strength, balance & co-ordination, and develops muscular strength, muscular endurance, body composition and flexibility!”
Eskina Skate Park
Skate Park – Skate Pool – Hostel – Skate Shop – Skate School – Bar – Restaurant – Event Center. Eskina Skate Park. Open daily to the public and available for private bookings, birthdays, etc. On-site full service Yums Restaurant overlooks the skating action. Stay tuned to their Facebook page for the latest events and promotions including live music, fashion shows, and professional exhibitions.
Cheap Advertising – Nosara Style!
Safari Photos
As some of you may know, Jeffrey added to his plate this year by agreeing to take on the photography aspect of Safari. Initially, he was met with some challenges: lenses breaking, computer not uploading, basic learning curves… but, he has overcome and is taking some superb photos of our guests! We have also hired local photographer, Bryan Espinoza, to come in on his off hours to take some additional photos for us and give Jeffrey some pointers. Between the 2 of them, we are adding some fantastic shots to our growing gallery.
Safari Surf recently had the privilege of welcoming Stan and Olga into our family. They stayed with us for a month, and the idea was that they would trade out breakfast and room at the Safari House in exchange for a couple of promo videos, to be posted on the Safari Surf website, Facebook page, and other social media sites. Stan and Olga are from Germany, where it is very, very cold right now so, they were happy to take a break from the cold in Nosara. Their “assignment” was to soak up the “Safari Vibe” and translate this to video. Having founded the adventure travel blog website http://www.epiclist.com, they were no strangers to “extreme adrenaline sports”, and were familiar with surfing, but in their time here, they fully embracedthe essence of surfing and pura vida, which is captured brilliantly in their video creations. At the end of their 1st published video they encourage us to “join the family”, which is exactly what we are. I feel like we are in the 1970’s again! Check it out here: https://vimeo.com/119782826.
Stay tuned to Safari Surf for more from Stan and Olga. And muchas gracias for the stoke lift you two!
Stan and Olga at work
Family Vacations at Safari Surf
Traveling to Costa Rica with your family is an enriching experience for everyone. You will be immersed in a culture and adventure that takes place outside of your iPhone! When I fly Northbound from San Jose to Orlando, Florida to visit my daughter, the planes are full of excited Costa Rican families heading to Disney World; but the Southbound flights are full of Americanos headed to paradise for surfing, kayaking, horseback riding, fishing, zip lining, and yoga. Surfing brings people together and creates a memorable bonding experience for families. Meal times are generally long, leisurely affairs around a happy table where people actually talk to one another. It is definitely quality time!
Strong Family Unit
Bill Curley and family love surfing so much that they bought a vacation home here
One Big Happy Family
Whether you come as a single solo-traveler or bring your husband/wife and kiddos along, everyone becomes part of the family. You surf together, zipline, kayak, ride horses……you get to know everyone in town.
Safari welcomes a huge amount of return clients, we call them our alumni.
Family Horseback Tour
Families that Zipline together, stay together!
Sam & Jeff Chandler – football bonding
Around the Table
Safari Surf guests share breakfast and dinners together every day. The conversation is lively and spirited and the television is turned off!
Sam’s Birthday Celebration!
Three Generations of Lewis Girls!
The Wagner Family dining under the stars
JOIN THE SAFARI FAMILY TODAY!
Sure it sounds like the old cliché, but down here ‘Lo Que Hay’ (it is what it is!).
Come on down to Safari Surf for Spring break, its way better than Ft. Lauderdale!
Student group from Guilford College in North Carolina
I have always been fascinated by the depth of Marlon Illig. For example, he speaks fluent German. For a lad raised in rural Nosara, this strikes me as interesting and unusual. Marlon is one of the New Breed of Safari instructors that joined us this season. Safari hosts a fair amount of Europeans this time of year and many happen to be German. Imagine coming to Costa Rica from Germany to a surf school and finding that your instructor speaks German! Marlon is educated, informed, and quite worldly. I was intrigued the other day when I overheard him talking movies and critiquing actors and directors with some guests. Oh yeah, he also speaks fluent English! I sat down with Marlon to get the skinny.
PL: Everyone knows you as Jeffrey’s brother, but he doesn’t speak German?
Marlon: Well it’s a long story, but I was adopted!
PL: So explain the Germany connection.
Marlon: I was born in Germany and am a German citizen as well as Costa Rican. At 2 yrs old mom moved us to Nosara. She had been there before and longed to return. So Nosara is where I grew up.
All Men are Brothers!
PL: When did you start surfing?
Marlon: I started 4 years ago. Since I starting teaching with Safari this season I had a kind of “rebirth” and fell in love with surfing all over again. I can’t get enough now!
PL: You are a great with people and seem to have found the perfect fit with surf instruction. What do you like about it?
Marlon: The best part is watching the transformation that people go through here. When they arrive they are all white and pasty and stressed from their busy lives. After a few days they are totally transformed, physically, mentally, and spiritually. They develop a new self confidence and inner stoke. It is such a priceless thing to observe and be part of!
Carrie Learns Proper Waxing Technique
Kids at Play PL: You recently turned 18. What are your future plans?
Marlon: I am going back to Germany in two months, after high season. My dream is to become a pilot and I am looking to enroll in flight school there. I plan to return next high season (Dec-April) to work at Safari, save money, and continue my schooling in Germany.
PL: Wow what a great goal. Viel Glück an euch mein Bruder! (Best of luck to you my brother).
Higher Learning through Surfing at Safari Surf School
“Study Abroad” – the phrase conjures up images of earnest students absorbed in esoteric topics enhanced by their unique surrounds – English Lit studies at Oxford, Italian culture and language studies in Rome, Ancient Greek civilization studies in Athens – but surfing in Costa Rica?? In January Safari Surf hosted a group of students from Guilford College in North Carolina lured by the enticing title: Surfing Centuries: An interdisciplinary introduction to riding waves, past and present. In the intro syllabus Professor Maia Dery, an avid surfer, describes the course as follows: “You all “surf” almost every day. Surfing became the runaway metaphor to describe the freedom and possibilities of the internet. How did that metaphor come into being? How did surfing, a fully embodied indigenous pastime, become such a powerful cultural trope?”
I was hooked! “College courses have come a long way since my graduation from Cal Western University San Diego in 1973” I mused. Maia is a stoked and dedicated surfer of many years. Was this just a clever way to go on a surf trip? One glimpse at the 16 page syllabus would dispel that shallow notion. This was a bonafide heavy-duty full credit academic assignment fraught with multiple texts books and several evaluation criteria. The group spent 18 days with us and became like family. With the opening of Olas Verdes Sustainable Surfing resort this summer, we look forward to more study abroad groups, as we collectively expand our horizons together through surfing.
Required Reading
For emphasis on my “how times have changed” reflection, I draw your attention to the textbooks for this course. Five texts and several articles were required to pass this course. But wait a second, take a look at some of these titles: Surfer Girls in the New World Order, Waves of Resistance, Empire in Waves: A Political History of Surfing. These are deeply academic compendiums with complex concepts and big words!
Student Blogs
Professor Dery was kind enough to share some of the student’s blogs with me which reveal the “seriousness” of how they viewed their assignment. There was no surfspeak “killer tasty tubes dude”, but rather acutely insightful and sensitive reflections on their Nosara experiences. Here are a few examples:
CHARLOTTE
“Today our rowdy group of twelve returns to volunteer at La Escuelita de Verano, a summer school that offers a space of creative, artistic and physical engagement for children in elementary and middle school. The playful joy of the children is contagious, and rejuvenating in every essence of the word. These encounters complicate and deepen my process of distilling my time here; this presents for me questions of how personal relationships motivate us in our actions and aspirations. Our experience on earth is comprised of overlapping, unpredictable relationships with ourselves and the people and places that surround us. Relationship entails emotional awakeness; a mindfulness of your own needs and those that surround you. A willingness to give, receive, compromise, reciprocate. The quality of relationship determines the extent to which we defy the logic of self-preservation–it determines a turning point in which giving to others can be self-gratifying as well. I would propose from all of the love I have encountered the last couple of days, impassioned people offer parts of themselves for a greater need because they are emotionally guided towards something bigger. And the result is a form of gratification that expands and nourishes in all directions.”
NATE
Sandland “What if you were a piece of sand? The beach is your world. Ocean waves the only force, besides feet, controlling your life. A sand hierarchy exists in your world; those below you are not seen. Those above you get all the credit for the great beach you all have created. Without waves, your place in the social sand hierarchy is fixed. You cannot make your way to the top of the beach, or be brought deeper.”
ROSE
“Moving into this experience I am finding myself most interested in the media canon of surf culture and the way it effects cultural inertia. The Endless Summer has undoubtedly had a profound impact on surfer culture, but how far reaching is it? How have the escapist fantasy ideals laid out in The Endless Summer impacted the activistic ambivalence that all of our readings have condemned. Does this have anything to do with how it’s the ‘outsider groups’ -the surfer girls and surfers of color- that are creating surfing spaces that are being held up as sustainable and culturally aware models of surf culture? My personal lexicon of surf media and culture is too small to even start ball-parking answers to questions like this, but they’re the sort of questions that I have been taught by my theater studies to ask about media: what does this piece of popular media say about the culture it comes from? What is this piece of media doing to the culture it comes from? I have said several times over the course of these last few days that all media is political, and it could even be argued that everything is political (or that everything is media), leading me to ask these questions of just about every text we’ve been introduced to.”
PROFESSOR MAIA DERY
“My goal in offering this study abroad experience was to inspire and facilitate an atmosphere we call informed engagement. Surfing has been a personal passion for me over the last 8 years. My vision is to construct creative ways to incorporate surfing into academic studies to invigorate students’ curiosity. Our experiences in Nosara were profound and life-changing. I most certainly will try to return next year! Does your professor surf this good? Maia Dery – doin’ her homework!
FAMILY
Having a group of energetic and motivated college students with us for nearly three weeks was nourishing for all of us. For one thing, college students eat a lot! Safari’s amazing kitchen duo Maritiza and Alycia created and served magnificent meals, incorporating local flavors of Tico ‘tipico’ cuisine. The kids helped with food prep and dishes. Their field trips to the local summer school fostered authentic culture interactions. We thank you all for coming and wish you the very best – Hasta Pronto!
All of us at Safari Surf look forward to this New Year, full of waves, smiles, and personal growth. The opening of Olas Verdes Sustainable Surf Resort will certainly be a highlight. Scheduled to open its doors in June or July of this year, the resort plans to have a “soft opening”, with a Gala Grand Opening slated for November 2015. Olas Verdes will fill a needed niche in Nosara providing upscale accommodations with a soulful surf atmosphere! Stay tuned to the Safari website (www.safarisurfschool.com) for updates.
Thanks and Pura Vida to all the great folks who spent the holidays with us. When I travel north to Orlando, Florida the planes are full of Costa Rican families taking their dream vacation to Disney World. Most of the Southbound passengers, however, are coming to Costa Rica to explore its natural attractions: surfing, fishing, kayaking, yoga, hiking, ziplining and passionate, fun-loving people. We had a mob of good folks descend upon us over Christmas; families, kids, solo trekkers, nature buffs, young professionals, and aging soul surfers. To see the joy and exhilaration surfing brings to all guests is priceless. Surfing your ‘own wave’ brings a sense of accomplishment in an atmosphere of camaraderie and instructional support. It doesn’t take long for this group of strangers becomes a tight-knit family, a dynamic that always fascinates me.
Laura and John Guitar share a wave at sunset
New Crew
Safari Surf School is stoked to have recruited four new instructors who proved themselves “up to the calling” over the holidays. It was not unusual for an instructor to teach up to five lessons per day, emerging from the water with wrinkle-skin, crow’s-feet, and salt-reddened eyes! Thanks and Welcome Aboard to our new team members.
Kevin
Marlon
Jordani
Erich
Families Families Families!
The best part of Christmas vacations are the families who come and experience Costa Rica together. When is the last time you sat around the dinner table with everyone in your family enjoying the art of conversation and just catching up? If you are feeling distanced from your family due to your crazy-busy life – take a surfing vacation at Safari Surf – we will fix it! Many thanks to the Curley, McCaulley, MaGrann, Panagos, Patch, Robison, Guitar, Chandler, Wasserman, Goldstein, and Wagner families – you guys made our Christmas memorable! And Keep Surfing wherever life takes you this year….
The McCaulley Family The Guitar Family The Curley Family
Kids, Kids, Kids!
SAFARI BEACH BUGGY
Elias Shredding
Leo’s Treasure
Lilly Tandem
Families That Play Together……..
I’ve gotta say that being amongst all these families somehow made me feel “connected” to something larger than myself. In Hawaii it is called OHANA, or extended family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten. The concept emphasizes that families are bound together and members must cooperate and remember one another. In the larger picture, we are all one big family. Sharing waves with family is an indescribable joy. The Chandler family of Sandy Hook, New Jersey gets the “Leave it to Beaver/Father Knows Best Nuclear Family Award”! They would play dominoes every morning at breakfast, surf together twice a day, and enjoy many a great meal around the dinner table. Last time The Chandlers were here I was lamenting that I didn’t have many pictures of them surfing. I remember telling them “but this will change”. Here’s proof:
Jeff- Nice Bottom Turn
Tess and Kerry (Daughter and Mother)
Football Toss- Son, Sam and Papa Jeff
Kerry’ Sister Pam and Son, Sam
Tess Chandler
Cousin Liam
Sam and Mom Clowning
WELCOME TO 2015
Mitch Stoked!
The New Olas Verdes Resort- Opening This Year!
*Many thanks to Jeffrey and Alonso for their great photography*
The Holiday Season is upon us in Nosara with perfect sunny days and all-day offshore winds. It is amazing how dependable these conditions are in our dry season. Safari Surf School looks forward to welcoming our new guests and immersing them in Aloha and Pura Vida! We meet lovely folks from around the world here all seeking the same spirit and joy we find through surfing. Here are a few of their Christmas stories….
Christmas in Nosara Costa Rica
Maritza and Alycia of Safari Surf
“Our ‘Tradiciones de Navidad’ are centered around a large family gathering on Christmas Eve. Parents and grandparents, brothers & sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins all gather at papa’s house. At 8pm we all go to La Iglesia (church) for Mass, and then return to papa’s for bocas (appetizers) and drinks. At midnight on Christmas Eve we have a big dinner of chicken and pork tamales, and a bebida dulce (sweet drink) called chicheme – made from pulpo de maiz morado (purple corn pulp – yummie!). Afterwards we gather around the Christmas tree and open gifts. On Christmas Day we look forward to working at Safari Surf!!!”
Christmas in Holland and the United Kingdom
Safari Alumni Ellen
“I am originally from Holland but have been living in England for many years!
In Holland the big holiday is celebrated on December 5th when Sinterklass (St. Nicholas) visits. The children leave their clogs by the fireplace hoping that Sinterklaas will fill them with presents.
In the UK they go all out with heaps of decorations, parties, and lots of presents delivered by Father Christmas. It has become quite commercial, very similar to the United States actually. On Christmas Day the entire population eats turkey and Christmas (or plum) Pudding.”
Christmas in Finland
Tina
“Well everyone knows that Finland is the home of Santa Claus right?!! This means that he will stop there first to deliver his presents! On Christmas Eve families celebrate with a big early supper of pork, potatoes, and rice pudding. Then Santa comes around 7pm to deliver presents and sing with the children. Gifts are opened around the tree and everyone plays with them late into the night. Of course I will celebrate in Nosara with my novio Luis and his lovely family!”
Christmas in the United States
Jaida (my granddaughter!)
“On Christmas Eve we go to church and everyone holds candles and sings Silent Night. Then we go home and go to bed early so Santa can come and leave presents. On Christmas morning we open our stockings and lots of presents and play play play! Then in February I get to come to Nosara to celebrate my 4th birthday with my pa-pa, ma-ma, and my mommie!”
A Rustico Christmas in Nosara Village!
FELIZ NAVIDAD & PROSPERO ANO NUEVO
FROM ALL OF US AT SAFARI SURF!
“COME ON DOWN AND CATCH A WAVE WITH US!”
With all of the great restaurant choices in Nosara, Safari Surf School management has decided to make Sundays an “Open Meal Day”, providing guests with an opportunity to eat at establishments of their choosing. To assist we have created a restaurant guide comprised of eateries we recommend. Nosara has an impressive assortment of restaurant offerings. With each new season we see at least 3-4 new places open; some survive, some don’t. Most restaurants here these days accept Visa and MasterCard as well as U.S. currency. Be prepared for a mandatory 13% sales tax and 10% service charge to be added to your check. I usually leave another 10% for the server if service is good. There are a few “mainstays” you can always count on: For Romantic go to Dolce Vita, for ocean front dining La Luna. IL Basilico makes awesome pizza, and for burgers the newly opened Burgers and Beers is the ticket. Rancho Tico is the place to go for excellent local ‘tipico’ cuisine and Harmony is popular for excellent sushi. It is rare to get a bad meal in Nosara as everything is generally prepared from scratch. Table service has improved vastly from the old days, but remember that ‘cooked to order’ still takes longer, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the Pura Vida. Make sure to call in advance to verify hours, etc. And don’t hesitate to talk to fellow travelers and ask for their restaurant recommendations. Provecho!
Harbor Reef
*Recommended for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
On-site at Harbor Reef Surf Resort is a pool-side restaurant known for local fare from farm and sea, a fully stocked bar with swim-up access , live music and a roof-top smoothie bar. The Reef Restaurant menu is updated daily to reflect the freshest, finest ingredients available; also featuring desserts by Ems Yums.
Location: Main Street Guiones/walk from town
Price Range: $5-$20
Phone: 2682-1000
Web: http://www.harborreef.com
Rosie’s Soda Tica
*Recommended for Breakfast and Lunch
Rosie’s Soda Tica serves authentic traditional fare at very reasonable prices. New location next to tennis courts on Main Street Guiones.
Location: Main Street Guiones/walk from town
Price Range: $5-$10
Phone: 2682-0728
Harmony Hotel Bar and Restaurant
*Recommended for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
The Harmony’s restaurant showcases the bounty of the Nosara area. We use fresh, local ingredients whenever possible and work with producers who share our sustainable values. We also source produce from our very own nearby farm. We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner (including an amazing sushi menu). Full bar and wine list.
Location: Main Street Guiones/walk from town
Price Range: $5-$30
Phone: 2682-4114
Web: http://www.harmonynosara.com
Bagelmens
*Recommended for Breakfast and Lunch
Bagelmens features breakfast specialties, wraps, salads, soups, desserts and a variety of bagels baked fresh daily. Indoor and outdoor patio dining. Bagelmens opens daily at 7am for that early coffee wake-up.
Location: Main Street Guiones/walk from town
Price Range: $5-$15
Phone: 2682-5448
web: http://www.bagelmenscr.com
Robin’s Ice Cream
*Recommended for Breakfast and Lunch
Known for amazing home-made ice cream and sorbets, Robins also features breakfast selections, sandwiches, salads, wraps, crepes, coffee drinks, smoothies, and milkshakes
Location: Main Street Guiones/walk from town
Price Range: $5-$15
Phone: 2682-1607
Web: http://www.robinsicecream.com
Café de Paris Bakery
*Recommended for Breakfast and Lunch
Excellent freshly baked goodies; homemade sandwiches, croissants, deserts, baguettes, celebration cakes, pies and more. Good take-out option for tour excursions, fishing trips, etc.
Location: Main Street Guiones/walk from town
Price Range: $5-$10
Phone: 2682-0087
Web: http://www.cafedeparis.net
Marlin Bills
*Recommended for Dinner
American styles steakhouse menu featuring steak, chicken, fresh fish, burgers, pastas, and salads. Full bar menu.
Location: Main Street Guiones/walk from town
Price Range: $7-$25
Phone: 2682-0458
Web: https://www.facebook.com/Marlin Bills
IL Basilico
*Recommended for Dinner
Il Basilico is a locally owned talian restaurant. The ambiance is rustic, with incredible food at affordable prices. Il Basilico offers everything from pizzas, to specialty salads, pasta, seafood, and much more. Several nights a week live music can be enjoyed. Come join us for a wonderful evening!
Location: South Guiones/taxi from town
Price Range: $6-$15
Phone: 2682-1472
Web: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Restaurante-IL-Basilico
Kaya Sol
*Recommended for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Extensive menu, all meals. Fresh seafood, free-range steaks, pasta, burgers, salads by popular Chef Jorge. Full bar and wine list.
Location: North Guiones /taxi from town
Price Range: $5-$20
Phone: 2682-1459
Web: http://www.kayasolsurfhotel.com
Gilded Iguana
*Recommended for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
A Nosara landmark since 1986. In November (2014) former owners of popular seafood restaurant Pacifico Azul assumed management of the Gilded Iguana hotel and restaurant.
The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a wide variety of fresh selections with an emphasis on seafood. Full bar. Live music Tuesday and Friday nights.
Location: North Guiones/taxi from town
Price Range: $5-$20
Phone: 2682-0259
Web: http://thegildediguana.com
Burgers and Beers
*Recommended Lunch and Dinner
Monster burgers and hand cut fries. Excellent handcrafted beers.
One visit will you keep coming back for more!
Location: North Guiones/taxi from town
Price Range: $10-$15
Phone: 2682-5558
Web: http://www.facebook.com/burgersandbeerscr/info
La Luna
*Recommended for Lunch and Dinner
Ocean front restaurant, great for sunsets and special occasions.
The eclectic menu has Asian and Mediterranean flourishes; excellent wood-fired pizza. Deserts by Ems Yums.
Full bar and wine list. Call ahead for reservations.
Location: Playa Pelada/taxi from town
Price Range: $7-$25
Phone: 2682-0122
Web: https://www.facebook.com/pages/LA-LUNA
La Dolce Vita
*Recommended for Dinner
Upscale Italian cuisine in romantic setting. Proprietor/Host Roberto DeSilvio proudly oversees every detail and table nightly. Good wine list.
Location: South Guiones/walk from town
Price Range: $5-$40
Phone: 2682-0107
Rancho Tico
*Recommended for Dinner
Located in Nosara Centro, Rancho Tico is great for tipico food:
Casados, Lomito jalapeno, and fresh seafood. Full bar.
Location: Nosara Centro/taxi from town
Price Range: $6-$20
Phone: 2682-0006
Web: https://www.facebook.com/RanchoTicoNosara
Safari Surf Schools 2014-2015 season opened with a bang as an early season cold front ushered in fresh offshore winds, sunny skies, and super fun surf. It is always a challenge emerging from the rain soaked months of “Septober” where flooded roads, stormy skies, and choppy surf keeps visitors away and locals holed up in their homes. Although the El Nino weather phenomenon did result in a “less intense” rainy season, from my perspective it stayed pretty darned wet and soggy around these parts. Most sources predict an early end to this year’s rainy season which has been evident in two successive northern hemisphere cold fronts already in the books. Around town merchants are painting, cleaning, and readying their businesses for the busy high season ahead. Safari welcomed a good number of new and “alumni” guests this week, so I thought a little recap of our 1st week would be fun.
Hot and Glassy & nobody out – get down here!
Safari Manager Jeffrey with ‘El Jefe’ Tim Marsh
We’ve been stoked to have Safari President Tim Marsh here this week to help us kick off the new season. I sat down with Tim to get his thoughts on the upcoming season and the “New Safari Surf”.
PL: Welcome back Tim, fresh from Indonesia, where did you go?
Tim: I was in the Mentawai Islands boating from break to break.
PL: Well here we are, a brand new season. What’s new for Safari this year?
Tim: We are very excited about this new season. We have trimmed down to our “core staff” and are focused on making our surf lesson teaching system the best in the business. We interview all guests as to their experience and
ability levels and structure their equipment and instruction according to a new multi-level rating system. This way we can focus appropriate attention on each student. No longer will a complete beginner be paired with an experienced rider. We are also investing in our instructors training and personal development towards attaining their Level 2 International Surfing Association coaching and instruction certification. In December we will take delivery of 35 new surfboards made specifically for Safari Surf School. We have just opened a new branch of Safari Surf in Nicaragua and look forward to growing that program, and of course we have the ongoing development of Olas Verdes Sustainable Surfing Resort right next store. Our new website will launch soon so stay tuned to http://www.safarisurfschool.com for all the latest safari Surf news!
Olas Verdes
The Week in Pictures
Surfer Town comes to Life
Safari Guests
Kate & Charlie Helberth, Mary, & Catherine
Catherine from Dallas
Mary from UK
Jessica from NYC
Alejandra from Canada
Skye from NYC
Tim Marsh in Indonesia
PURA VIDA – see you soon!
I would like to dedicate this blog to my dad, William Lewis, who left this earth last Monday. Dad loved the ocean and instilled in me a love for the water and waves that lives on today.
On Monday, September 22, 2014, autumn began astronomically in the Northern Hemisphere. This also marked the start of spring in the southern half of the globe. The September equinox is the moment when the sun appears to cross the celestial equator heading southward. At the equinox, the sun rises directly in the east and sets directly in the west. In the Northern Hemisphere the southward equinox is known as the autumnal equinox. In the Southern Hemisphere it is known as the vernal or spring equinox. Even though Costa Rica is located at 9 degrees north in the northern hemisphere, the names of the seasons are commonly flip-flopped and the September equinox is referred to down here as ‘spring’, and ‘summer’ starts late in November. From what I can determine this is based on local folklore and tradition, not science! What does this all mean for us optimistic surfers? Spring is here in Nosara! Summer is coming! In November we begin to usher in the dreamy offshore wind season. As the Southern Hemisphere winter winds down, we begin to see our surf “source” spawning from singular primary directions, drop in size a bit, and become more spaced apart, lined up, and very clean. Our dry season begins “sometime in November”. This year, due to the El Nino weather phenomenon, there is a good probability that our rains will taper off early in the month and sunny days, starry nights, and offshore winds return!
Up North
Down South
Safari Surf School’s New Season Starts November 1st!
Take advantage of predicted early summer conditions, less crowds, learn to surf in paradise.
We’ll be waiting for you, “hasta pronto” – (see you soon)!
~Pura Vida~
