With simple, straightforward instructions before each surf
session, you will be riding waves in no time. Each day our surf
instructors will take you to a surf break that is appropriate for
your skill level and provide all the equipment you need. Surf
instructors will teach water safety, paddling techniques, surf
etiquette, and wave riding skills. If you are already up and
riding, our instructors will work to hone your abilities.
Pavones is a perfect place for learning how to surf, not only
because of the variety of waves in the area, but also because of
the form of the wave itself. It is a gentle rolling Waikiki style
wave that continues on forever. At more than a half of a mile
long, Pavones is famous amongst surfers as one of the longest
point breaks in the world. You will have plenty of time to get to
your feet.
Breathe in the serenity of the unparalleled Shooting Star
Studio. From the gorgeous open air 30 x 50 hardwood floor, hear
the calm of the neighboring stream splashing along protected
forest. Gaze out over the waves rolling along the palm-lined
beach as you stand in Tadasana.
Our yogini, Amy Khoo, is an accomplished and dynamic teacher of
Ashtanga yoga, Bikram yoga, and her very own yoga for surfers, a
combination of stretching and strengthening that addresses the
body needs of the surfer. Among Amy's strengths is her ability to
customize a yoga session to accommodate the needs and desires of
all participants, whether it be the full primary series of
Ashtanga yoga or a simplified version of her yoga for
surfers.
Included in our package will be a couple of guided nature walks
around the Conte-Burica Reserve. The Conte-Burica Reserve is home
to the largest and least acculturated tribe in Costa Rica, the
Guaymi (who call themselves the Ngöbe). You will see the
Ngöbe women wearing their colorful pollera hand-sewn dresses as well as
other crafts which may be purchased, such as the traditional
chacaras (balsa fiber bags) and the popular woven hats
commonly known as Panama hats.
During the nature walks you may see some of the 200 varieties of
birds including scarlet macaws and toucans, an amazing variety of
mammals such as sloths and anteaters, brightly colored reptiles
and amphibians, like iguanas and poison dart frogs. You will also
see spectacular waterfalls and swim in emerald green pools under
the jungle canopy.
You will take an unforgettable boat ride across the Gulfo Dulce
to Matapalo on the Osa Peninsula. During the ride to and from
Matapalo it is possible to see pods of Spinner, Bottle-Nose, and
Black-spotted dolphins that breed and live in the gulf. December
through May is prime time to see Humpback and and Blue whales
breeching as they come into the gulf to give birth and care for
their calves.
At Matapalo you will have the opportunity to surf a gentle right
point break called Pan Dulce and take a short nature walk under
the mountains of the Corcovado National Park, the largest virgin
rain forest in the Western Hemisphere north of the Amazon. Here
you will be sure to see some curious coatis, monkeys, exotic
birds, and other creatures of the rain forest.
All activities are optional. But, if you are the kind of person
that does not want to spend a couple of afternoons walking along
the beaches or relaxing on your lanai, we will be happy to make
arrangements for you to enjoy a number of other activities, like
Spanish language classes, horseback riding, fishing, private surf
lessons, more yoga, more massages, or other types of pampering.
Expect to discover some muscles you never knew existed. Our one
hour therapeutic massage is designed to relax all those sore,
aching muscles and relieve tension. Our licensed massage
therapist has not only been trained in a number of techniques,
such as Namakoshi Shiatsu, Swedish Massage, Foot Reflexology,
Cranial/Sacral, and Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, but she also has
extensive experience in the field of medical massage and working
on sore surfers.
