Firstly the surf has been as expected……totally amazing every morning the surf is at its best with there being very little or a very light off-shore wind which just produces these amazing conditions. If you’re a snowboarder it’s having fresh snow. If you’re a diver it’s having 60 foot visibility but if you’re a surfer it’s got to be glassy conditions creating these awesome waves and it happens every day.
The guys are really progressing well and I can see a huge improvement in everyone’s surfing ability to date. Of course everyone has their different standards and own goals to achieve but it’s great to see that everyone is improving and enjoying their own personal surfing. Surfing never follows a straight line and can be very tough at times but if you put in the effort the rewards are very fulfilling.

Apart from spending plenty of time in the water we have been experiencing the local Costa Rican culture in the form of Rodeo Bull Riding. This has been taking place in the nearby town of Cabano where once a year everyone flocks to the town and enjoys the wildest, bravest and indeed craziest people taking on these huge Bulls. How they stay on these creatures is beyond me as they buck and jump and generally try to get whoever is on them off.And off them as quickly as possible. One thing that stands out was they set up a 5 a side football tournament and they started to play football. So far no problem, then out of nowhere they let out a Bull and they continue to play football as though nothing had happened…..all very amusing. But it’s not just the Rodeo it’s the whole atmosphere of the event. Costa Ricans party hard. There were numerous dance and music arenas, food stands and a fun fair all to enjoy. We all enjoyed a great night out some even partied on till the early hours of the morning.

One thing that stands out in Costa Rica is the amazing Sunsets so I decided to take the guys to a beautiful place in Mal Pais high up in the hills where the views are breath taking. This place is so cool and offers the opportunity of witnessing probably the best sunsets in the whole of Santa Teresa, all whilst sipping on a cocktail soaking in the infinity pool which gives the illusion that the pool stretches right out to the sea. After the sun has set its time for a BBQ and we were treated to a feast. Here you are given your meat be it fish, steak or chicken and you cook your  food to your own personal preference, totally amazing and just to top it off we all enjoyed abit of night swimming in the pool. Regrettably this night marks the end of their adventure with TTRide for Elliot and Maddy and we wish Naedene who had to leave the course earlier the very best. They are and will be sorely missed.

Our next adventure (whilst we awaited the arrival of Jessica and Olympia) saw us travel to The National Reserve. This was the first ever National Reserve in Costa Rica and boasts a huge variety of wildlife and fauna to enjoy. Wildlife ranges from bats, spiders, and deer’s and if your lucky sightings of sloths and pumas have also been reported. The trek is quite gruelling as it takes you 5 k (2 hour trek each way) into the jungle and down to a beautiful beach right on the Peninsula but it is all worth it when you get there. The beach is fantastic, crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and we were lucky enough to have it all to ourselves, well at least for the first 20 minutes or so. On our trek we did spot several species from the ever present Howler monkeys, White faced monkeys, Deer various birds and other foraging marsupials. But what makes these sightings special is the fact that they are totally wild and we are the ones who are visiting their natural living environment. We all agreed although the trek was challenging it had all been worthwhile the effort.

Back at Funky Monkey we greeted our newest arrivals and gave them the rundown of life in Costa Rica. And with no time to lose we were all doing what we do best, hitting the surf at day break the next morning.
 
 A new day…..

A new swell ……..

Same old perfect waves……
 
 
Please check out the pictures.