This has to be the best video produced in a long time about Costa Rica. Many thanks to Peter Krupa for producing this.

I find as I continue to live life, I am definite that there are no coincidences of events or experiences. There is something that is working underneath that shapes and teaches us and if we are willing to listen, we can learn much about ourselves. I also believe that these forces continue whether or not we are willing to acknowledge them. Many people share stories of epiphanies, I believe these are moments of clarity or as Jaimal Yogis describes in his book, “Saltwater Buddha” becoming “awake.” Some people purposely endeavor to become awake by studying Buddhism. Most people don’t study but I believe many people experience a “Buddhist” moment in their life and what they do with the experience defines their future lives and how they relate to the world around them. It is a fork in the road of life and all of us must make these decision many times whether we are “awake” or not.

I was asked to read the “Saltwater Buddha” and offer a review for the author. Initially, I was reluctant to begin as I am not a fan of reading PDF doc’s for leisure or study. I prefer to have my coffee, pillows arranged on the couch and the table close for my legs to rest on, with a physical book in my hands. However reluctant, I began reading and I was immediately captivated and soon forgot my creature comforts habits. Jaimal writes a story about a boy on a journey of self-discovery in the age of suburbia, Play Station, CD’s and MTV. He creates a character that is complex and unique, but it is the characters desires and dreams that creates a knowing connection immediately. On the most basic level, I believe all of us want to be happy, joyous, and free but with societal demands many never experience nor achieve all three simultaneously. Leaving us with a feeling in our gut that “something is missing?” and it is at these times many of us have these epiphanies. Saltwater Buddha is a journey of a boy who has this empty feeling and decides to not dream but live his dreams. I believe everyone can relate to this book because the experience is a human one and includes all age groups and both genders. more…

As many of you already know, Jaco is filled with surfers and champion surfers from around the world. So it is normal for most people to see surfers standing up on their boards. But the look on peoples faces when they see a person standing up on a surf board while holding a boat oar or Paddle ranges from “what is that person doing?” to “WOW!” Officially known as  Stand up Paddle boards aka SUP or SUPS.

Stand up paddle surfing is the most ancient form of surfing or the original form dating back hundreds of years to the south pacific, according to surf historians.  But it was not until recently has the sport taken on new levels in competition. What is great about this type of surfing is that it has greater reach to both genders and age groups. The ease of standing up, maintaining balance, and the greater mobility is the key to this attraction.

SUP surfing can take place in all wave conditions which makes this type of surfing more flexible when choosing to participate and there is plenty of good surf near Jaco for SUP. Traditionally, most surfers live and breath by the change in tides or swells but not so for SUP surfers, they can surf in most conditions. more…

Greetings everyone,

Starting next week, we will begin to post information in the form of Surf Tips when planning travel or planning a surf vacation for Costa Rica or for that matter anywhere in the world. Local and long time surf outfitter Chuck Herwig will begin sharing his experience with us weekly.

Chuck has a surf shop in Jaco, Costa Rica where surfers can get information ranging from places to stay in Costa Rica, best places to surf in Costa Rica, best surf instructors for beginners, and much more. Chuck has a website but do not let the low tech or simple site dissuade you from his knowledge.

People here in Jaco know when they need to find out information about anything related to surfing they go see Chuck. So check back or subscribe to the RSS Feed to begin learning from Chucks experience!