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…

Every year thousands of tourists visit Costa Rica with ideas of experiencing adventure, tropical rain forests, wild animals, and surfing. While the majority of these adventures are safe and relatively low risk, it is the alternative activities or spontaneous decisions that pose very high risks. What are some of these alternatives? Suffice to say, anything in which your participation when gone awry could cause grave injuries. Why?

While Costa Rica boasts the traditional 911 emergency number, it is nothing remotely similar to the USA, Canada, or European systems. To demonstrate differences, just a few basics about the other countries system: US,CA; rapid response under 10 minutes, stabilization for transport and trauma care at hospital, European;rapid response under 10 minutes, stabilization & trauma care brought to scene. All have Enhanced-911 services; callerID with physical address, coordinated radio command & control of fire-police-EMT. And all come equipped for the job.

In Costa Rica, while authorities may claim rapid response is a high priority it does not exist. Furthermore, the noted basics of the other countries systems does not exist here. When you dial 911 in Costa Rica, you are sent to a central office in San Jose where they attempt to coordinate a response.

Red Cross Central Operations upgraded in 2001 from donation by Japan

Often, when they call the local Red Cross or Cruz Rojo there is no answer. If you become incapacitated during the call, no luck locating the origin of the call, hence, no location information. When a response is received and the Red Cross arrives they often are ill-equipped to deal with any emergency other than their training. Equipment is often non-functional, or non-existent and hospital transport can be upwards to 2 hours depending on your location and that meter begins after they arrive on the scene which can take up to an hour. more…

Long before the hike in fuel prices and airlines charged alot money to travel with your surf boards. Arriving safely, then you had to get them to the beach intact whether you rented a car or caught the bus. Then you add the factor of lugging them around from baggage to rental car or bus, etc along with your clothes and crap. It is a big time hassle and for me has put a dent in the journey many times.

Living in Jaco, Costa Rica I no longer really need to worry about this adventure but HOLY COW for the people are visiting today the “extra fuel surcharges” for surf boards is INSANE!! I have been waiting to videotape Chuck Herwig who owns Chuck’s W.O.W. Surf here in Jaco to begin discussing travel tips for surfers. more…

1. Canary Islands – Spain

THE WAVES
Lanzarote and Fuerteventura can often get crowded, but have a good selection of reef- and point-breaks. A yacht charter will take you to less accessible islands such as La Graciosa and Lobos, which have top-quality point-breaks for surfers of all abilities.

WHEN TO GO
Consistently big swells from October to March.

ON DRY LAND
On Lanzarote, the volcanic Timanfaya National Park and the spectacular views afforded by the Mirador del Río shouldn’t be missed. The Sahara-like sand dunes on the island of Fuerteventura are also worth seeing.

2. HOSSEGOR – COTE D’ARGENT, FRANCE

THE WAVES
Ideal for everyone from complete beginners to experts. Surfers head here from all over the world for the late-summer swells, and several pro contests are held locally each year. Crowds can usually be avoided by travelling away from the main breaks.

WHEN TO GO
August to October for warm water; Spring to avoid the crowds.

ON DRY LAND
Villages and lakes leading up to the Côte d’Argent to the north; to the south, the historical Basque city of Bayonne, and the elegant resort of Biarritz. Inland, the Pyrenees visible from the coast are great for walking and mountain biking. more…