TAKE ME BACK TO JACO, COSTA RICA
Told By: Cody Iorns
Jaco, Costa Rica by now I’m sure you have seen the pictures so where do I begin? In the weeks leading up to our departure, I think I remember seeing sunlight just a couple times. The DMV grind can wear me down and with terrible weather, I was hurting, but there was a light in the tunnel. Early January I got the announcement. Capital Adventures was making a trip to Costa Rica, there was no way I was going to miss this!
The Paddle Bros (Brian Meyer, Kevin Haigis, and Chris “Goose” Norman) had been hard at work putting it all together. The only decision I needed to make was what type of room I wanted. Shared rooms and private hostile style rooms were definitely an awesome deal, but I sprung for the private room, which was still a steal. The guys sent me the invoice, I sent them my passport number, and they took care of EVERYTHING. It was time for me to blow the dust off my surfing arms.
As the departure day approached I received an itinerary, packing list, and my confirmation number. All I did was pack my bags and show up, surfing arms in tow. Once I got to the airport, I was surprised to see the turnout, not only were there some familiar faces from the CapitalSUP race training team but a few new friends as well. All ages walks of life, and ability levels, with one common goal, enjoying life. We boarded our plane, claimed our seats, and went wheels up on a very windy day. I’m pretty sure everyone held their breath for that takeoff. Next stop, paradise.
We arrived in San Jose, scurried through customs and boarded our shuttle to the Salinas Hostel Resort. The staff checked us into our rooms. We dropped our bags and went straight to the ocean. All we could really do is speculate at the view because this was almost 1 am. Surfing lessons were number on the itinerary so we had to at least make an effort to sleep.
The morning sun slowly brought to life our slice of paradise to life. The Salinas kitchen did not disappoint. I am a firm believer that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and the Salinas did it right. Laid out was an incredible breakfast spread with hot traditional Costa Rican dishes, fresh fruits, and the unanimous favorite…. The tea, basically rocket for people. We were going to need the energy, Jacó was calling our names.
Every day was a new adventure in its own right. Whether It was hiking up to an abandoned hostel tucked away in the canopy of trees to enjoy arguably the most incredible sunset view over the water, to riding quad bikes through the forest. Whatever it was, having everyone there made the experience that much more enjoyable. When it was time for a little seclusion to empty your mind, tranquility was everywhere. My personal favorite, getting out on in the early morning glassy water. Thanks, Samantha Norman for helping me out!
Surfing was by far the main attraction. Salina surf camp was a good refresher or introductory lesson, Jacabo, and the other instructors made sure everyone was understanding the basic fundamentals before ever stepping into the ocean. By the time the tide came in and the set waves started to come crashing in everyone was putting their new skills to the test. It didn’t matter if you were paddling out for the big outside waves or sharpening your technique on the so-called second waves (aka kitty pool) where it was less likely for a fall to land you in the washing machine, it didn’t matter. There was plenty of stoke for everyone, and then some.
As the days came winding down, it was difficult not take a seat and be mesmerized by the sun slowly dipping into the Pacific, turning the blue sky into an explosion of orange. No matter what triumphs or challenges, victories or defeat, there was one thing to count on. Sitting around the dinner table, ice cold beverages, and hours of laughter that made our crew of rogue adventurers into a family. So much so that when Renato (Barefoot Spiderman of a jungle tour guide) asked me if we were a family I could not bring myself to say no. The Capital SUP family welcomed me with open arms and I was very proud to be able to share the experience with others and I hope to continue sharing adventures with this incredible tribe of awesome people.
Stay tuned for the adventures to come!
I want to give a big thank you to the Paddle Bros for all their hard work and The Capital Adventures Crew for the abundance of big smiles, positive attitudes, and great times shared. The Salinas Hostel for the exceptional service, amazing food, and all around good vibes. I had the time of my life.