Costa Rica Surf Camp, Yoga Retreat and Adventure Holidays

Choosing the Right Surf Camp

Sunday, December 19th, 2010

Surfing Economy In Costa Rica
In my perfect world, the Costa Rican Government would recognize surfing as a sport or as an activity that brings a significant amount of people and money to the country every year. So far and I know that it is sad, Surfing in Costa Rica is just an uncertain thing. Not a sport, not even listed as an economic source for the country. In some countries or maybe the majority of countries where they have waves – regulations and permits exist. Countries like Australia and USA have a guideline to start a surf school or a surfing business. Just a few years ago, surf camps in California were welcoming regulations of the same kind.

I feel deeply concerned about this issue. I think that first of all, surfing should be recognized as a sport. International events like the World Surfing Games were held in our country. We have good waves all over our two coasts and we are also a very attractive and popular destination to come and practice this sport. Isn’t this enough for the government of Costa Rica to declare surfing as a sport and have regulations for people that want to start a surf school or a surf camp?

What You Should Know
It is amazing that so far here in Costa Rica it is a free for all. Costa Ricans and foreign people come to start surfing schools and surf camps with no problem. Even people that don’t live in the country, they come in with a tourist visa, staff and surf boards. They work for a season, use our beaches and do not pay one cent of taxes to the Costa Rican government. They do not employ local people or even care about going to the Municipality of the place to ask if there is a permit that they need to have to work.

I love my country
As a Costa Rican who adores her country, beaches and freedom; I will go to the end of the road with this. It is time that every single surfing school, surf camp or hotel that offers surf lessons have a permit to work or provide as a surf school. They should also have proper insurance for this matter and all of their surf instructors should be certified with at least CPR, First Aid and Water Rescue or Life Saving. This is essential and fair.

We will get there.
Now Jaco Municipality has a permit for operating a Private Surf School. I believe that so far, it is the only Municipality in Costa Rica that offers this permit. Perhaps for the numerous amount of surf schools in this area. I just wonder how many business owners have this permit? Not everybody does. I believe that only 4 or 5 schools have this permit to work. What about the rest? Do you know if you’re being taken care of properly when you pay money for a surf school?

Hopefully Municipalities like Nicoya, Santa Cruz, Cobano will follow Jaco’s steps and offer this kind of permit soon.

Del Mar Surf Camp has always thought about this matter. Even if we didn’t require this from our local municipality in the past, we have had our insurance, certified instructors, good boards and a permit to work. We pay taxes every year and try our best to hire all local people. There is a huge potential of surfers in Costa Rica that can give you an excellent service. I am more than happy to say that we employee some of the best surfers in Costa Rica and have recently renewed our certifications for 16 surf instructors.

Getting the real experience
Sometimes I see lots of tourists that are catered by other tourists. It is funny to me but what can we do? When you are looking to come to Costa Rica to live a real experience, make sure that you know exactly where are you going and who are you going to be with. It will make a huge difference and you know that by visiting a new country, you are also helping the country and its locals. Not supporting someone that comes and uses the country and does not give anything back.

I will do my best to get to the Minister of Tourism and fight for our rights. Give SURFING the name and position that it deserves and most importantly, make sure that every surf camp or surf school that exists in Costa Rica provides a safe and professional service to their clients.

-Maria del Mar
Camp Director, Hermosa Beach
info@delmarsurfcamp.com

Tags: costa travel, rica surf, surf camp, surf camp certifications & regulations, surf costa rica, surf school
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