Costa Ballena Calls out to Many, and a Lucky Few Call it Home

AUTHOR: James Stephenson

Beyond the walls and gated gardens, the home extends into the community, and it is thanks to the people of this paradise who bring forth its beauty. Lush green waterfalls and pearlescent shimmered seas are a shallow veneer against the deep connections forged between families and friends.

Last month saw the community converge to support our most important natural resource, our children. Local non-profit Surf Costa Rica, led by James Stephenson, a British ex-pat who heard the call in 2021, bussed in local Tico kids from Cortes to Quepos, arriving at Matapalo Beach for the inaugural ‘Leoncitos’ event. Readied for 250 4-14-year-olds, 70 volunteers rallied to bring smiles to the faces of children and their families.

Delayed but not deterred by the heavy thunderstorms the week before, volunteers bore the rain on arrival and prepared the events. Football nets were erected, and water balloons were carefully filled. Nestled within the palms of the beach-front property, they piled rocks, primed for painting, and threads and beads were set, ready for local jewelry maker Floribeth to teach all who came. And as the rain subsided and the children arrived, the energy rose. Fed by the fruit presented by Instagram influencer JuiceMadame the games began.

Team games teach more than the confines of any classroom. Self-esteem and confidence win this game, and careful guardians watching over the smiles and shrieks were a delight to bear witness. An appreciation of health and wellness was also on offer throughout. Organic, grass-fed beef burgers nourished little bodies while yoga filled their souls.  

And as the tide receded and the beach revealed, children lined up in the sand, eager to learn to surf. Volunteer instructors across the Ballena coast imparted knowledge, and the children hit the waves. A first for all.

From the beach, the greatest of vistas as, one by one, they stood, rode the wave, and felt that feeling. I remember the rush of my first wave... That sense of accomplishment etched in mind, a memory ready to be replayed, will reap reward long after the event.

The gift of great memories was the primary goal, for not all could swim to enjoy the surf (although Surf Costa Rica has plans to address the shortage of proficient swimmers across the region too). The greater goal was, through surf, to show that anything is possible and they, just like anyone, can achieve whatever they set out before them—starting with catching that first crescent wave.

Surf might not be for everyone. It provides at least a path of progression. It shows that you will succeed with an aim, time, and attention. That lesson extends beyond the whitewash and will last a lifetime. And what a life it could be!

Surf Costa Rica has big plans for the future, and it starts here. They aim to promote Ballena as the Surf Costa Rica destination by partnering with local surf schools and independent instructors and providing professional business and marketing support. Offering financial independence for instructors, ease of booking for tourists, and revenue raised more events and programs for the local Tico kids. 

For more information on Surf Costa Rica and the projects they have planned, please reach out to James at 8661 5437, or visit surfcostarica.org.