by Trevor Brown
In Costa Rica, animals surround us during almost every activity we do. Sometimes they are obvious and sometimes they’re hidden. Surfing is not different. You may not see them, but I assure you; they are there. In Costa Ballena, you may encounter a wide variety of animals while you are surfing. Some can be dangerous, but most are not. Just as on land, you should also be conscious of what animals are around you in the water.
Animals you will commonly encounter while surfing include pelicans and multiple types of fish. In Dominical, you may see the dorsal fish of snooks (robalo) as they patrol the shallow waters hunting for smaller fish. You will know there are big fish near you when schools of small fish start jumping. Not as frequent, but surely passing through from time to time are pods of dolphins.
There are very few animals that you need to be worried about in the water. For example, in the shallow waters, you will commonly find rays. If you were to step on a ray, its tail will likely sting you. To avoid this, simply shuffl your feet in the sand as you walk. The rays will see the cloud of sand and move away. If you do happen to get stung by a ray, pour hot water on the wound to soothe the pain. The pain will be strong at fist, but will fade in time similar to that of a bee or scorpion sting.
In a country as bio-diverse as Costa Rica, we must learn to coexist with the animals. Being conscious of what animals are around you, and their habits, will keep both, you and them safe.
Info: Trevor Brown – Costa Rica Surf Realty
