This is a list of what our instructors deem as fundamental gear for your course. Feel free to bring items that are not on this list, but please keep in mind that you will be responsible for your personal belongings. Do not bring more than you think you will be able to carry!
Prior to leaving our base, instructors lead students through a process we call the “Duffle Shuffle.” During this process you will be issued the necessary equipment for whichever phase of your course (rafting, surfing, etc.) that you are about to embark on. At this time, instructors will advise you as to which of your personal items you will not need or cannot take on course. Any such items will be locked in our storage facility on base and returned to you at the end of your course.
When packing, please keep in mind that rain, mud, and harsh weather conditions are possible. Good equipment can protect your body from these elements and really make a difference in your comfort level.
Personal Clothing
2-3 Pairs of casual/street clothes for travel
1 Tight-fitting rash guard for surfing
1 Lightweight WATERPROOF/breathable rain jacket with a hood. Check at your local outdoor
store (REI,EMS , etc.) for their store brand of jacket.
store (REI,
Underwear – lightweight, fast drying, non-cotton
2 Pairs of socks
2-3 T-shirts – highly preferable: non-cotton, fast drying and/or wicking fabric
2-3 Tank tops
1 Pair of shorts – lightweight, fast drying, non-cotton
1 Lightweight long sleeve shirt and pants – for mosquito protection, preferably not cotton
1 Fleece Jacket – at Base Camp and during the hiking section, you will encounter cold nights
1 Baseball cap or wide brimmed hat
1 Beach towel or Sarong
Foot Wear
1 Pair non-Velcro sandals with ankle straps OR neoprene SCUBA/surfing shoes with a rubber sole. This is to protect your feet during the rafting day. We recommend Chacos, Keens or Tevas. Crocs are not recommended.
1 Pair of Flip-flops (for the beach/casual days)
For Women
2 Swimsuits – at least one needs to be a sports swimsuit for surfing and beach athletics
1 Pair of board shorts/swim trunks
2 Comfortable sports bras – non cotton if possible
Tampons – bring a good supply even if you do not expect to need them. You DO NOT want to
be surprised on course. Try to find a brand without plastic applicators or that are bio-
degradable.
be surprised on course. Try to find a brand without plastic applicators or that are bio-
degradable.
Menstrual cramp medication recommended if you normally need it
For Men
2 Pairs of board shorts/ swim trunks
Personal Gear
1 book bag or day pack – We will provide a very large hiking backpack to carry all your
stuff, but for days at the beach you will want your own smaller bag.
stuff, but for days at the beach you will want your own smaller bag.
1 Pair UVA/UVB protection sunglasses – polarized lenses are best on the water
2 Nalgenes or other wide-mouth water bottles – 1L each
1 Fox 40 whistle (non-cork ball)
1 Headlamp with extra batteries – Energizer brand headlamps have proven to be durable as well
as cost efficient for course
as cost efficient for course
2-3 Large Ziploc-type plastic bags
1 Bottle of bug repellent
1 Aloe Vera gel or other sunburn cream
1 Lip salve or balm with sunscreen
1 Bottle of waterproof sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
1 Tube Zinc oxide sun protection – if you burn easily this is the best sunscreen for you
1 Toiletry kit with travel size bottles: toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap,
shampoo/conditioner (biodegradable), foot powder, antibacterial hand sanitizer, deodorant
(unscented), etc.
shampoo/conditioner (biodegradable), foot powder, antibacterial hand sanitizer, deodorant
(unscented), etc.
1 Pack towel (shammy)
1 Full size bath towel and/or beach towel (CRROBS does not provide any towels)
1 Full size bath towel and/or beach towel (CRROBS does not provide any towels)
1 Personal journal, paper, envelopes, and pens – we gladly provide postage for postcards home
Medical
1 Bottle of Swimmer’s Ear to prevent ear infections
Instructors carry complete First Aid kits on all courses, so you only need to bring medications that are specific to your needs. If you are taking prescription medicines or have glasses/contacts, bring backup supplies (up to twice the normal amount – in case of loss/emergency).
Travel Documents/Money
Your passport (must be valid for at least six months)
Your plane ticket and copies of your flight itinerary to assist us in planning transportation for
your return flight
your return flight
A photocopy of the picture ID page of your passport
$200 US CASH or Credit Card for medical emergency and personal items
Optional
1 Pair tennis shoes/running shoes for walking/hiking (not necessary if your sandals are sturdy)
Crazy creek chair
3mm spring suit (shorty wetsuit) – Unless you get cold VERY easily, this is not necessary.
1 Small dry bag
Camera(s) – disposable/disposable waterproof are good options. If you bring a more expensive camera, we recommend a small dry bag or other waterproof case to store it. If you bring a digital camera, consider bringing extra batteries and memory cards.
1- 2 Secure straps (“Croakies”) for your sunglasses and/or glasses, if applicable
Camp/travel hammock – “Eagles nest” or Hennessy hammocks made of lightweight nylon are
best. Many students buy a traditional hammock inCosta Rica
as a souvenir, but this will not be available until the end of the course.
best. Many students buy a traditional hammock in
as a souvenir, but this will not be available until the end of the course.
1 Book for your reading pleasure
1 Travel size sewing kit
1 Travel pillow
1 Mosquito net – keep in mind that some students never end up using it
1 Spanish-English dictionary
1 Deck of cards or other travel game
CRROBS Provides:
Hiking backpack
Sleeping bag and pads
Meal kit
Surfboard/boogie board
All necessary river equipment
SURFBOARDS:
CRROBS provides all of the equipment necessary for the surfing sections of your course. YOU DO NOT NEED TO BRING YOUR OWN BOARD! It is not a good idea to buy a board if you are a new surfer just for your course!
If you intend to bring a board with you to Costa Rica
Ensure that it is carefully packaged for transport- if you need suggestions for this, ask!
Be sure to bring all necessary parts: fins, bolts, leash, bag, etc. and necessary tools specific to your board.
CRROBS provides surf wax.
Think carefully about bringing your own board– it may be damaged in flight or on course. CRROBS is not responsible for any such damages should they occur.
ITEMS NOT ALLOWED ON COURSE
The following items will not be allowed while you are on course and will have to be left at our base. You may consider leaving them at home:
Cell phones – Cell phones will most likely not work once you land in Costa Rica
I-pods or other music devices– These items will be put in our safe at the beginning of the course and you will not have access to them again until the last day of your course.
Watches/ Clocks– If you are used to checking your wrist every five minutes, it’s time to relax. =) If you bring a watch with you, you will be asked to leave it at base. We find that students enjoy themselves much more if they aren’t worried about the time.
Pocket Knives or Multi-Tools– We supply all the cutting implements you will need for your course; personal ones will need to be left on base.
Lighters– Our instructors carry all fire-starting devices you will need for camping and cooking activities on course.
ANY OTHER PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES- (with the exception of cameras) must be left behind once you start your course, so think carefully before bringing them.
ANY ALCOHOL, DRUGS, CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES (OTHER THAN PRESCRIBED BY A PHYSICIAN) and TOBACCO PRODUCTS ARE FORBIDDEN ON COURSE!
We take this very seriously! Violations are grounds for expulsion from course. If you have questions, please ask us [email protected].