Pacific Surf & Cert Extension #1
The seven students on the first Pacific Surf & Cert Extension course finished their week-long surf intensive this past Saturday. After surfing and working on their first-aid and CPR certifications every day, they will be leaving us with enhanced surf and safety skills, along with new friends and memories.
Many of the students agreed that standing up on their surfboard and riding a wave was one of their fondest memories of their entire Summer Expedition, which was either 3 or 5 weeks including either the Rainforest Hike & Homestay course, the Caribbean Scuba & Service course, or both.
“This course surpassed my expectations. I expected to just surf, but I grew as a person as well,” said Natalie C. from Bloomington, Indiana.
Bethel M. from Escazú, Costa Rica said she “loved every part of the course. There was a great balance between all activities.”
All students came back from Avellanas beach not just as better surfers, but having completed a well-rounded course thanks to their instructors Carlos, Jorge, and Bailey.
Lindsay S. from Dublin, Ohio described her time with Outward Bound Costa Rica as “A fun learning experience that made me appreciate life more than ever,” while Jack P. from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, added that it was “an unreal experience that everyone should have the opportunity to do.”
Caribbean Scuba & Service #2
The students on the current Caribbean Scuba & Service course have completed their first busy week and a half including their scuba diving phase off the island of Solarte. They are now wrapping up their multi-day sea kayaking expedition.
The ten students have been enjoying the warm waters of Panama with other water activities like wake boarding. Now that they’ve explored the islands of the Bocas del Toro archipelago, they will be transferring to San San Pond Sak Wetland for the final phase of their course, the sea turtle conservation project where they will assist in efforts to help the leatherback sea turtle population.
Rainforest Hike & Homestay #3
Meanwhile in Costa Rica, the twelve teens on Rainforest Hike & Homestay #3 have completed their week-long trek through the remote jungle and countryside in the center of the country. They spent two nights camping on the trails, one night on a “solo”, and four nights in different rural homestays where they stayed with local families and immersed themselves with activities like making sugar and making cheese.
At the end of their challenging backpacking trip, they arrived near the Pacific coast and Manuel Antonio beach. At this new tropical paradise location they will enjoy some fun in the sun, boogie boarding, and a visit to see the wildlife at Manuel Antonio National Park. After their beach phase they will return to the rainforest for whitewater rafting, a canopy tour, and more.
Be sure to check back next Tuesday for our next Summer Expeditions update!