We were thrilled to welcome the students from Hurricane Island Outward Bound School at our rainforest base in San Ramon de Tres Rios yesterday as they prepare to go on a month-and-a-half adventure in Costa Rica and Panama. The ten students joining us will get the chance to learn about the philosophy of Outward Bound, push their limits in diverse natural environments and earn two internationally recognized certifications.

Students will begin their course experience with a surfing phase in Playa Dominical where they will learn to surf, camp, and cook together, before putting their teamwork to test by whitewater rafting on el Río Pacuare.

These activities will encourage students to step out of their comfort zone, an opportunity they are ready to seize.

“I am excited about all the unknowns: especially sloths, surfing and sweet mangoes,” said Samantha T. from Harwich, Massachusetts.

“I look forward to whitewater rafting, scuba diving and surfing,” excites Jonah C. from Fairfield, California. “Just everything that has to do with water!”

After rafting, students will embark on a two-week sea kayaking expedition around the archipelago of Bocas del Toro in Panama to sea kayak and scuba dive around spectacular tropical coral reefs.

In addition to all the outdoor activities, many of the students are eager to experience cultural immersion.

“I am most excited to see the landscape around Costa Rica and get the opportunity to talk to the locals and learn as much as possible while I’m here,” said Charlie V. from Chesapeake, Virginia.

“I’m here to discover the Costa Rican culture and grow as a person through the different elements of the experience,” added Sam A. from Oberlin, Ohio.

By the end of the course, all of the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School students will have earned their Whitewater Rescuer Technician and NAUI Scuba Diver certifications. We wish all the them the best during this challenging and rewarding cross-country adventure.

Be sure to visit our blog for more student updates.