OLD NEWS

TRAVEL

Upcoming Event: Holiday parties in Manuel Antonio and Quepos - El Gran Escape will have a Traditional Christmas dinner (Dec. 25th, 4:00pm til….Turkey & all the trimmings-Marsha’s awesome desserts!) & also their annual New Year’s Eve party mardi-gras style with the comparza (drums & dancers) & a buffet dinner (Call to make reservations: 2777-0395) New Year’s Eve with live music at Dos Locos, usually there are fireworks on the seawall, Wacky Wanda’s, Los Pescadores, Kamuk Casino also planning events.

Upcoming event: NOFX in concert in San Jose on December 12th. Find out more..

Upcoming event: Congas Club will host a Reggae Root Festival 2009 on Saturday December 19th with Kingo Lovers (Roots Live Band) and CIBERDJ2010 (old school reggae dj). The cost of the tickets for this event is 2,500.00 colons. Congas is located in the old Bar Fusion, 300 meters north of Pizza Hut in Jacó Beach, Costa Rica. For more information please contact 2643-1200.

12/6: The Lab Surf Company is sending Gary Saavedra, Otto Flores, Magnum Martínez and Diego Naranjo around the country to test some of their new model boards by Michael Barron and Bill Johnson. They will be in Playa Grande on Dec. 8th from 8-10 a.m. and in Playa Avellanas on Dec. 9th from 9-11 a.m. following by the evening at KOI Sushi Lounge in Tamarindo. Visit www.thelabsurfcompany.com for more details.

Upcoming Event: Basketball Bingo at the Surfers Sports Pub in Langosta. October 2nd at 7 p.m.. Funds go to the Country Day School Basketball Team. Here's the flyer.

8/9 - After several months of work, the National Tourism Chamber (CANATUR) has unveiled two new digital maps of Costa Rica. Click here to view the maps..

Upcoming Event: Safari Surf School's “Surf Fit” Camp with Pete Estabrooks November 1st - 8th, 2009. Get your early bird discount!

Upcoming Event: WavesCR is hosting two exclusive surf camps during the 2009 World Surfing Games, held in Playa Hermosa, from July 29th to August 8th. Read more..

7/31: The ninth annual Robert August Surf and Turf, the charity surfing and golf tournament with the legend himself, was set to kick off yesterday and run through Aug. 4. It will once again benefit the children of our community through its collaboration with the nonprofit CEPIA. Events include a welcome barbecue at the Best Western, a surf day, dinner, golf at Hacienda Pinilla, event party, catamaran tour, Witch's Rock and Ollie's tour and more. For more information, contact Robert Twine at rtwine@ turfsafari.com or 8877-7209.

--> There's still some steals from MIA to SJO for under $200, but American Airlines is charging $5 more for their checked bags starting on August 14th. Now the first bag is $20, the second is $30. Continental, Delta, and others are also raising their fees, but deduct $5 if you pay online. Here is a great chart to share with friends on fees for frequent fliers, changing tickets, and baggage, from AirFareWatchDog.com.

--> Isla de Coco drops from contention in the NEW Seven Wonders of the World. Still in the running are the Grand Canyon in the United States, the Amazon Rain Forest, Angel Falls in Venezuela, the Dead Sea, the Galapagos Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. The winners will be announced in 2011.

--> On May 15th, TACA changed its surfboard bag fees to $95 each way ($80 to/from Miami to SJO). To petition the high cost of surfboard charges on airlines, click here.. www-surfers-against-airline-fees.com

7/15: Este miercoles 15 de Julio Bet-Shalom Roots Reggae Band se estara presentando en el Cuartel de la BOCA del Monte a las 9 pm..el cover sera de 2 mil colones .... esperamos su participacion!!!...asi mismo se les agradecera la ayuda para comunicar el evento en sus medios y a sus contactos.....muchas bendiciones!!!!! ROOTS!!!

6/7: There will be a volunteer / sponsor meeting on Sunday, June 7th at 6PM at Cabinas Las Olas in Playa Hermosa for the Soulstice Pro.  Volunteers and Sponsors are needed to help with this event which comprises two beach cleanups and a local surf contest, from 6/18 to 6/20. Read more..

6/6: The next Tamarindo Beach Fair is this Saturday, June 6th, on the beach behind Witchs Rock Surf Camp. Besides the organic market, there will be crafts, live music, kids activities, and booths from other local businesses.

6/4: Hotel Poseidon is offering: Local’s Appreciation Month - 2x1 Dinner Entrees Nightly 5:00 pm - 7 pm. Groups 5 people and over Call for Reservations, Please… Calle Bohio 2643-1642

CURRENT: Leila is hosting RainforestAid09 on her farm this year, and she invites you to join all of us at the festival June 19-21st, 2009, Summer Solstice. Watch the RainforestAid09 Educational Video. Join them in celebration of culture, and diversity and help support education, health and existing rainforest preservation efforts adjacent to Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica. For more information, visit www.rainforestaid09.com.

5/5: Papaya Con Leche together with CEPIA (A non-profit organization who provides Culture, Education, and Psycology for infants and adolescents of low-income families in Guanacaste) are creating a fashion show on Saturday, May 9th, 2009 at Sushi/Bar Lounge known as BAR 1 at 8pm. Papaya Con Leche known for its famous TRASHION FASHION is presenting a whole new collection of swim wear, casual beach wear & formal night gowns designed exclusively for our Winter 2009 collection. With an innovative style and illuminating artistic creation, this amazing show will transcendent fashion and artistic performances throughout the night. The collection of Papaya Con Leche is a very unique and stylish custom made swim wear collection together with casual beach wear and a touch of elegance with gowns of exclusive fabric creations. The final section of the fashion show is an exclusive collection of gowns custom made by using scraps of leftover fabrics as patchwork, in order to always commemorate and remind the public that recycling is possible, even in the world of fashion!

4/26: Alpha Blondy will be playing two shows in Costa Rica next weekend! On May 1st, the international reggae star from the Ivory Coast hits the stage in Cartago, with Plan B. (Puerto Viejo), Bet Shalom, Talawa, and Moonlight Dub Experience. Then on Saturday May 2nd he plays in Jaco at the Hotel Docelunas along with bands Unity and Fuerte Dread.

3/21: BikeHike Adventures is highlighting their signature Coast to Coast Adventure Challenge: 15 days biking, hiking and rafting from the Pacific to the Caribbean, solely by muscle power. The expedition runs on a monthly basis and the cost of the trip is US $2599 and includes: all equipment, most meals, all accommodations, support vehicle, veteran guides, one domestic flight and airport transfers. The adventure starts and concludes in San Jose, Costa Rica and space is limited to 12 travellers.

3/21: La Paz Community School proudly presents “A Night Under the Stars” on Saturday, March 21st at the Voodoo Lounge in Tamarindo. The adult evening will include a four course meal + wine, door prizes, a raffle with an ipod and camera, a Mayan astrologist, music, dancing, and more! The event is being held to raise funds for La Paz’s scholarship program and for the construction of their new classrooms. Students will be coming home this week with tickets to sell to friends, family, and community members. Thanks for your support in helping to make this an enjoyable evening for everyone! Tickets are $35 per person (dinner, wine and raffle included). For more information please call 2654-4532, or email paz@ lapazschool.org

3/10: The Association for Culture, Education and Psychology for Children and Adolescents (CEPIA), together with the surfer, Federico Pilurzu are organizing an event to raise funds for children at risk in the Canton of Santa Cruz (Guanacaste). To accomplish this task on March 14, beginning at 6 pm there will be a production of Magic Moon to be held at the Sushi Bar in Hotel Cala Luna, Playa Langosta. More details and the flyer..

3/1/09: Jaco Art Festival a Huge Success. Click to see the photo gallery from The Jaco Sun.

2/24: Fund raising event for Fe De Agua Film Project and Fe De Agua Scholarship at Cala Luna, Playa Langosta. Wednesday - March 4th beginning at 5pm - through the night. Sunset Cocktails accompanied by music from Avellinos on the beach (included in the price) To be followed by all you can eat sushi at La Caletta. Live auction with auctioneer Paul Belanger. Live Music by Emily Malloy, Josh Engels and DJ Ciro. Featuring Alrick Brown’s Video Presentation. Cost - $35 p/p RSVP in advance at info@fedeagua.com Or call Thornton Cohen 8339-5570. Read more..

2/19: Organic Market this Saturday (2/21) in Tamarindo - Pura Vida Health Marketplace has decided to collaborate with Surfrider Foundation, Tamarindo Recycles, Artist Fair al centro and the Christian Surfers of Tamarindo Surf Tournament this Saturday, February 21st, 9am -4pm or when the oranges run out!    Let's start our farmer's market.... Guanacaste style! Beach front at the public parking lot next to Witch's Rock Surf Camp in front of the tounament you can join us anytime for good people and good health. Pura Vida Health market - a place to be happy and healthy together! See you Saturday!

2/7: New map by MapCR.com shows recent earthquake events and where roads are closed. Click for Costa Rica Earthquake Map

2/6: The 9th Annual "Have a Heart" Charity Golf Tournament will be held at Hacienda Pinilla on Valentine's Day, February 14th. The money raised goes to "Amigos de la Educacion", a non-profit helping local schools. For more info, send an e-mail or call 2653-0270.

2/1: Jaco News from Chuck at WOW Surf Shop - We are inaugurating our new park with Artistic activities and concerts all week right thru next weekend . The park is so nice, all paver brick sidewalks thru it and lots of trees and such and we even have a few of the painted cows from the Intl. Cow Parade in there! We have needed a central meeting place for the townspeople for a long time and with our new family friendly Muni. We are accomplishing it! Come on in and check it out, Jaco has gotten some weird press coverage in the past but we do understand if you invested somewhere else like most of the rich “TICOS” did you want your investment to grow and Jaco is just growing too fast and of course its still over 50% “TICO” owned and priced for our local tourists as well. Casado right across the street from the shop at Carlos place for 3$ including a fruit drink and prepped by his wife ! Unreal ! Anyways come on in and join us when you get a chance ! Pura Vida and Happy Surfing ! Chuck and the CREW at W.O.W. SURF ! Oh I will be in Tamarindo this Teusday , Wednesday and Thursday visiting some  friends , if you own a shop or school and you would like to meet up with me to ask questions about our surf product give us a call at 8390-4804.

12/11: Jet Blue Airways, which opened a hub for Latin America in March at Orlando, Florida, said Wednesday it would begin flights to San José March 26. The Orlando route will give Costa Rican residents options to fly to New York, Boston and 11 other U.S. destinations, the airline said. The company plans a flight a day leaving Orlando at 10:40 a.m. with arrival in San Jose's Juan Santamaría airport at 11:53 a.m. local time. The return flight will leave San José at 12:48 p.m. and arrive in Orlando at 5:55 p.m. Fares will run from $99 each way, the company said. Boardbags are $75 each way.

The Association for Culture, Education and Psychology for Children and Adolescents (CEPIA), together with the surfer, Federico Pilurzu are organizing an event to raise funds for children at risk in the Canton of Santa Cruz (Guanacaste). To accomplish this task on March 14, beginning at 6 pm there will be a production of Magic Moon to be shown at the Sushi Bar in Hotel Cala Luna, Playa Langosta. More details and the flyer..

--> Puntarenas Carnival: Concerts, dances, cultural activities, mascaradas, comparsas, fireworks, Feb. 12-22; parade, Feb. 21, 5 p.m., Puntarenas, www.puntarenas.com/carnavales.

--> 9th Annual Have a Heart Charity Golf Tournament: Feb. 14, Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course, Guanacaste, proceeds go to education and scholarships in Guanacaste, 2653-0270, amigos educacioncr@gmail.com.

--> Valentine’s Dinner: With live instrumental and romantic Latin music, Feb. 14, 6 p.m., Gaia Hotel & Reserve, Manuel Antonio, 2777-9797, ext. 570.

--> 2009 Jacó Arts Festival: Concerts, photography, painting and sculpture exhibits, crafts fair, theater, circus, parades, mascaradas, cimarronas, educational workshops, through Feb. 8, Recreational and Ecological Park, Av. Pastor Díaz, Jacó, Puntarenas.

--> The next date for the Circuito Nacional surf contest series will be in Nosara on February 7th and 8th. Then follows event #5 in Playa Carmen on March 7th and 8th.

12/8: "Pura Vida Health" , Tamarindo's own unique marketplace of certified organic, organic, homegrown fresh produce and local handmade products and crafts is born!  The fair is set to kick off January 8, 9 and 10 and run every two weeks (Thursdays 1pm-4pm, Friday and Saturdays 8:30am-noon).   We have graciously been given use of the Vodoo Lounge Art Zentro's back garden bar to host this epic bi-monthly event. (directly behind Vodoo Lounge, next to Plaza Conchal, across from Cabinas Coral Reef)

***We are actively seeking people, families and small local businesses who are interested in selling or donating their certified organic, organic, homegrown and/or homemade produce/products and/or participate in the fair.***  Please send this email or pass our contact information to anyone you think may benefit from the market as a consumer and/or vendor (that, of course, means EVERYONE you know, right?!)  And help us bring a place to be happy and healthy together to our community.  More information will come soon about the kick off party on January 8th 2009.

11/25: In Puerto Viejo, ArteViva ’08 was going to take place November 28-30, but IT HAS BEEN CANCELLED. We'll keep you updated when it plans to happen. For information, see www.arteviva-puertoviejo.com.

11/7: Montezuma will be holding its 2nd Annual International Film Festival on November 13-16th. Find out more at www.montezumafilmfestival.com

11/1: Costa Rica is becoming a top 'whale tourism' destination as Humpback whales visit the coast from August to October and from December to April. Read more..

10/20: Surftech is having a promotion on their new line of soft boards "BLACKTIP" and "SOFTOPS" if your getting ready for next season fill your shops and schools up with these and save some $$. This offer its valid till mid November, 2008. 9'0 Black Tips starting at $299.00 + tax, 8'0 Softops $369.00 + tax price incluedes on time delivery. surftech@ bluetrailz.com.

10/1: Hotel Punta Islita was this month honored as one of the top 100 hotels around the world by Travel + Leisure Magazine. Punta Islita, on the Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific coast, was the only hotel in Central America named to the magazine’s esteemed Top 100 Hotels list. Click here to see the whole list.

9/29: The Bocas de Nosara Academic High School has been awarded a grant for new computer equipment worth $185,000, but in order to receive it must refurbish the old lab. Read this letter and support Costa Rica's future - it's children.

CONTESTS

12/6: If you are into bodyboarding, there is a website just for you - www.bodyboardcostarica.com. It has videos, interviews, and top news on riding all over Costa Rica's beaches.

CHANGED DATES! The first event of the Caribbean Surf Association was going to take place in Playa Bonita on December 25th-27th, but right now it's flat. So right now it's on for next week waves permitting. Check details and see the poster here.

Upcoming event: The Reef Classic Surf contest organized by ALAS (Latin American Surf Tour) will be held December 4-6 in El Salvador (not in Jaco) with $20,000 in prizes!

Upcoming event: The Caribbean Surf Association (ACSC) will host their first event on December 12th in Playa Bonita, Limon. Contact Christian for more details.

The Costa Rican surf team will be competing in Olivenca, Bahia, Brasil for the Pan-American Surfing Games from November 7-15. Vamos Ticos!

11/15: Costa Rica and Jason Torres make history as both earn the country's first ever silver medals at IX Pan American Surfing Games in Brazil. Read More ...

11/14: Quinto día de competencia, Bahía - Brasil Jair Pérez se metió a las semifinales del Panamericano de Surf. Read more...

11/11: Jason Torres, Carlos Munoz, Jair Perez enter top 10 at IX Pan American surfing games in Brazil. Read more...

11/9: Costa Rica has Powerful Start at Ix Pan American Surfing Games in Brazil. Six Ticos Move on to Round 2 Open, Junior. Jairo Pėrez Earns Highest Combo of the Day With 13.00 in the Open. See who's in Round Two.

11/7: Costa Rica Selects National Team for Ix Pan American Surfing Games in Ilhėus, Bahia, Brazil. See the Costa Rica Selection.

11/2: Jason Torres wins Open Division and $500 at the Sol Surf 09 in Manuel Antonio. Read more.. (en español)

10/25: Costa Rican Team wins the Central American Surf Championship in El Salvador and take a First Place Sweep in All Five Categories! Read more and see pics..

Upcoming event: New Dates! The Jaco Surfing Association is putting together a contest to promote student/surfers and education. It will have all age groups from grade school thru University competing in their prospective age groups, students will have to bring letters from the school directors or their last grades to be allowed to compete. Prizes will be donated by Local businesses and will range from weekends in Local Hotels –new surfboards – dinners for 2 etc. The contest will be held at the Best Western Jaco Beach. Contest dates are November 28th-29th, the group will also be organizing at the Bar El Muelle in the Jaco Beach a costume party with great prizes as well for the best dressed Halloweeners! This is going to be a fun one and we already have the permissions and over 5K in sponsorship [donations] and will be attended by many of the representatives of the surfing commercial world and of course some them will be looking for new team riders. Bring your crew but start putting your crew together now, registration will be limited to some 150 students only and all will be pre-registered , no on site registration allowed. For more info contact us or Selena at drselejaco (at) hotmail.com.

** Latest news - We are going to have great fun time for sure with the high tide at mid-day it juts couldn’t be better ! Keep in touch and get your team ready, it’s a challenge ! Santa Teresa, Samara, Tamarindo and yes the Caribe shoud be getting their teams ready NOW. You must be registered in school to participate and its going to be checked so get on it and check out the riders you have from the “Escuelas, Colegios, y Universidades and make sure they present their inscriptions and school directors info to you for verification and then it will be the contest directors job to verify the data . This contest will be seen by many important eyes and if it all goes well we will get into a new realm and have created an even better image of our future champions and surfers in general !!

Upcoming event: The 2009 Pura Vida No Pro will be held Nov. 21 at the Pelican Hotel in Esterillos Este. This event began in 2002 when a group of surfers came together to introduce the sport of surfing to kids from the orphanage in San José. For more information, visit www.puravidanopro.com.

10/7: After years of neglect in the sport of Surf Limon found a veteran surfers the best solution.. forming the Asociacion Costarricense de Surf del Caribe. Read more..

Upcoming event: 11/28 and 29. The Jaco Surfing Association is putting together a contest to promote student/surfers and education. It will have all age groups from grade school thru University competing in their prospective age groups, students will have to bring letters from the school directors or their last grades to be allowed to compete. Prizes will be donated by Local businesses and will range from weekends in Local Hotels –new surfboards – dinners for 2 etc. The contest will be held at the Best Western Jaco Beach. Contest dates are November 28th-29th, the group will also be organizing at the Bar El Muelle in the Jaco Beach a costume party with great prizes as well for the best dressed Halloweeners! This is going to be a fun one and we already have the permissions and over 5K in sponsorship [donations] and will be attended by many of the representatives of the surfing commercial world and of course some them will be looking for new team riders. Bring your crew but start putting your crew together now, registration will be limited to some 150 students only and all will be pre-registered , no on site registration allowed. For more info contact us or Selena at drselejaco (at) hotmail.com.

8/23 - Results from the Puerto Viejo Open - August 15th.. CLICK FOR PHOTOS!
Open:
1st - Jordan Hernandez ($350 + All Ocean surfboard)
2nd - Kemba Bu ($200)
3rd - Misael Brown ($100)
Grommets:
1st - Ian Gagstater ($200 + All Ocean surfboard)
2nd - Carlos Brown ($100)
3rd - Dario Menendez y Kendral Rose
Airshow: Jordan Hernandez (TigerLand Surfboard)

7/26: 31 Countries confirmed for the World Surfing Games next week. Read more..

7/16: Surfing Australia Announces TravelSIM Team Australia for the Billabong ISA World Surfing Games. Read more..

7/12: Jason Torres wins the Corona Eterna contest behind Terraza del Pacifico, sponsored by the Christian Surfers with $1500 cash prizes awarded. See all the results with photos.. (en español)

6/30: Sofia Mulanovich to represent Peru in the World Surfing Games in Playa Hermosa. Also, check out the list of team committed to attend the contest. Read on..

Upcoming event: Soulstice Pro behind Cabinas Las Olas on June 20th. Contact Cabinas Las Olas to sign up for the contest or to sponsor the event. Read more..

Upcoming event: Surf Contest in Playa Tortuga (Isla Garza) - 30 km south of Dominical. June 27th - entry 5000 colones. Flyer..

6/12: Josimar Fuentes signs with Witchs Rock Surf Camp. Will be sponsored for the 2009-10 CNS tour.

6/5: Diego narrowly misses going to the round of 16. Jason Torres continues to represent, and is now in the Quarterfinals. Live coverage..

6/4: Diego Naranjo and Jason Torres are competing in the Rusty Arica Pro in Chile this week. Both made it to the round of 32. Naranjo is in heat 7, Torres in heat 14. Watch it live here..

5/31: Juan Carlos Naranjo has signed on with RUSTY and Boston Technical College. Jairo Perez and Jason Torres have received sponsorships from Etnies. This will help these competitors travel to a few upcoming WQS events to surf against the world's best.

5/4: Carlos Muñoz is Costa Rica’s New National Surf Champion! 16-Year-Old Makes History by Winning Open, Junior Boys at the Gran Final Terraza – Reef Date Of Circuito Nacional de Surf Daystar 2008-2009 Presented by Coca-Cola Zero at Playa Hermosa This Past Weekend. Lisbeth Vindas Earns Her 7th National Women’s Title. Read more..

4/26: The final contest of the year for Circuito Nacional de Surf Costa Rica will be held behind Terraza del Pacifico in Playa Hermosa on May 1st - 3rd. This 6 star event will determine the overall champions in many categories, and also help in choosing who will represent the National Team. See the results from the Playa Carmen contest here..

4/28: Jairo Perez wins the Junior Division of the Reef Classic Cambutal in Panama, held earlier this week. Also representing Costa Rica were Gilbert and Ronald Brown, Jason Torres, Carlos Munuz, Lisbeth Vindas, and Diego Naranjo. All of them did well in the early rounds, but missed the quarterfinals by small margins. For more results, check out www.alaslatintour.com.

4/23: Contest in Playa Cocles on Saturday, May 9th. Contact Beto by e-mail or call him at 8885-9688 for more details..

4/5: An association for surfing on the Caribbean is being formed. This will provide an organized effort for the kids of the Southern Caribbean to work together to compete and be part of the National Surf Circuit. A party to kick off the association is planned for April 11 at the new parking lot behind Cabinas Grant, with live music. To find out more about the association, look for Federico of Salsa Brava Surf Shop – reopening soon next to Cabinas Almendras – or DJ Chris of Hotel Maritza (djchris1980@gmail.com).

4/4: Carlos Munoz Sets Latin American Record at World Junior Surfing Games Ecuador. Read more..

4/2: Costa Rica National Junior Surf Team Has Difficult Day at ISA World Junior Surfing Games Ecuador 2009. Anthony Fillingam Advances Two Difficult Rounds of Repercharge. Read more..

4/1: Carlos Muñoz steals the show for Costa Rica at ISA World Junior Surfing Games Ecuador 2009. Read more..

3/25: Costa Rica National Junior Surf Team Leaves For ISA World Junior Surfing Games Ecuador 2009 Thursday. Read more..

3/22: (Postponed until further notice) The Jaco surf association is holding an event the 15th-17th of May called TIENDA–a-TIENDA, tagteam layout with 12 surfshops teams competing for the title of best team. For info contact Chuck at WoW Surf Shop by email or call 2643-3844.

3/10: Carlos Muñoz Wins Open, Juniors, Boys in Torneo Day & Night Playa Date of Circuito Nacional de Surf DAYSTAR 2008-2009 Presented by Coca-Cola Zero In Playa Carmen This Past Weekend. National Title Comes Down to Jason Torres and Federico Pilurzu. See the results..

3/6: Costa Rica’s 5th Date Of Circuito Nacional De Surf Daystar 2008-2009 Presented By Coca-Cola Zero Moves to Playa Carmen This Weekend March 7-8 for Torneo Day & Night Playa ~ Jason Torres Likely to Win National Title this Weekend ~ Costa Ricans Set for World Junior Surfing Games 2009 in Ecuador. Read more..

2/9: Jairo Perez and Natalie Bernold win the Copa Balanca Natural in Playa Guiones. Surf Contest results..

2/5: Costa Rica’s 4th Date of Circuito Nacional de Surf Daystar 2008-2009 Presented by Coca-Cola Zero Moves to Nosara This Weekend - February 7-8 For Copa Balance Natural. Jason Torres Looks to Lock in the National Title. Read more..

2/4: This past December, Waves Costa Rica in conjunction with Roxy / Quiksilver, and with the support of Cesar Vargas Productions, Hicacos Restaurant, Hotel Terraza del Pacifico, Pachis Pan, Kamlung, conducted the event on a very special day, where they taught swimmers belonging to the selection of Costa Rica for the Special Olympics how to surf. Read more..

2/1: Saturday - February 7th is the next Puerto Viejo Open Surf Tournament.  The tournament is open to men, women and grommets (young surfers).  CR Surf Travel Co. is one of the sponsors for the contest.  Contact:  Beto @ 8885-9688 or email:   betolocks@hotmail.com if you want to compete, or just come on down and watch the action at Playa Cocles..  Click to watch the 2008 Puerto Viejo Open Pro on You Tube. 

2/1: The second annual Skate for Oneida skateboard competition took place at the skateboard bowl behind Voodoo Lounge in Tamarindo on January 25th, sponsored by Quiksilver. There were five categories for ages 4 to 18. In the oldest division, Richard Ortiz won with Mate Clifford coming in second. To see the rest of the results and photos from the contest, click here..

2/1: The Circuito Nacional de Surf Contest Date #4, the Copa Balance Natural, is to take place in Nosara (Playa Guiones) on February 6th-8th. Already some pros have been spotted punting off some lips at local beaches. Then event #5 starts on March 6th-8th in Playa Carmen.

1/11: Jason Torres and Nataly Bernold both win two in a row, this time in small surf at Playa Tamarindo. Read more..

12/15: Jason Torres and Nataly Bernold win their divisions in the 2nd Event on the CNS Tour in front of Hotel Bahía Encantada. Read More... (english and español)

12/13: Otto Vargas, from Cartagena de Santa Cruz, and Tania Gonzalez, from Villarreal de Santa Cruz, were the winners of the first Guanacaste High School Surf Contest in Tamarindo. This event encourages kids to stay in school and practice the sport, organized by the Youth Action Foundation. Read more and get the results here..

12/1: Diego Naranjo wins the Day Star Pro at La Curva in Playa Hermosa, the first stop on the CNS tour. Read more..

1/11: Jason Torres and Nataly Bernold both win two in a row, this time in small surf at Playa Tamarindo. Read more..

12/15: Jason Torres and Nataly Bernold win their divisions in the 2nd Event on the CNS Tour in front of Hotel Bahía Encantada. Read More... (english and español)

12/12: José Ureña, President of the Federacion de Surf de Costa Rica (FSC), announced today that the second date of the Circuito Nacional de Surf DAYSTAR 2008-2009 (CNS) will take place this weekend, December 12-14, in Playa Jaco. Called Torneo Coca Cola Zero, the 4-star tournament will begin Saturday and Sunday morning at 7:00 a.m. in front of Hotel Bahía Encantada. Winners in all the divisions will receive 1,500 points toward the CNS rankings. Read More...

11/16: On November 15th to 16th, there was the first SurFest in Playa Carmen. Waves were overhead and the level of competition among the 80-plus competitors was very high. For more information and photos, visit www.cabuyasurf.com. This grassroots event was organized to financially assist area school kids with their plans to compete in this year’s National Surf Circuit. Although many members of the community helped make the event successful, it would not have been possible without the hard work of contest organizer Paul (Pablo) Fillingim of Tiki Sport Fishing and the commitment and vision of April Akerson of The Dirt Road, the area’s new weekly newspaper. During SurFest, members of the surf community came up with a program to donate surfboards to kids who lack the means to purchase one of their own. Surfers Helping Surfers was born. The first to respond were Ian and Carolyn Corrigall of Kina Surf Shop in Santa Teresa. They donated a Surftech Ratboy surfboard to Ronald García from Delicias, who was competing on a broken board. If you have a surfboard you would like to donate to a needy surfer, e-mail info@cabuyasurf.com or call 8833-3076.

11/13: New Dates set the Circuito Nacional, Costa Rica's Professional Surf Circuit - www.surfingcr.net

November 28-30 - Playa Hermosa
December 12-14 - Jaco
January 9-11 - Tamarindo
February 6-8 - Nosara (Playa Guiones)
March 6-8 - To be Determined
April 2-4 - Playa Hermosa

10/20: History written in Portugal: Costa Rica earns 5th Place at the 2008 ISA World Surfing Games, Jason Torres becomes 1st Costa Rican ever to reach the Top 10 at #5, Luis Vindas comes in 6th, as well as Nataly Bernold. Read More..

10/3: The 2008 Pura Vida No Pro will be on November 22, 2008 at the Pelican Hotel in Esterillos, Costa Rica. This is a day where orphaned kids from San Jose are brought to the beach to learn to surf, and then get to watch and cheer on a surf contest in the afternoon. There will be an orientation meeting for all volunteers on November 21, 2008 at Las Olas Hotel in Playa Hermosa. They are excited for our 7th year working with the kids and we look forward to seeing everyone on the beach! For more information go to www.puravidanopro.com

10/25: Costa Rica's National Surf Team earns 5th place in the 2008 ISA World Surfing Games. Luis Vindas, Jason Torres, and Natalie Bernold all place in the Top 10 in their divisions! Read more..

10/20: History written in Portugal: Costa Rica earns 5th Place at the 2008 ISA World Surfing Games, Jason Torres becomes 1st Costa Rican ever to reach the Top 10 at #5, Luis Vindas comes in 6th, as well as Nataly Bernold. Read More..

10/17: Frederico Pilurzo is among the top 48 competitors at the Maresia Surf International 2008 taking place at the Prai Brava de Itají in Santa Catarina, Brazil. For results and the latest news, check out - www.maresia.com

10/16: Luis Vindas wins 4 for 4 rounds, now in the top 16. Jairo Perez and Jason Torres were knocked out of their round 4 heats, but still in the repercharge, along with Gilbert Brown. For the women, Nataly Bernold makes past 2 rounds with a 1st and 2nd place finish, Lisbeth Vindas passed her first heat, but now is in the repercharge heat after a 4th in round 2. For the complete stats, visit www.wsg2008.com

10/14: Three out of four surfers on the CR National Team advance to the third round of the ISA Surfing Games in Portugal. Read more..

10/13: Frederico Pilurzo from Playa Langosta will be competing in the second round of Maresia Surf International 2008 event that started yesterday in Prai Brava, Itají, Brasil.

10/3: The 2008 Pura Vida No Pro will be on November 22, 2008 at the Pelican Hotel in Esterillos, Costa Rica. This is a day where orphaned kids from San Jose are brought to the beach to learn to surf, and then get to watch and cheer on a surf contest in the afternoon. There will be an orientation meeting for all volunteers on November 21, 2008 at Las Olas Hotel in Playa Hermosa. They are excited for our 7th year working with the kids and we look forward to seeing everyone on the beach! For more information go to www.puravidanopro.com

9/15: Gilbert Brown wins the 6th Annual Torneo Benéfico de Surf held at Boca Barranca on Sept. 13-14th. The contest helps finance the programs and basic needs of the boy’s home Hogar Monserrat de Niños, located in San Miguel de Barranca. Lisbeth Vindas took the women's crown, while Anderson Tacson won Juniors and Dennis Burk won the Longboard division. Read more..

9/7: Costa Rica Surf Federation Selects Team to compete in the 2008 World Surfing Games in Portugal. Read more ..

9/29: From the ALAS Tour - The Mexican, Ángelo Lozano, was crowned Champion Open in the Latin Pro - El Salvador in a great final against Costa Rica, Jason Torres, while his compatriot, Patrick Gonzales won the first place in Longboard. The Venezuelans, Francisco Bellorín and María Eugenia Rojas, won in Junior and Woman, respectively.

9/7: Costa Rica Surf Federation Selects Team to compete in the 2008 World Surfing Games in Portugal. Read more ..

8/30: FIRST-EVER LEGENDS TOURNAMENT OF COSTA RICA TO YIELD NATIONAL SELECTION THAT WILL COMPETE IN ISA MASTERS - Read more..

8/17: de SurfingCR.net - Costa Rican surfers make the short list for the selection headed to Portugal for the 2008 World Surfing Games. Read more (espanol)..

8/1: Billabong USA will sponsor the ISA World Surfing Games scheduled to be held in July 31st through August 8th 2009 in Costa Rica where 49 member countries will be invited to compete as national teams. Read more..

8/9: The next Puerto Viejo Open Pro surf tournament is set for Aug. 9 at 8 a.m. at the beach break in Playa Cocles. Mark it on your calendars, as these tournaments are always lots of fun. For entry information, contact Beto at 8885-9688, or email.

7/26: Frederico Pilurzo is the only representative from Central America on the WQS. He recently competed in the Honda US Open of Surf in Huntington Beach and won his first heats before falling to 4th in the round of 96. (His score was still a 10.30, not bad, but he had Julian Wilson in his heat, who won it with a 14.50) Good luck Frederico in your future contests!

7-19: From the Tico Times: Andrea Díaz of Waves Costa Rica recently opened a new office in Jacó, above Pollo Express and across from Century 21. Waves Costa Rica offers customized surf tours for surfers of all levels and is a Costa Rican tour company operated by local Ticos eager to share their knowledge of the country’s bountiful surf spots and friendly culture.

July 5th-6th was the Eternal Crown Surf Contest hosted by the Christian Surfers group in Jaco. This is now a full blown, 2-day event with categories for Juniors, Open, Women, Boogie Boards, and Expression Sessions. For more information, email them at cscrjaco@gmail.com. Ask us about our special travel packages (airfare, hotel, 4wd rental) for this event.

From the Tico Times - Jaco Happenings - “God always forgives, man sometimes forgives,
but nature never forgives,” expressed Costa Rican Luis Coronado while helping to collect trash on the extremely polluted beach of Playa Guacalillo, five kilometers north of the mouth of the Tárcoles River. It was the second day of the three-day Soulstice Expression Session, a beach recovery and charity surf contest organized by concerned local businesses and residents. The annual event is held every June in front of Cabinas Las Olas in Playa Hermosa. In this, the event’s fourth year, it raised $3,000 that will go toward Playa Hermosa’s recycling program, improvements to the local elementary school, efforts to promote the ecological Blue Flag designation, and the Punta Mala-Playa Hermosa Wildlife Refuge. Day one entailed a beach cleanup of Playa Hermosa, while on day two the volunteers went to Playa Guacalillo. The third day was an informal “expression session” surf contest in which surfers competed for prizes donated by local businesses. The surf was pumping with eight-foot sets out of the southwest, bringing out the best in the field of local and international surfers. The sun was shining and people lined the beach, enjoying music spun by DJ Jay and emceeing by Salsiboy and MC Aaron. A raffle was held, as well as an art fair featuring unique artwork created with recycled materials. Face paints left many with peace signs and flowers on their cheeks. Lidia Quirós of the Central Pacific Chamber of Commerce sold T-shirts to raise money for education programs in Garabito schools. To make a donation to the Playa Hermosa recycling program, contact John O’Toole at 8391-6013 or e-mail. The Soulstice Open Expression Session is an annual surf contest created to bring the locals together in Playa Hermosa to develop programs that have a positive impact on the surf community. It takes place from June 21st to the 24th. Read more..

6/16 - Witch’s Rock Surf Camp hosted a benefit for its sponsored surfer, Luis Castro, ranked ninth in Costa Rica, who is in need of knee surgery that will cost $3,500. The benefit raised some money, but not quite enough to cover the costs. For information on how to donate to help this young man, please e-mail Ellen Zoe or Marcela @ Witchsrocksurfcamp.com.

6/2 - COSTA RICANS finish 2nd best behind Peru for Latin American Surfers. Continued... All the action and heat sheets can be seen at - www.isaworldchamp.com

5/28 - COSTA RICANS REST AS THE 2008 QUIKSILVER ISA WORLD JUNIOR SURFING CHAMPIONSHIP DELAYED YESTERDAY IN FRANCE. COACH DIEGO NARANJO INTERVIEWED. Continued...

Gilbert Brown takes the crown in the last contest on the CNS in Playa Hermosa. Read more in spanish in La Nacion.. or English..

Here are the results from the first Bodyboarding Contest in Costa Rica. This Event was Held in Playa Hermosa at Terrazas del Pacifico on Sunday April 27th.

8/30: The first national surf contest for just the Masters Division (35+) will be held at Terraza del Pacifico in Playa Hermosa on 8/30-9/1. Luau and registration party Friday night, special rates for competitors. Read more.. (leer mas en español)

8/1: Billabong USA will sponsor the ISA World Surfing Games scheduled to be held in July 31st through August 8th 2009 in Costa Rica where 49 member countries will be invited to compete as national teams. Read more..

8/9: The next Puerto Viejo Open Pro surf tournament is set for Aug. 9 at 8 a.m. at the beach break in Playa Cocles. Mark it on your calendars, as these tournaments are always lots of fun. For entry information, contact Beto at 8885-9688, or email.

7/26: Frederico Pilurzo is the only representative from Central America on the WQS. He recently competed in the Honda US Open of Surf in Huntington Beach and won his first heats before falling to 4th in the round of 96. (His score was still a 10.30, not bad, but he had Julian Wilson in his heat, who won it with a 14.50) Good luck Frederico in your future contests!

7-19: From the Tico Times: Andrea Díaz of Waves Costa Rica recently opened a new office in Jacó, above Pollo Express and across from Century 21. Waves Costa Rica offers customized surf tours for surfers of all levels and is a Costa Rican tour company operated by local Ticos eager to share their knowledge of the country’s bountiful surf spots and friendly culture.

6-25 - The Soulstice Pro was a big success. Great waves and turnout for the event. Read more..

Luis Castro, Costa Rica’s ninth-ranked surfer, is this much closer to getting his needed $3,500 knee surgery: According to Witch’s Rock Surf Camp owner Joe Walsh, a hotel guest donated $1,000 toward the surgery, bringing the funds raised close to $3,000. Funds are still being accepted; e-mail for details. Castro and Witch’s Rock joined with Secret Spot surf shop and our own World Qualifying Series competitor Federico Pilurzu recently in giving surf lessons to kids with the nonprofit group CEPIA. According to the instructors, it was a really gratifying day.

From - www.lasolashotel.com/soulstice.cfm - The Soulstice Open Expression Session is an annual surf contest created to bring the locals together in Playa Hermosa to develop programs that have a positive impact on the surf community. It takes place from June 21st to the 24th.

See the results from the first Bodyboarding Contest in Costa Rica, held in Playa Hermosa at Terrazas del Pacifico last Sunday April 27th. Read more..

Gilbert Brown takes the crown in the last contest on the CNS in Playa Hermosa. Read more in spanish in La Nacion.. or English..

The last stop on the Circuito Nacional de Surf is this weekend, April 25-26th, in Playa Hermosa behind the Terraza del Pacifico Hotel. Who will win the title for the year? It all will be decided YA! Read more ..

After winning her first Jr. Women's contest, Debbie Zec will be defending her home turf from last year's National Champ. Read her interview..

Luis Vindas wins the 5th contest of the FSC tour, held in Playa Carmen. Gilbert Brown takes the FCS crown in Open for the year. Read more ...

Costa Rica selects National Surf Team to compete in Panama on March 20-21st in Playa Venao. Read more...

The Puerto Viejo Open Surf Tournament for men, women, boys and girls will be held March 19, starting at 8 a.m., at the Cocles beach break. This will be a special Semana Santa tournament. For more information, call Beto at 885-9688.

Matias Braun and Lisbeth Vindas were the champions in Playa Nosara for the 4th stop on the CNS tour. Anderson Tascón wins Juniors. Read more..

Diego Naranjo wins the second contest on the ALAS (Latin American Surf Association) tour, held at Punta Rocas in Peru. Read more...

The sixth stop on the Costa Rica National Tour will be in Dominical on April 5th and 6th. The finals will be held behind the Terraza del Pacific in Playa Hermosa on the 26th and 27th of April.

TRAVEL

9/29: The Bocas de Nosara Academic High School has been awarded a grant for new computer equipment worth $185,000, but in order to receive it must refurbish the old lab. Read this letter and support Costa Rica's future - it's children.

8/17: "Piano and Painting Under the Stars" at the Club de Playa de Pacífico raises over $10,000 for piano prodigy. Read more..

8/3: From AMCostarica.com - The Miss Black Beauty competition is Aug. 23 at 8 p.m. Events continue through the month and culminate in the Gran Parade de Gala at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 31 in Limón. That day is the Día del Negro y de la Cultural Afrocostarricense.

8/23 - Joe Walsh from Witchs Rock Surf Camp is planning to guide another 9 day tour before the end of the south swell season. The trip will book between September 27th and October 11th. Email/call us quickly if you want to reserve a spot (only three spots available) as the last trip booked very quickly. Click here for some sweet trip photos!

7/28 - Costa Rica celebrated the annexation of the province of Guanacaste last Friday. However, on MONDAY (7/28) the country will also be on holiday so banks, schools, and government facilities will be closed.

7/11 - The Tico Times: Health officials have recorded several malaria and dengue fever outbreaks over the past several weeks. Read more..

7/3: The Potrero and Brasilito schools were the recipients of a group of supervised eighth-graders from Ionia Middle School in Ionia, Michigan, who visited June 24 to 27 to experience a different culture and be of service to the schools. Each year, eighth-graders are involved in a service-learning project through their school. Through some online research they found out about the rural Costa Rican schools needing supplies, so they embarked on a project that allowed them to make this trip. Throughout the year, the students organized and implemented fundraisers. There were contests between grade levels to see which grade could raise the most supplies. They had a community dinner and silent auction, along with many other fundraisers. Each student and adult who came to Costa Rica brought an additional suitcase full of school supplies with them. Some big ticket items were: for Brasilito, a DVD player and a wireless router for their computer system; and, for Potrero, a copier and DVD player. This project has helped to instill in the students a sense of understanding and tolerance for other cultures. It also allows them to see that they can make a difference even though they are not rich, powerful or adults. The schools sincerely appreciated all the assistance and gifts. To help for next year, write - IMS Costa Rican Service Project 438 Union St. Ionia, MI 48846

Tropical Storm Alma caused some major damage and flooding to communities on the Pacific Coast. Donations to help Red Cross Alma relief efforts can be deposited in Banco Nacional account 100100-7, Banco de Costa Rica account 176003-3 or Banco
Popular account 5000-8. The organization is also seeking donations of food and cleaning supplies; for information, call 2233-7279 or 2280-6464.

If you are looking to relocate permanently to Playa Hermosa, then how about a turn-key business to get you started. Loco Loukas Surf Shop is up for sale, including the inventory, business accounts, displays, and clientele. Based out of Cabinas Las Arenas, the shop is in front of a prime surf spot. For more info, go to - www.locoloukassurf.com

Want a real good deal on a new stick, Chuck has a few 07s we are blowing out but they are selling fast, mention you saw this note on CRSURF and they will pass on some unreal deals ! Chuck and the CREW at Walking on Water Surf Shop in Jaco!

The Latest Scoop on Boardbag Fees

2nd Papagayo Hotel Under Investigation

By Dave Sherwood
Tico Times | dsherwood@ticotimes.net

PAPAGAYO PENINSULA, Guanacaste — Authorities closed the Spanish-owned Hotel Occidental Allegro Papagayo this week, forcing relocation of its 600 guests.... read more in the Tico Times

******

CHANGE IN TACA SPORTING GOODS POLICY

Effective immediatly new policies on baggage charges will take place regarding the following issues:
Charges of excess baggage. Transportation of surf boards

Surfing Boards 1 Surf Bag (max. 2 boards) $95.00 each-way
Applies charge as an extra piece (substitution of one piece should be handled as standby Applies charge as an extra piece (handled as standby)
Modification on the charge for surfing boards: USD 95.00 for the first bag.

Exceptions: MIA/SJO/MIA: A charge of USD 50.00 each-way will be applied on the first surfboard bag. (ALL surfboard waivers eliminated)

Costa-Bazooka festival - 7 Days of Music in Costa Rica. 2 Days, 8 bands in San Jose Jan. 7-8. Five Days in Quepos Jan. 9-12 Big finale at Rancho Allegre Saturday Jan. 12, 2008. Cost is $15. Go to www.costa-bazooka.com for more info.

CONTESTS

2010

4/20 - ¡PODER TICO! Jason Torres y Lisbeth Vindas Campeones del Reef Classic Panamá 6 Estrellas. Lea mas aqui.. Noe Mar McGonagle earns 4th place in Juniors in the ALAS Tour.

4/12 - Cole Robbins (Santa Barbara, CA), 19, and Jen Smith (San Diego, CA), 24, won the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS) 3-Star Costa Rica PLA Pro in clean two-to-four-foot (1 metre) surf at Costa Rica's impressive lefthand pointbreak of Boca Barranca. Read more..

4/9 - Small, disoragnized one foot surf on offer for PLA day 2, lay day on tap. Read the details.

4/8 - Opening Round of ASP 3-Star Costa Rica PLA Pro Completed at Boca Barranca. Read Day 1 news.

4/7 - The Quiksilver Cup arrives in Santa Teresa this weekend. Read more on who is favored to win..

3/24 - Brasileño Felipe Lucas ganó la primera del Metropolitano. Lea mas..

3/14 - Matias Braun wins in Tamarindo, while Nataly Bernold makes a comeback in the Womens division. Read all the results and see photos here..

Upcoming event: COSTA RICA’S CIRCUITO NACIONAL DAYSTAR 2009-2010 MOVES TO SANTA TERESA on April 10th and 11th.

Check the current CNS rankings for the year!!

3/11 - Photos and results from the Adelante Pro held in Playa Hermosa de Uvita on Feb. 27th.

2/21 - Ramon Taliani from Santa Teresa wins the third stop on the Circuito Nacional de Surf de Costa Rica. Read more and see all the results (en español) See the best shots from the last CNS contest held in Westfalia, Limon - taken by Asis Esna, photographer for the ACSC. Click here

2/20 - Westfalia Contest starts off with good surf and great weather. Read more (en español)

1/29 - Carlos Munoz and Ronald Brown were this year's invitees to the Volcom Pipeline Pro on the North Shore of Hawaii. Both could not pass from their first heat, but the 10' surf made for a great learning experience for both. And if you watch the videos, both had some great waves!!! Ronald is Round 112, Heat 8 on the first day, and Carlos is Round 96, Heat 12, first heat of Day 2. Pics and more here..

1/25- Jason Torres wins the Reef Latin Pro in Mar de Plata in Argentina. Also, Carlos Muñoz y Ronald Brown will be competing in Volcom Pipeline Pro starting this week. Read more..

1/18 - Luis Vindas wins in Palo Seco. Lisbeth Vindas takes the women's crown on the second stop of the Circuito Nacional de Surf. Read more and see the results..

12/27 - Luis Castro Wins First Contest on the Caribbean Surf Tour in Playa Bonita. See the pics and results here.

Here are the results of the Puerto Viejo Pro held at Salsa Brava - Check out the results and photos from the Puerto Viejo Pro held on January 30th at Salsa Brava.

2009

Costa Rica selects National Surf Team to compete in Panama on March 20-21st in Playa Venao. Read more...

The Puerto Viejo Open Surf Tournament for men, women, boys and girls will be held March 19, starting at 8 a.m., at the Cocles beach break. This will be a special Semana Santa tournament. For more information, call Beto at 885-9688.

Matias Braun and Lisbeth Vindas are the champions in Playa Nosara for the 4th stop on the CNS tour. Anderson Tascón wins Juniors. Read more..

Diego Naranjo wins the second contest on the ALAS (Latin American Surf Association) tour, held at Punta Rocas in Peru. Read more...

The fifth stop on the Costa Rica National Tour will be in Santa Teresa on March 15th and 16th, and then in Dominical on April 5th and 6th. The finals will be held behind the Terraza del Pacific in Playa Hermosa on the 26th and 27th of April.

Gilbert Brown wins in Tamarindo, Jairo Perez wins Juniors, and Laura Pecoraro takes first for the women. Read more about the third stop on the CNS tour here..

Lisbeth Vindas set to compete on the WQS, from The Beach Times.

Gilbert Brown and Laura Pecoraro win the Circuito Nacional de Surf's second contest in Playa Hermosa, from The Beach Times. To see the results, click here.

THE COSTA RICAN NATIONAL SURF TEAM:

To view the Costa Rica National Surf Team in action at the 2006 Lost Energy Drink ISA World Surfing Games go to www.isasurf.org

Frederico Pilurzo set to compete in Hawaii's Triple Crown. Read about his success story, and check the link to live coverage of the event.

Here are last year's rankings for the CNS - Circuito Nacional de Surf in Costa Rica - rankings. This year's first contest will be in November.

Costa Rica earns 4th place at the Pan-American Surfing Games. Gilbert Brown takes Bronze in the Open Division, the top honor ever for a Costa Rican.

Costa Rica earned a total of 20,267 points with its 4th place; Brazil was 1st with 29,992; Chile 2nd with 24,372, and Perú 3rd with 24,072. Read the whole story here..

Frederico Pilurzo set to compete in Hawaii's Triple Crown. Read about his success story, and check the link to live coverage of the event.

Roxygirls and WavesCR Surf Camp to hold party for Special Olympics kids on October 26th and 27th. Learn more here.

Surf contest at Boca Barranca to benefit Hogar Monserrat, October 27th-28th. Contact the Federation of Surf, C.R. at 244-2400 for more info.

Frederic Pilurzo may be the first surfer from Costa Rica to compete in Hawaii's Triple Crown this November. He has to earn a spot by doing well enough in the October WQS contests to make it in the top 100. Read about his latest results.

9/8 - Surf contest in Santa Teresa behind La Lora Amarilla on Sept 21-23. Come out to support the ninos. Contact Johanna for more info at joha_stone@hotmail.com

9/1 - Luis Vindas wins the ALAS Movistar Latin Pro in El Salvador. Nino Myrie makes to the 4th round.Read more here and check www.alaslatintour.com for pictures.

8/19 -Luis Vindas wins the Triple Crown of Costa Rica Surfing August 17-19th in Jaco. Visit www.surfingcr.net for details.

Luis Vindas wins the ALAS Movistar Latin Pro in El Salvador. Nino Myrie makes to the 4th round. Read more here and check www.alaslatintour.com for pictures.

7/28 - Legalize It Surf Tournament - Saturday August 4th - Starts at 8am - Playa Cocles, 1km southeast of Puerto Viejo. Open & Girls categories, all ages welcome to enter. For more info, call Beto @ 885.9688

6/30 - Contest to save the Nature Refuge at Playa Hermosa. Read more ...

June 23rd - Local Surf Contest in Playa Hermosa. Live music, bikini contest, and lots of prizes all day and night. Trinity Roots band plays at the Backyard Bar. For more info..

June 30th - Surf contest in Tamarindo, starting at 7 a.m. $500 in prizes and free lunch. Sponsored by Smith Optics, Cobian, Christian Surfers, Z-Flex, and Soul Armor.

6/10 - Luis Vindas wins the first leg of the Costa Rica Triple Crown contest held June 9 and 10th in Playa Dominical. Read more...

Costa Rica youth come in 14th out of 28 international teams at the ISA World Junior Games in Portugal. Standouts were Carlos Munoz, Jairo Perez and Natalie Bernold. For results, click here, and for photos go to www.isasurfing.org.

ENVIRONMENT

3/29 - 8 Intelligent Community Centers Inaugurated in Guanacaste. From JournalCR.com.

3/29 - The Jaco Chamber of Commerce wants to continue to help support the Playa Hermosa-Punta Mala National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to nesting grounds for olive ridley, green and rare hawksbill sea turtles. The refuge needs help with basic infrastructure and equipment, more park rangers and public services (electricity and telephone) and educational materials for visitors. To help with this project, contact the chamber at 2643-2853 or email.

3/13 - The Tamarindo Diria Beach & Golf Resort staff joined the Tamarindo Surfrider Foundation members on Saturday, March 13, making this the largest Beach Cleanup Tamarindo has ever had. The successful endeavor was even serenaded by troubadour Tico Hendrix ~ from Tamarindo News.

3/22 - Read the letter that the president of Pretoma, Randall Arauz, wrote in to La Nacion in response to the INCOPESCA's ad.. LINK.

3/15 - Thanks to Jazzy's River House for their pizza party fundraiser, which earned $1200 for the Dominical lifeguard program. To make a donation, go to www.dominicallifeguards.org . They save dozens of lives every year. If you want to support the program in Playa Cocles, visit www.cocles.org

3/7 - National Geographic recently awarded Nature Air top honors among 611 nominees from 81 different countries for excellence in eco-tourism. The airline is one hundred percent “carbon neutral” in that it reforests the Osa Peninsula to a point that it more than compensates for its carbon emissions with new forest growth.

2/13 - Tuna Farm Breakthrough ~ Arias signs two year moratorium on tuna farms. Read more on GoodMorningPavones.blogspot.com.

2/9 - Costa Rica Mermaid Promotes Marine Sanctuaries in Nosara. From VoiceOfNosara.com. Presentation at The Yoga House in Nosara on February 9th at 7:30pm

1/29 - SAVE THE HOWLER MONKEYS FUNDRAISER & LIVE AUCTION - Friday, January 29, 2010 5 - 8 pm. The Bombard residence, lot K-47, across from the old Plumarias Hotel behind the Yoga Institute $50 Per person, sold at the door - includes cocktails and bocas The bidding will commence at 6:45 p.m. Check out their items for auction!

1/17 - Ecotourism agencies join the fight to save Las Baulas National Park Brad Nahill and a growing group of Ecotourism agencies have joined the volatile campaign against the governmental proposal (bill 17.383) to downgrade Las Baulas (Leatherback) Marine National Park to a wildlife refuge. He sent a letter to Costa Rica's Legislative Assembly warning its members that downgrading the park and opening its beaches to coastal construction projects, "Is incompatible with the sustainable development and protection of endangered species..." Read more in Eco Americas, a monthly report on development and the environment in Latin America

1/4 - The Environmental Ministry office in Manzanillo on the Caribean Coast was firebombed over the holidays. Read more on the Puerto Viejo Satellite.

1/4 - A letter, the parents of children in Alto Katsi, Talamanca, Costa Rica are appealing for your valuable support in a building a school. Read more from the Tropical Adventures Blog.

Check out this new blog by Andy Bystrom from Pretoma.org. It gives you the latest news on what is happening to marine life and coastal ecosystems in Costa Rica.

12/6: An inspection by the National System of Conservation Area (SINAC) regional office in Tempisque confirmed that thousands of square meters of vegetation were illegally removed from the shoreline in front of the recently opened Hotel Riu in Matapalo de Sardinal in the northwest province of Guanacaste. The case will now go before the constitutional court.

12/6: Letter to Tico Times regarding Las Baulas National Park. Read it here.

11/24: National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) Identifies 35 Ocean Sites Worth Protecting. Read more..

11/11: The Corcovado Foundation hosted their 5th Annual Gourmet Night with Fine Wines. October 24th, 7 p.m. at the Art Gallery at the Children's Museum. It was a huge success, raising over $7,000. Read the Foundation's thank you letter and see photos here..

11/8: Don’t throw out your old and/ or worn-out clothes. They’re needed by the Colectivo Artistico Reciclando en Talamanca por la Sostenibilidad (CARTS), which has been commissioned to make shopping bags for the local farmers’ market in Puerto Viejo. To help, the Talamancan Association of Ecotourism and Conservation (ATEC), next to the Casa de la Cultura, will except the following: clean, old clothing; clean, used sheets and hammocks; material part of broken umbrellas; fabric scraps; other clean items that might be used to make recycled art. Volunteers Needed - Some 164 volunteer hours have been donated to date in a fun and ongoing recycling project sponsored by ATEC. Volunteers go to the recycling center in the small town of Patino once a week to help the new ReciCaribe get on top of the mountain of materials that need to be processed.. For more information on both projects, call 2750-0398 or 8320-4821.

10/31: The new spanish owned RIU Hotel has been accused of destroying neighboring mangroves and being built without water permits. Read more..

10/25: Andy Bystrm creates video showing area impacted by proposed Tuna Farms near Punta Banco. Watch the video and then donate to help Pretoma stop the destruction of the water quality in the area.

10/25: Surfing Nosara Foundation and Innocent Surf School Create Beach Clean up Project for Schools. Read more..

10/18: Environmental Ministry wants to keep 600 homes in Ostianal Turtle Refuge. Read more..

10/4: Witch’s Rock Surf Camp has installed a new biodiesel reactor and has trained its staff how to use it. This means they are now converting used cooking oil from Eat @ Joe’s Restaurant – as well as used cooking oil from FT’s and the Barceló resort – to power their shuttle vans and surf yacht.

10/4: National Beach Cleanup organized in October through TerraNostra.org.

9/13: Here's a cool new blog about the Camino Claro School in Pavones, highlighting their environmental and community efforts. Check out - www.caminoclaro.org

9/13: With the help of donations from Surfrider Foundation Tamarindo, development group Las Mareas and area resident Drew Smith, Tamarindo only lifeguard Jorge Zamora's salary was paid through August. However, the lifeguard program needs help to continue. The beach needs more equipment as well as more lifeguards, and of course the salary of the one remaining lifeguard needs to be protected. To help, contact Cheryl at cherylmckillican @hotmail.com.

Upcoming Event: 2/14 - Amigos de la Educación (ADE) will celebrate their 10th Silver Anniversary “Have A Heart” Charity Golf Tournament on Sunday, February 14, 2010.  This special celebration will be hosted by Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course to support Education and Scholarship. ADE is a non-profit organization working hard for the last nine years to provide academic and infrastructure needs for the students and public schools of Guanacaste. If you wish to help sponsor the event, contact Suzye Lawson at suzye.lawson@gmail.com.

Upcoming event:Costa Rica to host history’s biggest/most important leatherback sea turtle benefit concert. Where: CENAC San Jose, Costa Rica When: December 14, 2009 Time: 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm – Musicians’ press conference at 3:00 pm. Click for more info.

Get up close and personal with bugs in “Art and Biodiversity,” an exhibit of 50 of the best photographs from the National Biodiversity Institute (INBio) insect collection, on display through Jan. 24 at INBioparque in Santo Domingo de Heredia, north of San José.

Upcoming event: The Refuge from Hermosa Beach will be holding a seminar called “State Of Conservation And Current Status Of Sea Turtles In The Pacific”. This seminar will be taught by Mr. RICARDO PEREZ DURAN, a Wildlife Specialist. The event will be held on Thursday December 10th at 8:30 am in Best Western Jaco Beach Hotel. The nominal fee is $20 (Pro-Aid Wildlife Refuge Playa Hermosa - Punta Mala). For more information, call 2643-1000.

12/6: An inspection by the National System of Conservation Area (SINAC) regional office in Tempisque confirmed that thousands of square meters of vegetation were illegally removed from the shoreline in front of the recently opened Hotel Riu in Matapalo de Sardinal in the northwest province of Guanacaste. The case will now go before the constitutional court.

12/6: Letter to Tico Times regarding Las Baulas National Park. Read it here.

11/15: International tourism operators disfavor elimination of Las Baulas National Park in Costa Rica. Read More ...

** Here is Leilani McGonagle's letter (young surfer from Pavones) to our president in Costa Rica against the tuna farm proposal in the southern zone. If you are against this project as well, please take time to forward her letter along to all your email contacts and write a quick email to let our officials here know you are against it. Below are a few emails where your opinions can be sent emails: lsolis@casapres.go.cr (president of CR) ministrominae@minae.go.cr (government body in charge of natural resources and conservation) mobando@ict.go.cr (tourism board)

“The other day I went surfing here in Pavones. It was such a beautiful day. The water was clear and pretty. I saw a manta ray jumping, a pelican diving in for his breakfast, and a sea turtle floating by. When I went under the water, I could hear the whales singing. Have you ever heard whales? They sing the most beautiful songs! As I came up from under the water, I had a terrible thought… Will there come a day when this Gulf that I love so much be so contaminated from the tuna farms that the manta rays will no longer jump? Will there be a day that the pelicans no longer come here to fish for their breakfast? Will there be a day that the turtles no longer want to lay their eggs on our beaches? Will there be a day when the whales no longer want to come and sing their sweet songs?
I hope with all my heart that this day will never come! This is why I am writing you today. I am asking you to please, please help us to stop the tuna farms from coming here!!! Please use all your power as president to stop this project from contaminating our beautiful Golfo Dulce.

Thank you for you time,
Leilani McGonagle
PS. I heard you recently were sick with Swine Flu. I hope you are feeling better!”

Surfrider Beach Cleanup on November 14th: Meet at the recycling tent at 9 a.m. this Saturday.

11/11: The Corcovado Foundation hosted their 5th Annual Gormet Night with Fine Wines. October 24th, 7 p.m. at the Art Gallery at the Children's Museum. It was a huge success, raising over $7,000. Read the Foundation's thank you letter and see photos here..

Tamarindo Recycling Day is November 13th and 14th! The muni will collect reyclables from the bins from 7-9 a.m. on the 13th. And help paint bins Sat. from 9-noon in front of Aqua Discoteque.

Upcoming event: Project AWARE Beach Cleanup 2009: Sept. 19, 9 a.m.-noon, Diving Safaris, Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste, 2672-1259, info@costaricadiving.net. Here is the official recruitment letter..

8/28 - Tamarindo Recycling Pickup - Read more..

8/17 - Between August 20th and 30th, Pretoma and Turtle Island Restoration Network (www.tirn.net) will jointly lead a Cocos Island Shark and Sea Turtle Tagging Expedition, a historic expedition that will investigate declines in Eastern Pacific shark populations, migratory movements of hammerhead sharks and green turtles, and the effect of man's activities on these endangered species. Read more..

8/8 - 250 Used Computers Needed for School Kids in Costa Rica. Read More..

8/8 - In Puerto Viejo, the recycling program has restarted, thanks to the help of the Corredor Biologico de Talamanca. You can still drop recycling at ATEC on Sunday or Monday mornings, subject to change. Monthly donations to the recycling program can be made to Banco Nacional account number 20001112039124-7. A Banco de Costa Rica account will soon be available. For more information in Spanish or English, contact Maurizio at cafeviejo@gmail.com.

Save The Waves meets with ISA, Local NGOs and National Surfing Federations in Costa Rica. Read more..

Do you want to volunteer to protect endangered sea turtles in Costa Rica? Check out the ASVO (Asociación de Voluntarios para el Servicio en las Areas Protegidas) Web site at www.asvocr.org.

7/25: UCR denies ever granting approval for the tuna farm project. Read more..

Check out the gallery of photos from the International Surfing Day event at Hacienda Pinilla on June 20th.

Upcoming Event: Recycling Day in Tamarindo on August 8th! Please join us between 9AM and noon at the parking lot in front of Aqua Discotech and remember to bring any household items that you want to donate to the Red Cross! -- It All Comes Back To You. Todo Se Devuelve. TAMARINDO RECYCLES.. See the flyer..
www.tamarindorecycles.blogspot.com

5/31: At the National Forum on the Sustainability of Water Resources, Neotropica presented a report on "Environmental Conflicts and Sustainable Management of Water Resources in the region of Osa". Click to see the powerpoint report. And here is the link for ECOTICOS - a sustainable project created at the University of Vermont.

5/31: The Tuna Farms are getting a green light from MINAE. Read more..

5/25: Link to 2000 Report on Cetaceans in Drake Bay and the Osa Peninsula.

5/9: United States Bans Costa Rica Shrimp to protect Sea Turtles. Read More..

4/23: A beach cleanup at Playas Guacalillo and Playa Azul collected over 9700 pounds of trash, much of it recyclable. The cleanup was organized by Asociación Terra Nostra and many employees of Wal-Mart Centroamérica participated, along with dozens of volunteers from Tarcoles, Jaco, and San Jose. Alexander Mora, a national legislator, is trying to get a ban on ALL plastic bags in Costa Rica, not just grocery bags, but lawn and trash bags, too. Imported bags would have to be made from bio-degradable materials.

4/20: ReciclArte is now a thriving non profit business whose profits go towards schools and educating young people about recycling. You can check out http://reciclarte-cr.blogspot.com/ to find out what they are doing.

4/20: Project Green Jungle has set a goal to raise $1,500 by May 19. Goal: Traditional Bribri facilities. They have been given an amazing opportunity to build a facility within the reservation of the Bribri indigenous. This will only cost $1500 for a complete traditional Bribri build out. Please help us out if you can, our ongoing water tests, biosurveys, and cultural programs will be able to be facilitated much easier with a facility here. Happy Earth Day! To learn more about the goal or donate, go to www.greenjungle.org.

4/18: CRSURF.com is supporting GreenJungle.org with their first TWEARTH Day, an event taking place on the River Saxiola (Southern Caribbean) and shared with the world using Twitter. Parents, teachers, and students are welcome to visit! (The widget is now on the News page)

3/22: Surfrider Tamarindo meeting on March 26th at the Surf Club in Playa Langosta. Also, there will be a fundraiser at Hotel Laguna de Cocodrilo on April 4th.

3/1: Plans for Tuna Farms off the coast of Punta Banco raise alarms. Read more ..

2/26: Surfrider Tamarindo will be having their next meeting on Feb. 26th, 7 p.m., at the Surf Club, Playa Langosta. They will be discussing: Membership Drive, Cool new t-shirts are HERE, April fundraiser, and Surfrider's Non-Profit status. All are welcome to attend and share ideas or just listen in.

2/16: SETENA approves 85% of projects on the Osa Peninsula, from Informa-Tico. English version.

4/30: SETENA re-approves Tuna Farm near Pavones. Pretoma pledges to oppose it and asks for international help. Read more..

3/28: More than $1000 was raised for the Dominical lifeguards and local school at the 5k/10k Dominicalito marathon held on March 8th. The 10k winner was Eliecer Oviedo from San Jose, and for the women Maria Matamoros. The 5k winner was 15-year-old Vicotr Mendoza from Dominicalito and the women's winner was Kristin Andrews. Thanks to Dave and Debbie West, owners of Costa del Sol Properties, for organizing the event. Next year they said will be even bigger..

3/22: Australian bicycler Claire Vanderplank is cycling solo through Central and South America to raise awareness about social sustainability. On her trip through Costa Rica she made a stop in Manuel Antonio. Claire is collecting stories from people involved in raising social and environmental consciousness, using the tales as case studies to increase awareness on these themes among school students. Anyone interested can check out her Web site at www.cyclingforcohesion.com. Teachers and school principals are invited to contact Claire via e-mail, claire@ cyclingforcohesion.com, if they would like to participate. Social studies teachers are especially encouraged to join in. Her strategy is to use the adventurous nature of this trip and stories collected to capture the imaginations of those who may otherwise not change their thinking and behavior in these areas.

3/1: Plans for Tuna Farms off the coast of Punta Banco raise alarms. Read more ..

3/1: Find out more about Rainforest Aid 2009. Join them in celebration of culture, and diversity and help support education, health and existing rainforest preservation efforts adjacent to Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica. For more information, visit www.rainforestaid09.com.

3/1: U.S.-based nonprofit group Amigos of Costa Rica and its counterpart here, the Costa Rica-U.S.A. Foundation for Cooperation (CRUSA), have set up a relief fund to help this country’s recovery efforts after the Jan. 8 earthquake, which killed as many as 30 people, left hundreds more homeless and caused an estimated $100 million in damage. Amigos set up a Web site, www.amigosofcostarica.org/earthquake, for its Costa Rica Earthquake Relief Fund as a way to raise awareness and money after the 6.2 magnitude quake’s impact. The site provides an online space in which to make tax-deductable donations from the United States to help Costa Rica’s recovery.

2/21: PriceSmart will stop using plastic bags for shoppers' purchases March 2nd. Currently they distribute 90 million plastic bags annually, or 750 tons of plastic. Four of their 25 stores are located in Costa Rica, and their headquarters is in San Diego, California.

2/6: I just found a great link to recycling locations on the southern Pacific coast. It's on this blog set up by the Nature Conservancy.

1/23: Check out the NEW Pretoma.org newletter, giving vital information of the conditions for turtles and sharks around Costa Rica.

12/6: All across the country, surfers are facing access and environmental fights that fail to consider their needs and enormous impact. While fishermen and other recreational ocean users flex big muscle in courthouses and town halls, surfers get pushed aside a 'segment group.' A minor hobby for punk kids - instead of healthy lifestyle for whole families. That's because we let them. Despite being a 1000-year-old sport with a $7 billion industry, surfing has failed to produce the demographic and economic studies to show who we are, where we live, and what we spend. So while other interest groups bolster their arguments with impressive numbers to prove their positions, all-too often, surfers get blindsided and bowled over, unable to offer a single hard number to support their cases or save their breaks. Not anymore. With your help, we can start to paint a true picture of who surfers are and how we behave. And every surfer who answers provides another stroke of necessary detail. All you need to do is take 15 minutes to fill out the survey. (Copy and paste this address if the link doesn't work - http://www.surfrider.org/ surf_survey_2008/survey2008a.cfm)

1/25: From Randall Arauz, Director of Pretoma.org. "Thank you for supporting Pretoma and marine conservation programs. Our newsletter's intent is to keep the Tide of citizens who support us informed regarding particular events of interest, in addition to the best way for you to channel your public voice for the sustainable use of natural resources and responsible fishing. As part of this process we will soon strengthen our relation with our supporters through a membership. We also hope that because of the points of view expressed in this newsletter, more people will decide to become part of this ''Tide of Change''." To read the first edition as a PDF, click here.

1/25: The campaign “Save the Monkeys” or now “SavleMonos”, keeps giving results. This past Wednesday, January 21st, four new monkey bridges were hung in Tamarindo for this species that are constantly in danger of electrocution from power lines. Read more from Tamarindonews.com.

1/24: Costa Rica's Cocos Island has made it to the next phase of an Internet contest seeking to select the word's “Seven Natural Wonders” among 300 candidates from around the planet. The contest is organized by www.new7wonders.com , a project by a Swiss Foundation in which Web users can express their preferences and help pick seven finalists. The same foundation had organized a similar contest that selected the “New Seven Wonders of the World” in 2007.

11/30: The developer of Hermosa Vista, a few miles south of Dominical, is being fined over $2 million dollars for damages. Developers swept away an entire mountain to clear places for some of the proposed 100 condos and allegedly that workmen filled in ditches that feed the sea near the Playa Hermosa National Refuge.

11/4: The Surfrider Foundation Tamarindo Chapter will host a Double Beach Cleanup on Saturday November 8th. For Tamarindo neighbors, meet in front of the Iguana Surf parking lot. And for the Langosta residents - meet on the beach in front of the Barcelo - both at 9 a.m. Thanks for participating!!

11/12: Threat of Tuna Farms in Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica, IS BACK. Read more..

10/27: Environmental Tribunal finds 14 out of 16 projects on the Osa Peninsula either don't have permits or are violating them. Read more..

10/26: A Tale of Entanglement - Why we must never forget why littering is a big deal, and why we must teach others not to do it.

10/18: Fact: The Osa Peninsula is home to thousands of rare and endangered species like the jaguar, which a recent count carried out by biologist and researcher Eduardo Carrillo of the National University confirmed that only 30 Jaguars exist on the Osa today. Ten years ago, the Jaguar population was 150. That is why Nature Air, CR Traveler, and Osa Peninsula Travel are hosting RainForestAid 2009, from June 19th to 21st. For more info, go to www.rainforestaid09.com.

10/22: IUCN Calls for Stronger Measures to Protect Leatherback Turtles, Sharks, and Whales - During the recent IUCN World Conservation Congress, held in Barcelona from October 5 to 14, three resolutions were adopted calling for improved protection of leatherback turtles, sharks and whales. Read more..

9/29: From JournalCR.com - Many Guanacaste beaches improve water quality. Playa del Coco one of those not included on list.

9/29: From the Osa Coalition - New video showing the destruction at Playa Plantares, near Puerto Jimenez on the Golfo Dulce. On the site you can voice your opposition to this illegal mauling of natural resources, since only with international pressure can it be stopped. Bulldozers on the beach stop to watch turtles hatch while Puerto Jiminez residents worry. Read more..

9/27: Spain donates $35 million for water, sanitation projects.. Following the visit by Costa Rican President Oscar Arias earlier this month, Spain last week announced a $35 million investment in water and sanitation projects here. The donation was made public by Ricardo Sancho, president of the Costa Rican Water and Sewer Institute (AyA) and Foreign Relations Minister Bruno Stagno. One of the first projects to benefit from the donation is the area of Conte, in Pavon, Golfito, and its 3,000 residents. Another project waiting funding is the Boca Arenal in San Carlos, which will now be completed thanks to the donation. Other areas that will also benefit from this gift are Lower Talamanca in Limon and communities in Sixaola, which have had constant problems with the quality of drinking water. The province of Puntarenas will also see improvements in its sewer system, including the building a water treatment plant that has been badly needed for the last 150 years, according to Sancho. The work in Puntarenas will cost some $20 million and benefit 110,000 residents of the area.

9/22: From AMCostaRica.com - Nosara study supports feasibility of recycling trash

9/22: From JournalCR.com - International Coastal Cleanup in Playa Ocotal a great success, hosted by the Ocotal Beach Resort and the Ocean Conservancy.

9/22: From TamarindoNews.com - See the VIDEO from the Trashion Fashion show in Tamarindo.

From A.M. Costa Rica - Construction sites within the Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas are facing closure by the government's Tribunal Ambiental, but local real estate brokers say that the situation is not as clear-cut as the tribunal suggests. Read more.. (Fact: The park is of particular importance to the critically endangered leatherback sea turtle, whose numbers have plummeted more than 90% during the past 20 years (TT, April 13, 2007). Playa Grande ranks as the most important nesting beach in Costa Rica and one of the five most important in the world.

From Greencoast.com: Op-ed piece explains recent community meeting in Puerto Viejo regarding the New World Eco-Marina. For more info, go to Salvemos Puerto Viejo, or Let’s Save Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo Residents protest marina built next to Salsa Brava, from www.amcostarica.com

Coalición Costarricense por las Ballenas - AYUDA A LAS BALLENAS, VISITA ESTE LINK Y LLENA CON TUS DATOS PERSONALES.. Costaricans for the Whales - Help the Whales by visiting this link and signing the petition.

Puerto Viejo Residents protest marina built next to Salsa Brava, from www.amcostarica.com

From La Nacion - The first marina in the Costa Rica Caribbean will cost $40 million and will have 398 berths, according to Grupo Caribe Internacional. The facility will be located at Playa Negra, in Puerto Viejo. If the official permits are granted, construction will start in eight months, according to the firm's attorney Walter Coto.

USAR DESECHOS PARA PRODUCIR GAS LIMPIO
por La Diaria Extra - Mauricio Ordóñez Corresponsal

Aunque pocos entendieron la inquietud del pequeño científico, para otros fue un llamado de atención de que con "basura orgánica" se puede fabricar gas para calentar agua en chancheras y lecherías o para cocinar.

Lo más importante, por ejemplo en el caso de las chancheras, es que se evita que el excremento vaya a las quebradas y contamine los ríos.

También Ulate insistió en el adecuado manejo de los desechos orgánicos bajo el lema "Fabrique su propio gas natural" mediante los siguientes pasos: se recoge el material orgánico, que se convierte en biomasa y se coloca en un estañón, donde se lleva a cabo la fermentación, con una manguera el gas llega a un pulmón que lo almacena y de ahí al quemador de la cocina o el calentador de la lechería.

La exposición del pequeño, quien cursa el primer grado de escuela, fue aplaudida pero no premiada. Para mas infomacion - visita - www.biogasulate.es.tl

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Tamarindo says poor water quality affects tourism, from The Beach Times.

PIC OF THE WEEK

Are you surfing in feces? from La Nacion

No beaches closed yet in Tamarindo - from www.AMCostarica.com

To assist in research and protection of the Isla de Coco National park, which was declared a World Natural Heritage Site by the United Nations in 1997, a website - www.tuislacoco.com has been created.

Projecto Ninos in Nosara raises money for school supplies by selling rooms and tours donated by local businesses. To learn more, go to www.projectoninos.com

Costaricans for the Whales - Help the Whales by visiting this link and signing the petition asking the president to protect them.

From www.amcostarica.com -
Isla del Coco patrol highlights rampant violations of law. Costa Rican coast guardsmen have just completed a 15-day patrol in the Pacifc and returned admitting that they do not have the resources to adequately protect the Isla del Coco. Read more..

50 percent less leatherback nests, by The Beach Times

The last nesting season of leatherback turtles at the Las Baulas National Marine Park in Guanacaste, on the Costa Rican northwestern Pacific, is a source of worry for environmental authorities and organizations, since the number of arrivals decreased by 50 percent, as compared to the preceding season. Wardens counted only 58 individuals of the endangered species, while in the preceding season there had been 124 sightings. The worries can be fully understood when one takes into account that this is the most important leatherback spawning site in the Eastern Pacific and the fourth worldwide.

To protest the 14 story condo project on Playa Hermosa Beach - Dave Sherwood from the Tico Times investigates both sides of the issue.

Help save the Golfo Dulce from a giant Tuna Farm approved to be built near Punta Banco. A Letter from Tiskita Foundation asks for assistance.

Volunteer opportunities to work with sea turtles. Go to www.anaicr.org for details on how to get involved on the Talamancan Coast.

Debt for Education and the Environment - Three influential U.S. senators made a pledge to promote pardoning the Costa Rican debt with the United States on the condition that those funds would be invested on improving education and the protection of the environment. From www.insidecostarica.com

Travel with award-winning travel guide author Harry S. Pariser around Costa Rica and experience its wonders! Buy the 2006 Explore Costa Rica Guide at www.savethemanatee.com

Harmony Hotel in Nosara organized four schools and the local community in a giant beach cleanup held on Sept. 1st. The hotel has many featues that make it a true eco-resort. They'll surf against tuna

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Those who opposed an undersea tuna farm in the Golfo Dulce plan a surf championship Saturday near the community of Pavones in southwest Costa Rica.

The environmental groups sponsoring the event oppose the project proposed by Granja Atunera de Golfito S.A. and have appealed permits to the Sala IV constitutional court.

The opponents object to the mess that would be created by raising yellowfin tuna in two-kilometer-long cages beneath the pristine gulf.

TRAVEL

10/25 - The Easy Street Music Fiesta will take place this weekend in Puerto Viejo. A benefit for the Conservation International Caribbean Biodiversity Initiative, the event will include music, art and activities for kids. Come listen to reggae, hip-hop, pop, rock, jazz, blues and more. There will be art exhibitions and street performances. For more information, e-mail easystreetmusicfiesta@ live.com or check their MySpace..

6/15 - Spirit Air is offering trips from Ft. Lauderdale to San Jose for $89 each way plus taxes, and $129 each way from Orlando. These prices are good for Tuesday/Wednesday travel until November 20th. Go to www.spiritair.com to book your flight directly.

6/13 - Even though the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation re-opened traffic on the southern Pan American Highway, the number of vehicles was much smaller than on any regular day, authorities report. The road is open only 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the highway police regulates tightly regarding speed, since many spots are muddy and skidding off the road is a permanent danger. In the meantime, repairs continue at the fastest rhythm possible, but the works won't be completed in less than six weeks, according to the engineers in charge. Traffic is also backing up at the bridges north and south of Parrita, along the coastal highway, so give yourself extra time for driving.

TRAVEL

10/20: Surftech is having a promotion on their new line of soft boards "BLACKTIP" and "SOFTOPS" if your getting ready for next season fill your shops and schools up with these and save some $$. This offer its valid till mid November, 2008. 9'0 Black Tips starting at $299.00 + tax, 8'0 Softops $369.00 + tax price incluedes on time delivery. surftech@ bluetrailz.com.

Are you jonesing for some Lisano or other Costa Rican foods? Check out www.ticoshopping.com for a very complete selection of C.R. goodies. And tell them CRSURF sent you.

Also, if you go to JACO and NEED A SURFBOARD, these guys from Argentina can hook you up with some nice shapes. Check it out at www.fbsurfboards.com

ENVIRONMENT

Upcoming event: Project AWARE Beach Cleanup 2009: Sept. 19, 9 a.m.-noon, Diving Safaris, Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste, 2672-1259, info@costaricadiving.net. Here is the official recruitment letter.. or visit www.terranostra-cr.org

8/12 - The President of the Republic and the Minister of Environment have submitted an executive bill to alter the area currently occupied by Las Baulas Marine National Park (PNMB) to the Committee on Environment of the Legislative Assembly. Read more..

8/12 - During the World Surfing Games, CRSURF collected over 285 signatures to stop the tuna farms. Please sign the petition to oppose the tuna farms planned for Punta Banco. Click Here..

7/25: UCR denies ever granting approval for the tuna farm project. Read more..

7/19: "The leatherback turtle population has declined by 95 percent during the past two decades. Playa Grande, which was of the nesting site for more than 1,000 leatherbacks per year in the late 1980’s, now hosts only some 40 to70 of the nesting sea turtles annually." Las Baulas National Park may be reduced by new Government legislation. Courtesy of Tamarindo News..

6/20: Surfrider Tamarindo is hosting International Surfing Day at Hacienda Pinilla on June 20th. Read more..

6/18: Soulstice Pro beach cleanup at Guacalillo on June 18th at 2 p.m. Meet at Cabinas Las Olas in Playa Hermosa. Another cleanup will be on the 19th at the same time. Read more..

5/23: GoodMorningPavones.com (or BuenosDiasPavones.com en espanol) is a new website dedicated to the community of Pavones and Punta Banco. They have been covering the Tuna Farm issue, as well as offer news on upcoming events. The next is: the Fiesta to Save the Golfo Dulce, May 23 & 24 in the plaza in Pavones. Stop the tuna cages and drag net shrimp fishing, and help preserve our community based on sustainable development. Opens with church choral group singing in plaza, 9am Saturday. Live music throughout the weekend with visiting bands and local mariachis. Inauguration of the new children's playground. Boat tours along the coastline. Fishing tournament, everything provided, entry c15,000, cash prize, rods, bait and boats with captians will be supplied. Surfboard paddling contest, teams of 5 needed, c10,000 entry per team. Rubber boot race up the Rio Claro. Guaymi Indian arts and crafts sale. Garage Sale. Silent auction. And lots of good food! Information and videos about tuna farming and drag net shrimping. Read more at GoodMorningPavones.com. And BUY A "NO TUNA FARMING" T-SHIRT!

Blog set up by the Nature Conservancy to locate recycling locations on the southern Pacific coast.

7/30: Save Puerto Viejo has a new website - www.salvemospuertoviejo.com. The site was created to prevent a massive marina project from possibly destroying the break Salsa Brava and polluting the waters of Cahuita National Park. They have an online petition and a forum for discussing alternatives.

7/1: Last month, Waves Costa Rica Surf School, with Roxy and Quiksilver, launched June as international month of the environment, a campaign about the need to protect the Playa Hermosa-Punta Mala National Wildlife Refuge. The campaign includes the “Blue Book” with 10 tips on how to stop ocean pollution. Those who want to be part of the campaign are invited to stop by Andrea’s new office for stickers and a copy of the book.

7-11: Surfrider Foundation, Scotiabank and the Tamarindo Lifeguard Committee last week joined together at Tamarindo’s main beach parking lot to clean the beach, finish the wooden fence and paint the lifeguard towers.

7/8: Check out this Spanish TV video showing Carlos Ulate, from Costa Rica, using composting biomatter to fuel his stove. He explain how to build he built one, what it uses for fuel, and the importance of it as an alternative to filling landfills and septic tanks. Link... To see more about using biogas and how to set a system, go to www.biogasulate.es.tl. English version using Google link..

Corporate giant Wal-Mart, owners of Costa Rican supermarket chains Más x
Menos and Hipermas, has stopped selling billfish, whose populations are declining.
“It's the first step.” Read more ..

New Book for Teens talks about saving turtles in Tamarindo - Turtle Feet, Surfer Beat is the story of Penelope who moves to Tamarindo with her parents for a month and learns about the peril of the leatherback turtle. The 86-page book written by Marina Kuperman is printed on recycled paper and has a journal in the back for a girl's own eco-adventure. Read more at - www.turtlefeetsurfersbeat.com.

From Greencoast.com: Op-ed piece explains recent community meeting in Puerto Viejo regarding the New World Eco-Marina.

Dominical hosts lifeguard benfit on July 3rd. The annual 4th of July Benefit for the Dominical Lifeguards is Sunday at Hotel Roca Verde, 12:00 - 6:00. Live music, raffle prizes, bake sale, hamburger / hot dogs, and a chance to win a Quad! All proceeds benefit The Dominical Lifeguards. For more info, go to Dominical.biz.

Ocean Festival to be held in San Jose and Puntarenas. For more information contact Michelle Soto Méndez of the Asociación Marviva.

PRETOMA studies sea turtles on Playa Caletas - More than 1,300 leatherbacks arrived in 1989; only 68 arrived in 2002. T o help out - check at www.tortugamarina.org

PRETOMA is a Costa Rican Non-Profit NGO, founded in 1997, with headquarters in the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose. Our mission is to protect, conserve and restore the populations of sea turtles and sharks and the marine environment along the Central American isthmus.

What do they do?

• Projects to protect endangered sea turtles on their nesting beaches
• Collect scientific data on sea turtles and sharks onboard commercial fishing vessels
• Promote national, regional and global fisheries policies that allow endangered species to recover and ensure commercial species are sustainably used
• Public campaigns with national and international organizations to raise awareness regarding ocean conservation

The U.S.-based Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation will donate $8 million to help Costa Rica 's financially strained national park system combat poaching and illegal logging on the Osa Peninsula , in Costa Rica 's Southern Zone, government officials announced this week. Those interested in donating funds to conserve the Osa Peninsula can visit www.osacampaign.com.

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If you surf Nosara, you may want to find out more about a gas station that is going in right next to the river, which leads right out to the surf break. Check out www.voiceofnosara.com for more info.

Carlos Barrera is the director of the Eco-Pangueros Association of Playa del Coco. They have received permits from MINAE to take surfers to Witches Rock and Ollie's Point. The cost is $200 per boat, with a maximum of five people each. Each surfer is also required to pay the $6 entrance fee to the Santa Rosa National Park. Mr. Barrera explained that "The association can now work with the community to protect the natural resources and give the visiting surfers a chance to enjoy their experience surfing without crowds." The boat captains organize their trips so that one group can surf one spot while another is on a different break, keeping crowds to a minimum.

Volunteer coordinators live in Tamarindo, Jaco, Dominical, Manzanillo, and San Jose to try to bring visitors who want to help out a way to do it. Volunteers are needed to bring educational supplies for the Respect the Beach program, help out at a cleanup or a contest handing out informational flyers. Not just about Surfrider, but for any local group that is trying to protect their coastline.