No matter the time of year, Costa Rica is a uniquely vibrant landscape of bounteous nature and exotic wildlife. One of the greatest charms of this Central American nation is the numerous opportunities that abound for enjoying yoga and surfing in spectacularly pristine natural settings. Celebrities and visitors from around the world have flocked to Costa Rica, drawn by its peaceful live-and-let-live vibe and the charms of Mother Nature to turn the country into one of the top surfing and yoga destinations in the world.
Below are a few reasons why surfing and yoga make for an excellent (and cool) vacation in Costa Rica:
Surfing Is Good for Humanity
Far more than a niche sport for roustabout beach “bums”, surfing is a peaceful, natural sport that fosters greater awareness of the planet. When surfers make their way out to the breaks, study the tides, and drink in a gorgeously pristine maritime landscape, an enhanced connection with the rhythms of the planet and moon are natural byproducts.
Surfing is a sport that is impervious to smartphones, gadgets, screens, and other hallmarks of modern life. Out there in the water, there is only the sun, sky, and the inexorable march of the waves that has been going on since time immemorial.
See also: 10 Fantastic Reasons Why Costa Rica is the Best Surfing Destination in the World
On a more practical level, being out in the great outdoors is, in itself, a recipe for happiness. Millions of people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), sometimes called seasonal depression, almost entirely as a result of prolonged withdrawal from the rays of the sun. Surfing in the sun-kissed waters of Costa Rica is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Surfing is also one of the best ways to burn calories and stay in shape. Instead of mindlessly churning out the distance on a treadmill in some gym, surfers enjoy the natural benefits that accrue from paddling out to sea and balancing on a thin board as they ride waves back to shore. The movements required to stay balanced on a board that is adapting to constantly-changing tides, winds and waves is a great way to keep muscles in shape.
The waters off the coast of Costa Rica are also completely pristine. Surfers in the waters off industrialized countries can suffer from fevers, rashes, and toxins as a result of pollution. Costa Rica is one of the most bio-diverse and naturally clean environments in the world.
Yoga Is Good For You
Yoga began as a series of movements and breathing techniques designed to help religious adherents draw ever closer to Nirvana. Today, yoga is part of a greater culture and lifestyle that now includes healthy eating habits, hygiene, the approach to work, and the way to have relationships with other people that are healthy, happy, and beneficial to all parties.
Many yoga methods focus on time-tested meditation techniques that allow the practitioner to learn to quiet inner mental turmoil and anxiety while reducing stress. A greater sense of inner peace and overall relaxation is achieved partly by boosting oxygen levels to the brain. Practicing yoga movements in a spectacularly beautiful outdoor setting in Costa Rica just adds another level of happiness and wonder to the experience.
Endless Olas
The Endless Olas Surf Camp based in Playa Dominical in Costa Rica’s Pacific Southwest is an ideal place to hone or learn your surfing skills. With experienced local surf coaches and access to all of the best breaks, Endless Olas will get you riding waves in one of the most beautiful natural settings in the country.
Endless Olas also offers beachside yoga and massage as well as organizing exciting adventures in the area, including zip-lining through the jungle canopy, hiking, white-water rafting, sea kayaking, fishing, and hiking. On land and at sea, Endless Olas is the name to trust for a gorgeous outdoor experience in beautiful Costa Rica.
