CR Surf Report for November 2007

Sewage in Tamarindo – The latest water quality test done at various spots along the beach in Tamarindo revealed a fecal coliform count up to 79 times higher than the safe level for swimming. The Minister of Health and Minister of the Environment both came out to investigate the issue and another round of tests are expected next week. Last year Tamarindo was awarded the title of a “Blue Flag” beach, which entails having high water quality standards.

Federico Pilurzo is going to the Triple Crown – The first ever representative from Costa Rica will be competing in two of the three most prestigious surf contests in the world, in Haleiwa and Sunset Beach. At the latest contest in Brazil, Pilurzo earned enough points to crack the top 100 on the World Qualifying Series, another first for Costa Rica. Federico lives in Playa Langosta and his family, who own the Cala Luna Hotel, has played a big role in promoting surfing around the country.

Save the Date to Save the Earth - On Sunday April 20, 2008, the 4th Annual Osa Peninsula Earth Day Festival is again expected to attract hundreds of participants from communities throughout the Peninsula, providing an opportunity to network and celebrate together the abundance of Nature. In 2004, the Osa joined with other communities around the world kicking off a festival in downtown Puerto Jimenez with a great showing of community support and involvement. For the past four years, we have continued to build on this success by offering a free event which celebrates the environment and reflects the growing diversity of our community. The Festival hosts numerous environmental exhibits with a wide variety of interactive educational opportunities for children and adults, as well as exciting and diverse live entertainment, musical line-ups, contests and speakers all in a family-fun atmosphere. The theme for this year is Living in Peace with Nature, presenting a variety of practical applications for ecological stewardship. The Osa Earth Day Festival maintains free admission and when possible, free transportation to draw the largest cross-section from rural communities so that we can celebrate this internationally recognized event in the most inclusive manner. The Festival's success depends on financial support from businesses and organizations such as yours. If you would like to get more information, contact Tricia at womenoftheosa@gmail.com.

Heavy Rains Flood Caribbean and Pacific coasts – If you are planning a trip over the next few weeks, and plan to go off the beaten track, make sure you get a vehicle with good clearance. The secondary roads will have a lot of potholes, if there is a road at all. Many have been flooded out, or mudslides and fallen trees have blocked them. The main highways will be clear, but expect delays. Luckily the rainy season is coming to an end soon, so as the country dries out the repairs can begin.

Top Flights Out – How about a Thanksgiving trip from November 19th to the 24th? Only $324 on Spirit Air leaving from Fort Lauderdale. Or a trip leaving April 12th, 2008 and returning on the 23rd costs only $278.00 right now. If you want to fly Martin Air since boards fly for free, there room on the jet from the 13th to the 23rd of April next year for $298, leaving Miami. Just for reference, Martin Air flies out of Miami on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. They have flights from Orlando on Monday, Thursday, and Friday only. Go to www.martinair.com to check out the best rates.