CR Surf Report for October 2007

This is the month for rains and flooding, café con leche lineups, and rainbows. The southern swells are fewer, but more powerful. It can be waist high in Tamarindo and overhead in Dominical. The locals are happy with the scene, and here’s some happenings for the next month.

Thousands of Costa Ricans are supporting Las Baulas National Marine Park, which is home to the endangered leatherback turtle nesting grounds. Environmentalists demand lawful expropriations of beachfront properties located in the park, stretching from Playa Grande and the other by the Tamarindo rivermouth. Homeowners are demanding just compensation for their property, which at market prices make it hard for the Costa Rica government to purchase. Many private charities have already pledged to match the cost, but it has to be approved by the Legislature. For information about the sea turtles and the (which is really an estuary) www.Pretoma.org

Projecto Ninos in Nosara raises money for school supplies by selling rooms and tours donated by local businesses. They have house rentals and surf lessons for sale on Ebay, where the proceeds go right into the local school system. Their goal is to improve the quality of education in Costa Rica by developing strong educational programs that promote literacy, the arts, sciences and personal well being.To learn more, go to www.projectoninos.com

Roxy Costa Rica Surf Safaris is hosting a welcome home party for the Special Olympics athletes returning from their competition in China. The dates are set for October 26th and 27th. The athletes will be given accommodations at Cabinas Las Olas in Playa Hermosa and enjoy a dinner celebration at Caliche’s Wishbone Restaurant in Jaco on Saturday evening. For more information, contact Mitzam Fontiveros at mitzam@wavescr.com.

The Montezuma International Film Festival will be held on November 1st to the 5th in Montezuma. It will showcase 100 films from across the world with live music, street parties, beach parties, special dinners, discussion panels and much more. All events are free and everyone in the world is invited to this first annual celebration of independent film. Go to www.montezumafilmfestival.com for more information and to see a list of movies.

Finally, Frederico Pilurzo, the only surfer from Costa Rica competing frequently in the WQS, is in 105th place and competing in October for a spot in the Top 100. Why is this level so important? Because those who make it get invited to surf in the Triple Crown surf contests in Hawaii, which would be a first for any Costa Rican.