CRSURF News and Happenings - June 2008

As school lets out and summer vacation begins, the waves in Costa Rica are expected to be more crowded this month. Luckily there are still some spots that are not that well traveled and if you ask around and are willing to drive a little off the pavement, you can still score empty surf. The key is to watch the tides, get up early, and surf until the wind switches on shore.
If you want to compete in a surf contest there are two chances this month. First is on June 21st and 22nd with the opening round of the Corona Triple Crown, taking place in Dominical. A big group from Christian Surfers in Daytona is expected to compete, as well as the best local and national surfers. Also starting that weekend is the Soulstice Open in Playa Hermosa behind Cabinas Las Olas (June 21-24). This contest is to raise money for local charities around Jaco. Entry fees are $40 and you can find more info on their Myspace page - http://www.myspace.com/soulsticeopen. (Of course this means that while all the locals are in the contest, other breaks will be less crowded!)
On the environmental front, a new bill introduced in the Costa Rican Assembly would wipe out the ruling that homeowners would have to give up 75 meters of their property inside the Las Baulas National Park in Playa Grande. To summarize the issue, the government had ruled the properties were inside the park and were supposed to buy out the owners. But the owners valued the property much higher than what the government could afford so the matter was tabled for the last few years. Now the government is backtracking on its position. The big losers are the leatherback turtles, with the number of their nests decreasing 90% in ten years and Playa Grande being one of the three most important nesting spots in the world.
On a lighter note, there’s a new book for teens that 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.
If you are ready to book your eco-adventure with friends or family, there are some great specials on flights, rentals, and hotels. I’ve found flights on Lacsa from Miami from $191 RT. There are Rav4’s for rent for $380 a week, with taxes and insurance included. Chuck from Walking on Water Surf Shop in Jaco said to mention CRSURF if you want a great deal on board rentals. And a few choice hotels are offering a “stay 4 nights, get the fifth free” special. CR Surf Travel Co. can help get you there, as we are partners with Tico Travel and licensed under Dugan’s Travels. Just email travel@crsurf.com with your questions.

For the most recent surf news, photos, reports, forecasts, and travel specials, check out www.crsurf.com.