- Program
- Surf and Service, Costa Rica
- Traveled
- Summer 2025
- Traveled with
- A friend
In this first-person account, Harper looks back on Rustic Pathways’ Surf and Service program in Costa Rica in summer 2025, a second trip on the program, with photos from the trip.
Harper describes surfing, zip lining and sunsets on the beach, a night market and work at an elementary school, and a group that felt like a family by the end of the week.
Harper’s Second Surf and Service Trip to Costa Rica
Hi, my name is Harper, and I went on the Surf and Service trip in Costa Rica this summer. I went last year as well and had the most unforgettable experience. My surfing got so much better, and I made friends across the country that I will still keep in touch with.
Surfing, Zip Lining and Service at an Elementary School in Costa Rica
There is a new adventure every day whether it’s surfing or zip lining or sunsets on the beach. You spend so much time outside but at the end of long days get to relax and jump in the pool.
We explored Costa Rica in depth getting to experience a night market and help at an elementary school. By the end of the week we had made a lot of progress and got to each do different things like laying tiles or painting.
What Harper Took Home From Costa Rica
Although I came with a friend, I was able to branch out and get to know everyone. The group size is perfect and by the end of the week you feel like a family.
Pura Vida!
Harper describes a group that felt like a family by the end of the week. The memories concern the summer 2025 session, and Harper first shared them on the Rustic Pathways Instagram account on April 13, 2026.
The program still runs as Costa Rica: Surf and Service. It runs 8 days for students ages 14–18, with five days of surf lessons on the Pacific coast in Nosara, Guanacaste, and about 12 hours of beach and community service with the Clean Wave Foundation. See the program page for the current itinerary, dates and activities.
