- Program
- Surf and Service, Costa Rica
- Traveled
- June 2025
- Hometown
- San Anselmo, California
- Program Leaders
- Isa and Josh
In this first-person account, Paloma Ybarra of San Anselmo, California, looks back on Rustic Pathways’ Surf and Service program in Costa Rica in June 2025, with photos from the trip.
Paloma describes Program Leaders who encouraged the group out of its comfort zone, surfing in the sun, ziplining and a catamaran trip, and the last few days of the trip.
Paloma’s Surf and Service Trip to Costa Rica
Hey! My name is Paloma Ybarra, and I went on the Costa Rica Surf and Service trip with Rustic Pathways just recently. This trip was filled with beautiful views, amazing snacks and unforgettable people.
Out of the Comfort Zone With Paloma’s Program Leaders
I learned so much from my amazing Program Leaders, Isa and Josh, who really helped me connect to the Costa Rica Surf & Service lifestyle. They really encouraged me to go outside of my comfort zone and helped connect all of the kids on my trip. Not only did we do lots of surfing in the sun, but we also learned about the culture, food, and fun activities such as ziplining and going on a catamaran boat.
What Paloma Took Home From Costa Rica
The last few days of the trip really made me appreciate the people around me and the unforgettable experiences that I got to encounter.
Overall, I can’t thank my Program Leaders enough for making this trip awesome. Thanks for reading
Paloma describes an appreciation for the people and experiences of the trip. The memories concern the June 2025 session, and Paloma first shared them on the Rustic Pathways Instagram account on June 27, 2025.
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 in Nosara, Guanacaste, on the Pacific coast and about 12 hours of beach and community service. See the program page for the current itinerary, dates and activities.
