- Program
- Surf and Service, Costa Rica
- Traveled
- June 2025
- Hometown
- Greenwood Village, Colorado
In this first-person account, Sutton Petersen of Greenwood Village, Colorado, looks back on Rustic Pathways’ Surf and Service program in Costa Rica in June 2025, with photos from the trip.
Sutton describes riding a first real wave during a surf lesson, new friendships built while working and surfing side by side, and a sustainability project for the local community.
Sutton’s Unforgettable Week of Surf and Service in Costa Rica
Hi, my name is Sutton. My trip to Costa Rica was truly unforgettable. I traveled with a group of students my age, and together we surfed the warm Pacific waves, helped with community service projects, and made memories I’ll never forget.
Friendships and a First Real Wave in Costa Rica
One of the best parts was forming new friendships. There’s something about working side by side and catching waves together that bonds people fast. A favorite moment for me was riding my first real wave during our surf lesson. Something I never thought I’d be able to do.
A Sustainability Project and Advice From Sutton
We also got to give back to the local community by helping with a sustainability project, which made me see how even small actions can make a big difference.
Our Program Leaders were amazing and made everything feel both fun and meaningful. For anyone thinking about going on a Rustic trip: do it!
You’ll laugh a lot, grow a ton, and come back with stories you’ll tell forever.
Sutton describes a first real wave and the difference small actions can make. The memories concern the June 2025 session, and Sutton first shared them on the Rustic Pathways Instagram account on July 15, 2025.
The program still runs as Costa Rica: Surf and Service. It runs 8 days for students ages 14–18 and includes five days of surf lessons and about 12 hours of community service with the Clean Wave Foundation. See the program page for the current itinerary, dates and activities.
