Photo credit: Lyla Hollis
There’s Never a Bad Day to Go Surfing
“This trip was all about surfing. If you haven’t been to Jacó Beach, Costa Rica you’re missing out on one of the world’s most incredible places.” - Ryan, Student at School of the World
We recently had the pleasure of spending the week with Ryan, and we can’t say enough about how grateful we are for his presence, his devotion to surfing and his love for Jacó.
SOTW: If you had to convince someone to visit School of the World, what would you say?
Ryan: Located in Jacó, Costa Rica, one of the world’s most spectacular places to catch a sunset, School of the World is a surfer’s paradise – even if you’re not a very good surfer. The water never dropped below 80 degrees, I surfed alongside wild manta rays, a live band played excellent renditions of classic rock from the shore and I was surrounded by an uncrowded lineup of similarly situated surfers enjoying the moment. So, if you enjoy warm water, being surrounded by incredible sea life, live music and cool people, School of the World won’t disappoint.
Photo credit: Lyla Hollis
"Just Do It"
“I can confidently say that making the decision to join the School of the World surf family, was one of the best decisions of my life. It gives credence to Nike’s fantastic slogan: ‘Just Do It’.”
SOTW: Tell us about your experience as a surfer. Was your trip to Jacó your first time getting on a board, or did you have prior experience?
Ryan: For years, I’ve been toying around with learning to surf. I found myself renting boards on vacation, and plopping in the water anytime I was near the ocean. My trip to School of the World was different because it was the first time that I had actually invested and set aside my time and money to learn to surf.
SOTW: We pride ourselves on our approach to teaching our students how to surf. Did you feel that the instructors matched your specific learning style? What do you think your biggest area of improvement was at the end of the week vs. the beginning? and money to learn to surf.
Ryan: There’s a good reason School of the World is ranked as one of the top surfing schools in Jacó. I am a lawyer by trade, so naturally, I asked a ton of questions. Some were more basic like: How do you know if it’s a good day to go surfing? Ricardo, one of my instructors who has a lifetime of surfing experiences, gave his expert perspective on how he gauges a good day in the water. Jason, my other instructor, answered a more technical question about my form by providing consistent feedback and critiquing my positioning on the board.
Thanks to my instructors’ willingness to advance my surfing skills, their patience and their ability to coach in the water, I was using half the effort on the last day of the trip vs. the first day, and I was catching twice as many “big” waves.
A Home Away From Home
Each year, students from all ages, places and backgrounds spend time with us at School of the World. We’ve welcomed solo travelers looking for a quick place to regroup before they head on to other destinations, we’ve hosted friends traveling as a group and we’ve opened our doors to individuals who come to us as strangers and leave as family.
SOTW: Of all the surf schools in Costa Rica and Jacó, why did you choose School of the World? How would you rate your overall experience while staying at the school?
Ryan: A few things to know about me and my trip to School of the World: It wasn’t a family trip, and I wasn’t looking for any extravagant accommodations. My main criteria when selecting a place to stay, and learn to surf was the quality of the surf program, the reputation of the school and instructors and a clean and safe place to sleep and eat. I’m happy to say that School of the World exceeded those expectations.
From the rustic and authentic, yet homey vibes that the school puts out, to the transportation accommodations set up for us by the school, I never felt a moment of disappointment or regret in my decision to stay at School of the World.
SOTW: One of our favorite things about the school is seeing strangers leave as friends. What was your experience in meeting new people and mingling with other students?
Ryan: The other students at the school were from all over the world. Some were truly embracing Pura Vida, as they were on their second, third and even fourth week at the school.
There were a few fellow Californians, some Germans, Austrians, Portuguese, a Floridian, a Tennessean, a New Yorker and a couple of Texans! The vibe at the school was super inclusive, but was also careful to respect each student’s space and independence. By the end of the week, I felt like I got to know each and every person on some type of personal level.
Ryan: The other students at the school were from all over the world. Some were truly embracing Pura Vida, as they were on their second, third and even fourth week at the school.
There were a few fellow Californians, some Germans, Austrians, Portuguese, a Floridian, a Tennessean, a New Yorker and a couple of Texans! The vibe at the school was super inclusive, but was also careful to respect each student’s space and independence. By the end of the week, I felt like I got to know each and every person on some type of personal level.
A Surfer’s Community
Three of our favorite things about Jacó are our local neighbors and business owners, the bustling nightlife and the sandy beach.
SOTW: Now that you’re back home, what is one thing you miss about Jacó and the community?
Ryan: One of my favorite things about Jacó, that I definitely miss now that I’m home, was a local fruit stand that was just a block away from the school. The fruit was picked fresh each morning. They had bananas, mangos, papayas, blueberries, pineapples, you name it! Each morning, I enjoyed a pre-surf smoothie made of fresh fruit, water, milk and freshly squeezed fruit juice.
SOTW: What was your overall impression of Jacó? Did you enjoy exploring the city when you weren’t surfing and hanging out at the school?
Ryan: I really enjoyed how close the school was to the bars, shops and restaurants in Jacó. We walked everywhere, and everything was super easy and convenient to get to. There were amazing restaurants right on the beach, and we were told that the weekend nightlife was pretty exciting.
Ryan: I really enjoyed how close the school was to the bars, shops and restaurants in Jacó. We walked everywhere, and everything was super easy and convenient to get to. There were amazing restaurants right on the beach, and we were told that the weekend nightlife was pretty exciting.
The school is in a prime location. Close enough to be in the middle of the action, but far enough away to relax and escape after a long day of surfing and exploring.
Living Pura Vida
SOTW: We’re so glad you had such a positive experience. Any last words?
Ryan: I highly recommend visiting School of the World. The entire experience is well planned and curated to meet your individual desires as a student. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of instructors, fellow students and staff. Not only did I walk away from the school as a better, more confident surfer, I also gained a true understanding of what it means to live the Pura Vida lifestyle.
