#puravidaadventures

Let's embark on a splash-tacular journey through crystal-clear waters and soak up the beauty of Costa Rica while paddle boarding.

Paddle boarding in Costa Rica Let's embark on a splash-tacular journey through crystal-clear waters and soak up the beauty of Costa Rica while paddle boarding.

This is it. Don't get scared now. It was two days ago when my surf instructor emailed me to inquire about my “surfing ability” and the type of waves I prefer. Pfft. “The kind that won’t kill me” is the only thing that went through my mind. This yoga and surf retreat is really happening. A few years ago, I stumbled on it in some outdoor magazine and couldn’t shake it from my mind. Since my first trip to SoCal when I was in junior high, I always had this desire to surf. I don’t need to be good, I just need to be able to do it. Alas, the surfing in Tucson isn’t fantastic, and it gets even worse in the Midwest. I have tried surfing whenever the opportunity presented itself, which has come down to 3 attempts. Total. In 1996, I got pummeled at Dog Beach when a guy down the hall from me in the barracks decided to take me. He handed me a board, told me to paddle. Lesson over. I washed ashore a little worse for wear, and never even got my feet on the board. Of course when my husband and I went to Maui for our honeymoon, it was the top of my list. One of my favorite days ever. They were baby waves in Lahaina that didn’t do much for the husband, but I was totally stoked (<= surf lingo) that I actually got up and road a wave. It was fantastic. This was 2005. With this one successful attempt under my belt, I was feeling fairly confident that I’d at least be able to get up on the board at Camp Surf in Imperial Beach last year. Well, what I learned 10 years prior didn’t really serve me well. I got pummeled yet again, drug along the bottom of the ocean, and can’t call it successful. But I wasn’t defeated. I haven’t shaken the fact that I still want to surf. I turn 40 in November and as any good/crazy/hanging-on-to-39 person would do, I started to get a little reminiscent of my childhood and wondering where the time has gone. At some point in the last 6 months, it dawned on me that this life is my only chance to do what I’ve always wanted to do. Yes, I will never be a dolphin trainer (cheers to big dreams!). But knowing this women’s retreat existed, it included my new found love of yoga, and I could actually learn to surf…I couldn’t get it out of my brain. After months of deliberating if I should go, who to go with, when to go, I eventually decided to do it and do it alone. The husband agreed it would be good for my soul and gave me the final push. While there are many friends and family that I would love to be on an adventure with, this one has to be mine, done my way, at my own pace. I am so excited. Plane leaves for Costa Rica tomorrow. What?! I’m traveling to a new foreign country by myself? Family PSA: Yes. Costa Rica is very safe and I’m totally fine with traveling alone. Thank you to my many trips to PDX and SFO that have built up my confidence in venturing out alone. I even know how train schedules work…and that being in the right station is key. Don’t ask how I know. I feel like a pro now and am only slightly worried about that puddle hopper plane to Tambor. One week to myself. Yoga in the morning, surfing lessons in the afternoon. A beautiful new place to explore and miles of gorgeous beaches. Most importantly, I’m looking forward to connecting with myself and following through on an old dream. I’m not super worried about turning 40. In fact, I’m happy that its lit a fire to get me thinking about old dreams, and given me the confidence to chase them. I’m cool with making it a year long celebration that starts tomorrow...Surf’s up!