Spank My Wookie

I went! First surf trip, first time packing surfboards, first time buying warm wax, first time packing extra leashes, first time buying a foreign surf guide, first time mellowing out and following the tide patterns, first time being stoked surfing outside the US.

Picture 8 days of surfing first, then sightseeing. I planned my schedule around the tides and how it affected Tamarindo. When the tide draining the reefs, it was time to explore this beautiful country of Costa Rica. When the tide was right, it was all about surfing. Forget sun burns, forget rashie thighs and chests; all those where afterthoughts to the fact that I was planing somewhere near the equator.

I hung out with local surfers, kookie surfers, traveling surfers, beginning surfers; and most importantly, surfers with the biggest grins on their face. Sharing the stoke with this tribe of people felt special. It didn't really matter how many waves I got and how many waves I screwed up. It was simply about being one with nature; being in tuned with liquid that covers most of this planet.

I got to play in swells that traveled thousands of miles; waves that were born out of blowing wind; waves that gathered into great amounts of energy; that first graced the northern pacific coasts, and traveled south till I greeted it.

I saw how great a place Costa Rica is; how in tuned with nature every one is. The streets were dirt ladened, but nowhere did I see people disrespecting the land, and littered. I picture the empty distances between houses, and how that can affect peoples lives. Living with enough space between dwelling can make you appreciate your neighbors; chat with them. There was no big urban, concrete jungle to navigate. No big strip malls to draw your attention away and lure you into a big spending spree.

The setting was great for an full withdraw from the everyday life of computers, pagers, cell phones, email, deadlines, pressures of money, competition. A life much simpler, and a life much happier can be found in Costa Rica. I would like to call this place home one day. I would like to wake up to birds chirping, a warm sun rising. I would like to run to the beach and embrace the ocean and depending on her mode, catch a surf. I would like to relax while eating out, even if it means slower service. I would like to see people appreciate each other and not compete on the very miniscule of levels. I would like to see respect as offered by Ticans. One day, maybe soon, maybe 10 years from now, but one day, I will be there.

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