If you read our earlier blog post, “Planning a Surf Holiday? Read this first,” you learned that there's are a lot of choices these days. Much like in every other aspect of life, the surf world is no different. So how exactly do you choose what’s right for you and your precious time off? I'll get into that shortly, but first: over the years many have asked what Shaka is and I'd like to dig in.
WHAT IS SHAKA COSTA RICA?
I'm not one to adhere to one title or label and you'll even see us using the descriptive factors mentioned in our last blog post interchangeably. The best way to describe Shaka is unique, and again this is in my personal and perhaps slightly biased opinion. I say that because of all the places I've stayed, the things I've seen work, fail, be appreciated, and overlooked. Shaka is unique because we don't fall into any one of these particular categories, and we continually strive to offer a truly unique experience within the world of surf travel; we love niche!
Shaka has grown from the roots of a traditional surf camp in its inception, to what it is today. The Shaka of 2020 is an entirely different place. One of modern amenities, beautiful gardens, great food, blissful yoga, familiar and friendly faces, attention to detail, and an influx of the most amazing guests one could ever hope for. We've also spent countless hours refining what truly is the backbone of every guest’s trip, the surf coaching. In my opinion, it’s what sets us apart within the endless pages of Google searches. Not only do we prioritize low student to teacher ratios (2:1 out the back, and 3:1 in the whitewater), but we pride ourselves in hiring only the best. As much as "paddle, paddle, pop-up... cool I 'surfed'" is great for some, it never cuts it for us here at Shaka. We love surfing, but even more than that we want you to love surfing, as much, if not more than we do! Even if you won't leave any surf trip a seasoned pro after a week, you should leave with a deep understanding of why certain manoeuvres bring certain results. You should also leave with the confidence in the sport to continue down the road of progression.
This is why it's hard to label what or who we are. We are a team of dedicated individuals with a passion, a passion to offer you not only the most amazing trip but a love for the ocean. We invite you into our piece of paradise to share our enthusiasm for the country, surrounding area, stunning beaches, professional surf coaching, and attention to detail throughout your stay. You may arrive a stranger, but you'll most definitely be leaving as a member of our family! Oh, and we never say goodbye, just “see you soon.”
With that being said, whether you choose to stay with us here at Shaka, or not, here are a few helpful things to consider when searching for your next surf vacation.
7 Things to Look for when Planning a Surf Holiday:
Start by narrowing down your search within one country of choice (such as Costa Rica), or more specifically a region within that country if you want to be very specific (such as Playa Hermosa, Santa Teresa).
Once you know the country or location, begin your search using keywords such as surf camp, surf retreat, surf resort, surf hotel, surf, yoga, surf and yoga plus the location of choice. The more variations you think of the more choices you'll find. Sometimes the harder ones to find end up being the gems!
Not all places are created equal! Yes, it’s easy to be seduced by more. More, more, more. It's the world we live in, but sometimes less is more. Wherever you choose, try to make sure whatever it is they're offering, they're doing so in the best possible way. It’s great to get a bunch of things, but not at the cost of quality. Quality over quantity has always worked for us.
You’ve made a few choices but what do other travellers have to say? Cross-reference a few reviews such as on Trip Advisor (yes, I did just plug our TA) and see what others have to say. Blogs & articles on other sites are always great references too, especially when verifying the "quality" of the offer.
Does a particular place offer what you want or what might be important to you on a surf vacation? Do they have modern amenities like hot water and AC? Good WIFI? What’s included? What’s not? What age group do they cater to (is it a young party place or a calmer vibe)? Is their focus only on a "good time" or do they also want to offer you a high level of service?
Location, location, location! No, I don't mean what county do you want to visit, but where are they located. Because this is a surf trip the final destination is very important. A little hard work getting to a place never hurt anyone (actually it usually plays in your favour), but once you're there you shouldn't have to undertake a mission to reach the waves. Many places claim to be close to the main surf break or even go as far as saying beachfront. Sure, they might be beachfront, but not so practical when you need to carry your board 20+ minutes down the beach to reach the actual surf zone. Some even pack you into vans and drive you long distances to reach the nearest beach. Again, I'm not saying that’s a bad thing, but if it's not your idea of fun, you're better to find these things out before arrival.
Does the overall vibe feel right? Sometimes you can do all your research and still need to take a leap of faith; we know you can fall into a rabbit hole of searching. If something feels right for you then maybe give it a try. There’s no perfect spot for anyone, so try to choose a place that nails your main criteria and gives you a good feeling. Maybe even check out their Instagram for further reference. And if you're not sure about something always reach out! We know we love to hear from potential guests and help guide them towards the best choice for your trip. Businesses like ours are made up of small teams, motivated to make sure you’re confident you’re choosing the right vibe.
In the end, with a little time on your part narrowing down what’s important to you, you'll make the process that much easier.
Happy Travels!
- Mike
Mike has been co-owner of Shaka since 2013, having first started as an on-site volunteer. His passion for the ocean is palpable — be sure to tap his surf knowledge on your next visit to Shaka. You can learn more about Mike and the rest of our team over on the team page.
