The Pura Vida Way ~ Tierza Davis - Founder/Surfer Chica
My first trip to Malpais, Costa Rica was intended to be a week-long getaway with friends. Five months later, still in Malpais, I realized that the power of this little corner of the world affected my outlook on life. The Costa Rican locals use the phrase "pura vida" to mean "life is good" and translated it means "pure life." The beauty of the coast, the kindness of the locals, the spirit of
fellow travelers, and the mystical effect of surfing taught me the meaning of "pura vida." I have started this business to share this experience with other women like myself. Traveling. The ocean. New cultures. Relaxation. To me, that is pure life.
Surf's Up ~ Danny Balogh - Lead Surf Instructor
Growing up in Florida, my brother and I spent almost every spare moment in the Atlantic Ocean. Having formed a respectful and loving relationship with the ocean, surfing has been and continues to be a very positive influence on my life. As a teenager, I was a member of the United States Lifesaving Association where I competed regularly in events and assisted in Junior Lifeguarding programs. In addition to instructing and guarding, I competed in the Eastern Surfing Association for five years. Six years ago I made the decision to move to Costa Rica to surround myself with nature at its core. It is with great pleasure that I have been a surf instructor in Malpais for the past six years. I have instructed students of all ages and levels, and the result is a reflection of high success and general "pura vida" shared by all.
Go Surfing ~ Heather Hyde - Surf Instructor
Twelve years ago, I learned how to surf in California and have been hooked ever since. For the past eight years, I've been teaching surf instructions to people of all ages. Having taught so many people, I never tire of their smiles when they first stand and glide on the water. It constantly reminds me of my first time and proves to me that, even if only once, you should go surfing! In 1998, I began competing and recently placed first in both the Women's Shortboard and Longboard competition at the 2004 USSFWR Championship Tour Event in LA. I have traveled extensively not only in search of warm water and good waves, but for the life experience and culture as well. Surf travel and traveling in general has taught me more about myself, others and the world than any book or classroom ever will.
Mama Kitty ~ Kathy Anderson - Office Guru
Growing up in Northern California, where it gets quite warm in the summer, any kind of water enticed me. Whether it was a beautiful lake, lazy river, cool stream, refreshing pool, or the gorgeous Pacific Ocean, show me the water, I'm there! About 5 years ago, my daughter, Tierza, decided to start her own surf adventure business in Costa Rica. I definitely encouraged her as I used to own an equestrian sports related business and absolutely loved it! When she asked me to help her with the reservations for her new business, I was extremely honored. I have loved watching her dream come true and her business grow. I thoroughly enjoy helping others arrange their week-long surfing venture on the Costa Rican tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean in the quaint village of Malpais, for what may be their "adventure of a lifetime".
Passion ~ Niqui Pichel - Surf Instructor
I paddled out for my first session in Hossegor, France and have never lost my passion for surfing. After surfing the coasts of Europe and South America I moved to Malpais, Costa Rica in 2006. In 2007, I started teaching for Pura Vida Adventures. I feel so lucky that I get to meet such unique and dynamic people from different places, to teach them something new and to put a smile on their face. This brings fun, friendship, knowledge and satisfaction into my life. Surfing for me is passion. I am in the water, focused on the horizon, paddle, catch and express... Nothing on my mind, nothing but waves.
Catching Waves ~ Josh Balogh - Surf Instructor
I grew up in a small town called Flagler Beach , on the northeast coast of Florida . After years of body-boarding, my younger brother Danny and I started surfing when I was ten years old. 19 years later, I still love surfing now as much as I did growing up. I moved to Costa Rica 3 years ago and started teaching surfing which came natural to me. By swimming competitively and ocean life guarding, I have confidence in myself in the water which helps my students relax and perform better. I feel great after catching some good waves and receive that same rewarding feeling by helping new surfers catch some of their own. I never grow tired of seeing them catch a fun wave, wipeout and come up smiling.
In Love with Surfing ~ Anna Stumpf - Surf Instructor
I grew up three hours from the ocean, and always dreamed of surfing. When I was old enough, I moved to San Diego to be near the ocean. During my first surf session, getting annihilated at Blacks Beach, I fell in love. My ideal day starts and ends in the ocean. There is no better way to harmonize your body and mind while getting an amazing adrenaline rush. I still vividly remember the first day I came to Mal Pais. I was amazed that I found a beach stretching ten miles long with every type of break imaginable. On any swell of any size there will always be surfable waves. Tell that to any surfer and they will want to live there.
Surfing Community ~ Erika Guevara - Surf Instructor
Since I was a child, I have had a deep love of the ocean and always wanted to surf. When I turned 18, I felt that I had nothing holding me back and decided to go for it. The water was cold and I was clumsy, but I paddled out almost every day. The encouragement and advice from fellow surfers made me feel like I was part of a community. About 4 years ago, I decided that I wanted to pass on this feeling to others, so I started instructing in California. The communal family of surfers is large and loving as a whole, and no place embodies this spirit more for me than Malpais, where surfers of all levels and ages converge and ride together. Working with Pura Vida Adventures, I am surrounded by my surfing family, and each week, with each new camp, my family grows bigger.
Body, Mind and Spirit ~ Jamie Bender - Yoga Master/Massage Therapist
Being in Costa Rica combines many aspects that have shaped my life: the sound of the ocean as it dances with the sound of breath, the healing sustenance of life, and the moving meditation of riding waves. Growing up on the Florida coast, some of my earliest memories are of gazing at the stars longing to alleviate others' pain. At the age of thirteen, I discovered the art of yoga. Out of my desire to share yoga with the world, I attended teacher training at the Mt. Madonna ashram near Santa Cruz, California. To continue my calling in healing, I studied at the Crestone Healing Arts Center in 2001 and have been practicing acupressure, shiatsu, massage and hot stone therapy. It joys me to share these two art forms with others and witness with them the change and union of body, mind and spirit.
Outdoor Playground ~ Kendra Benson - Social Director
I have always been passionate about the outdoors. Being in Malpais is providing me with a new type of outdoor playground. I previously lived in Alaska , where I was a horseback tour guide. Now in Malpais, I have found that the surroundings foster a healthy lifestyle, which gives me the opportunity to not only expand my knowledge of surfing and yoga, but also of salsa dancing, cooking healthy dishes and learning the Spanish language. This small paradise is the perfect setting for sunrise surf sessions and sunset yoga. Working with Pura Vida Adventures not only gives me the opportunity to share my love for Malpais, but also to enjoy the benefits I have been fortunate enough to discover here.
Kisses on the Nose ~ Sandy - Camp Mascot
Sandy is by all means a beach running surf dog. Orphaned at 9 weeks, Danny adopted this fuzzy ball of love at the Flagler Animal Shelter. Her early years were spent in Florida running the beach shores with Danny where they became inseparable. At a young age she was faced with transition: leaving Flagler and moving to Costa Rica with Danny. Now at 3-1/2, Sandy runs the beaches of Malpais and Santa Teresa with comfort and freedom; playing chase with shorebirds, watching the sunsets, and wrestling with "Ohm," her best canine friend. Sandy has found a groove in the mellow vibes of Costa Rica. Last July, Sandy successfully rode her first wave. She rode with near perfect form, even walking the nose instinctively, making her surf-dad extremely proud. As camp mascot and friend, Sandy welcomes you to join us for an adventure of surf, sun, and kisses on the nose (she loves that).
