The Pura Vida Way ~ Tierza Davis-Eichner - 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.

Passion ~ Niqui Pichel - Camp Host

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.

Best Job in the World ~ Brett Callahan - Lead Surf Instructor

Growing up in New Jersey , I took advantage of every opportunity that I had to get in the ocean. For as long as I can remember I have loved surfing. I remember dragging my Dad's old long board to the beach and surfing until it was dark. My Mom still tells me how she had to literally drag me out of the water. My first visit to Costa Rica was in 1998. The moment I stepped in the warm water, saw the beautiful landscape, and met the wonderful people, I knew that I wanted to live here. I returned to Costa Rica in 2005 for a one-year volunteer program, and never looked back. I found my dream job here in Malpais with PVA. It's the best feeling to be able to share my passion of surfing with others. I always tell people I have the best job in the world. There is nothing more rewarding then seeing the look on someone's face when they stand up on their first wave.

Discover Yoga ~ Cristina Kalyani - Yoga Master

When I was about 11, growing up in Brasil, I read the book Siddartha by Hermann Hesse and my life changed. About the same time, I discovered yoga. Since then, I have never stopped studying and practicing all types of yoga, Bhakti, Hatha, Swasthya, Kundalini, Raja and Jnana. Discovering, learning and researching all aspects of yoga, took me to many different places all over the world. Overwhelmed by the beauty and tranquility of Costa Rica and its people, I decided to make this my home and spread the essence of yoga here. I have been teaching for over 12 years and through my yoga journey I have found... when you think you discover yoga, yoga discovers you.

~ Explore Kalyani's amazing journey through yoga and life.

Blastoff ~ Annie Bethancourt - Surf Instructor

Growing up in Southern California, I spent every summer at the beach with my brother. We would roll around in the waves, and yell "blastoff!" as the surf propelled us on our boogie boards onto shore. Years later, at the University of San Diego, I rediscovered this "blastoff" feeling when my two guy friends gave me a beat up board, and said: "Have fun, see you in a few hours." I caught my first wave and was hooked! After teaching for several years in San Diego, I came to Costa Rica to teach in the gorgeous warm water. I love the pura vida lifestyle of experiencing and enjoying each day as it comes, and I still get excited when my students stand up for the first time! Aside from surfing and teaching, I am a singer/songwriter and live part-time in Portland, Oregon.

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 9 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 retreats 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".

Un-removable Smile - Anna Garraway - Surf Instructor

Before I knew how to surf, I signed up for my first all women's surf contest in my hometown of Santa Cruz, CA. My oldest sister said to me "If you're going to sign-up for the contest, I'd better teach you how to surf." I went for it, and although I lost in the first round, I was hooked. From that day on, I dedicated myself to surfing and started competing up and down the California coast and eventually all over the world. I am very fortunate to have come from a supportive family of surfers and travelers. In 2005 I came to Costa Rica on vacation with my Dad, fell in love with the beautiful coastline and have been living here more-or-less ever since. I have more than 10 years of teaching experience, having taught in California, Mexico, Italy, England, Holland and Costa Rica. My favorite thing about teaching is watching someone ride their first wave and feeling that freedom that only surfing can give you. The un-removable smile, joy, excitement, and freedom they feel reminds me why I started surfing.

Soulful Surfer ~ Rachel Bell – Surf Instructor

After surfing and travelling all over the world I came to Malpais in 2007 to work for PVA and decided that was where I wanted to stay. I grew up surfing in Devon, England and have been teaching surfing since 2003. My favourite surfing moments have included setting up a surf school for street kids in Durban, South Africa and teaching Autistic kids at home in Devon. I find that the lessons learned in surfing can carry over into other aspects of life and can bring on deep personal growth. Despite the stereotypes, surfers can be some of the most soulful people around! Working for Pura Vida Adventures is a pleasure since I love meeting all the fun-loving, go-getting women who come as well as having my office in the warm Pacific Ocean! Costa Rica worked its spell on me since I now live full-time in Malpais with my husband Joffre, who I met dawn patrol surfing at Playa Carmen. We have a daughter, Milly who caught her first wave at 8 months old (with a little help from Ma and Pa).

Warm, Perfect Waves ~ Nadja Kolesnikoff - Surf Instruction

 I tried surfing for the first time on the cold northwest coast of Canada. It only took one attempt to know that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Although I enjoyed surfing in Canada, I wanted to find a place with warm, perfect waves and friendly people. When I came to Malpais 8 years ago, I found that place and now call it home. I soon started competing with friends on the National Surfing Circuit and we formed a local surf team and travelled together to contests all around Costa Rica. I started coaching the youngest competitors and we were successful in winning many competitions. In 2010, I was invited to surf in the Billabong World Series held in Playa Hermosa. There were 70 women from 35 different countries and I felt honored and privilege to be invited to this event and surf with such amazing women. With over 10 years of surf coaching experience, I couldn't be happier to have the opportunity to work with Pura Vida Adventures and share my love of the ocean, the beach and the surfing lifestyle with all of the amazing women who attend.

Go Surfing ~ Heather Hyde - Surf Instructor

Fifteen years ago, I learned how to surf in California and have been hooked ever since. For the past ten years, I've been teaching surf instruction 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.

Anything is Possible ~ Helen Bowditch - Surf Instructor

I first started surfing in the cold waters off the south west coast of Britain. When I turned
30, I quit my job in journalism and went on a round-the-world surf trip. I needed a break from the stressful office environment and realized that twelve months of "just surfing" was the perfect gift to myself. I visited Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Ultimately, Malpais was by far my favorite place on the trip. The stunning natural environment, the people, the waves, the wildlife (especially the monkeys), the outdoor lifestyle and the relaxed "pura vida" vibe all worked their magic on me. When I returned to Britain, I thought about Malpais every day. Eventually I uprooted my life and came to live in Malpais. As a fully committed surf geek I feel very privileged to work as a surf instructor for Pura Vida Adventures. Surfing is life enhancing, it allows you to move in nature, connect with your intrinsic grace, and feel the present moment. It's like nothing you've ever tried before. I love that moment when a student realizes that they are limitless and so much better than they ever imagined.