The PuraVida Team
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.
Go Surfing ~ Heather Hyde - Lead 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.
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.
Best Job in the World ~ Brett Callahan - 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.
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".
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.
Women and Surfing ~ Bennison Sherrod - Surf Instructor
Warm weather, endless sunshine, tropical jungle, and an easy going way of life drew Bennison Sherrod to Costa Rica paradise in 2001. Benny fell in love with surfing right away. She realized that she progressed faster and had more fun if she surfed with other women. Soon, a group formed and they began to encourage, support, and appreciate each other. Since then, Bennison has realized that surfing isn't just about catching a wave. It's about courage, breaking thru boundries, believing in yourself, and going for it. A combination of surfing, tropical fresh cuisine, and good times with amigos keep Bennison strong and happy.
Discover Yoga ~ Cris Radha - 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.
Surf's Up ~ Danny Balogh - Lead Surf Instructor
Growing up in Florida, my brother and I spent 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.
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.
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.
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).
