Perspectives from students on 15 Day Surf Course Outward Bound

It was fun, and I became a lot better surfer. It’s a great environment for bettering yourself as a surfer. You’re here for fifteen days focusing on nothing else. If I was at home, I’d maybe go out for an hour and a half one day a week. Here, I’m out a minimum of three hours a day. The waves are so consistent. The instructors are great. Everyone in our course got up their first time with an instructor. I got ride the wave of my life—actually I got to ride the three waves of my life.

Travis Manasco
19, North Carolina, USA
15 day Surf Intensive, Summer 2006

I had never surfed before: now I can stand up and ride a head-high wave. It was awesome. I had a really good time. I enjoyed every second of it. I met a lot of nice people, and learned and experienced things that I will never forget.

Emily Schaefer
15, Pennsylvania, USA
15 day Surf Intensive, Summer 2006

It was a great experience. It was motivating and challenging. Our instructors were great, and we got some great swells. I can get to the outside of a wave. I can surf in bigger water, and catch waves.

Alicia Black
25, Ontario, Canada
15 day Surf Intensive, Summer 2006

I got my cut-back down, and I can drop in on bigger and steeper waves—overheads. The whole experience helped me grow as an individual. I used to be scared to do things at home, now I know I can do things on my own.

Adam Falkoff
16, New York, USA
15 day Surf Intensive, Summer 2006

My surfing improved a lot. I didn’t notice improving, but at the end I realized I was a lot better. I’m comfortable to take a bowl anywhere now. Plus I’m in a lot better shape, that’s one of the biggest things for me. Overall I’d call it challenging, fun, and educational. Plus time away from home is always good, and growing personally is essential to humanity. 2 thumbs up!

Alex Morris
18, Arizona, USA
15 day Surf Intensive, Summer 2006

CRROBS is the emotional, physical, and spiritual experience of a lifetime. It created a spark in me for surfing and nature that will soon turn into a raging fire. Everything was AWESOME. I learned to surf – I can get up and ride big waves.

Rachel Siemens
16, British Columbia, USA
15 day Surf Intensive, Summer 2006

It was a lot of fun. I made some really good friends. I can now cut sideways, ride the faces, and I’m a lot better body-surfer. Witch’s Rock was absolutely beautiful.

Chris Kelly
17, Virginia, USA
15 day Surf Intensive, Summer 2006

The best part was the great waves that are so much different from where I’m from. They were faster and had way more power. I started out as an OK short-boarder for head-high waves, and I went out and pushed my limits, and now I’d say I’m a very good short-boarder. The spot barreled at Witch’s were the best!

John Tomai
16, New Hampshire, USA
15 day Surf Intensive, Summer 2006

The surfing was fantastic. The water was warm and clear. The atmosphere was perfect. The waves were way better than anywhere I’ve ever been before. My surfing abilities have improved by leaps and bounds. I’m so much more comfortable riding bigger waves.

Phil Simpler
17, Maryland, USA
15 day Surf Intensive, Summer 2006

It was a once in a lifetime crazy trip through the real Costa Rica. I loved catching my first wave. It was my favorite part of the course. Getting up on a real wave was a big deal for me. It was better than expected since I had never surfed before. The city was a riot—Ticos are great people.

Maggie Mullin
19, New York, USA
15 day Surf Intensive, Summer 2006

I loved the waves. It is a good experience when you’re done. I improved a lot. I’m way better at barrels and airs. Surfing a nice break is so thrilling. I became more independent and less reliant on things like TV and stuff. Plus, the surfing is really good. It was a lot of fun.

Teddy Miller
17, California, USA
15 day Surf Intensive, Summer 2006