When the surfing is so good that you come back for more!
There are so many incredible places in the world to see and experience. We’re honored each time a student decides to add School of the World to their list of destinations. We’re even more grateful when a student decides to come back and see us again.
Originally from the United States, and currently living in Paris, Lexi decided to switch up her “work-from-anywhere” view by spending time with us in Jacó. She loved it so much that she came back for more.
More than a Surf School
On her first visit to the school, Lexie was focused on learning how to surf. She decided to book the Surf + Yoga combo. Having been to Costa Rica before, she had heard great things about surfing in Jacó. After researching the best schools and courses in the area, she landed on attending School of the World. What Lexie didn’t know was that she was opening herself up to an incredible group of like-minded travelers who would quickly become some of her closest friends and connections.
“I loved everything about my first trip to School of the World. The people that I met were amazing, and I still keep in touch with them to this day!”
SOTW: What was your first impression of the school’s surf program?
Lexie: The reputation of School of the World’s surf program is exactly why I chose to stay at the school, and it did not disappoint. As a beginner, I loved the way that the instructors taught in and out of the water. Learning how to pop up on my board on solid land, made it much easier to replicate in the water.
I also liked the video analysis sessions. Getting one-on-one feedback from the instructors was extremely helpful. I was able to see the areas that I needed to improve on, and learn how to make adjustments while in the water. I was so impressed with the time and attention the instructors gave to each of us. They gave us the confidence we needed to go out in the middle of the ocean and try something new and challenging.
SOTW: What was your favorite part about surfing in Jacó?
Lexie: Learning to surf was such an incredible experience, and the feeling of actually catching waves was unlike anything I’d ever experienced! Being surrounded by the natural beauty of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast also made surfing that much more rewarding. It’s rare to find something that connects you to nature in such a powerful way, and I’m super thankful that I took on the challenge.
Costa Rica on My Mind
On her second trip to School of the World, just two months after her first, Lexie continued to focus on her surfing. She also explored other areas of Costa Rica thanks to the recommendations from other students that she had met during her first trip.
“My second trip to School of the World was just as fun as the first! On both trips, I enjoyed being able to meet different people. Everyone was incredibly friendly, open-minded and a joy to be around!”
SOTW: How did it feel to get back on your surfboard after not surfing for two months?
Lexie: I was surprised by how much more comfortable I was in the water the second time around. I feel like I picked up where I left off! After a few warm up drills, the muscle memory kicked in, and I was back to catching waves. I also feel like I progressed much more quickly than I did during my first visit.
SOTW: When you weren’t taking surf lessons, or cooling down with an evening yoga session, how were you spending your time? You mentioned exploring areas outside of Jacó. Where did you go?
Lexie: One of my favorite things about School of the World is that it’s in the beautiful country of Costa Rica. When I wasn’t taking lessons, I found myself eager to get out and explore.
Throughout my two weeks at the school, I took a number of different side trips. One afternoon, I visited the nearby Manuel Antonio national park. I also stopped by Monteverde, the cloud forest, and went on a hike at Arenal, an active volcano.
When I wasn’t hiking through the rain forest I found myself checking out new beaches. In Dominical, I surfed then got food and drinks at some great restaurants. I also went to Motezuma where I hung out at the beach and visited the waterfalls. I also went to the beach in Puerto Viejo where there’s an animal sanctuary.
SOTW: We’re so happy that you chose to join the SOTW family, Lexie! Good luck with all of your future travels!
