Basics:
Coastal Community: Bahía Ballena
Local Partner: Bodhi Surf School
Duration: 1 Month
Cost: From $600 USD to $1000 USD
Includes transportation from San Jose Airport
Surf: Beginner to Intermediate
Language: Spanish
About the Community:
Bahia Ballena is a laid-back community on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Bahia Ballena borders the Marino Ballena National Park which attracts tourists throughout the year. The purpose of such a park is to protect the plants, animals, and the ecosystems in which they both live to ensure that they flourish. Bahia Ballena is a breath of fresh air for travelers looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the southern Pacific region, as well as the laid-back charm of a small, authentic Tico town where the jungle, the ocean, and the mountains meet.
About the Local Partners:
The Artist in Residensea will work with Bodhi Surf School and Costa Rica Cultural Tours. As a surf camp, Bodhi Surf utilizes and depends on the ocean as its grounds for surfing experiences and therefore as a way of giving back in return works to build awareness for marine conservation. The word “bodhi” is Sanskrit for “awareness” and that is exactly what Bodhi Surf hopes to illuminate for its students: the importance of a mind-body-earth awareness.
Costa Rica Cultural Tours is a tour operator committed to conservation, natural resources, education and Costa Rican culture. The organization offers information and services for tours and lodging throughout the Osa conservation area. It develops and participates in a series of actions for education and conservation in the community of Uvita and surroundings. The Artist in Residensea program will be coordinated by founders, Noilyn and Wayne.
About the Program:
The main topics of interest for an audiovisual workshops series are about whale conservation, sustainable tourism, plastic pollution, coastal erosion, deforestation, cultural conservation, and community-building. The Artist in Residensea will work with a number of community-based organization.
Forjando Alas or “Building Wings” is an after-school program for at-risk kids of the Bahía Ballena community in Uvita, Costa Rica. The program provides a safe space for kids to learn life skills (English, technology, values, drug prevention) and gain enrichment (art & environmental education). Additionally, kids receive homework help, connect with international students and learn about important community issues such as conservation of the Marino Ballena National Park. Forjando Alas connects with student groups in the U.S. in order to bring visitors to Bahía Ballena for students’ mutual engagement and growth.
ASANA is Costa Rica's premier local conservation organization working along the Central and Southern Pacific Coast. ASANA established and manages the Paso de la Danta Biological Corridor and is instrumental in conserving the Savegre River Watershed. Combined, these two areas account for some of the richest biodiversity on Earth. They are also home to a local population that has worked hard to conserve the surrounding natural beauty.
Geoporter is an educational program that provides 21st century geospatial technology education to improve a community’s understanding of its environment so it can make better and more sustainable decisions.
The Artist in Residensea will have the option to stay with a local family with meals provided or rent a cabina with the option to cook. Typical food include rice, fried plantain pancakes, savory fish, salads, and fresh fruit. Climate is humid and sunny. Volunteers can receive surf lessons from International Surfing Association certified Bodhi instructors as well as yoga classes. Extracurricular activities include Stand-up Paddle Board Lessons, snorkel tours, whale and dolphin watching tours, nature hikes, kayaking, canopy tours, diving tours, and even horseback riding.
