By Gabriela Mateo :

Saturday December 3rd sixteen adventure driven paddle boarders from across the country crossed Costa Rica’s beautiful Gulf of Nicoya. The province of Puntarenas is separated in two by a 17 kilometer stretch of water that is typically crossed by ferry from ‘El Puerto’ to ‘Paquera’. The boat ride provides  beautiful scenery with a mix of blue water with some ripples and green topped rocky islands and inlets. December 3rd was different because not only was the water very still and very clear, but we took the time to explore and paddle by various islands during the trip to further appreciate their natural beauty.

The moon was full and as it’s red reflection sunk into the dark sea of the night, the positive energy of a long day could be felt. Under the dim light of the lamps from the port, the team was getting ready: applying sun protection to every exposed body part, mixing water and hydration drinks into ther backpacks, Nunu bars, bananas and hats tied to the neck. It is almost 5 A.M. and not many words are being exchanged, only serious looks, some nervousness and a lot of excitement. You can notice on the way they pass each other the paddle, carry the boards between two and unload the rest of the equipment near the dock.

The first rays of light shine upon the participants on the dock, ready to start the adventure. Around 5:20 A.M. the first paddler enters the water, knees on the board, stepping right first, then left, fixing her posture, taking the paddle and sinking it to give the first push, the second, the third, the fourth and so on until she gathers the initial impulse to set herself into rhythm. Everyone follows each other, with a lot of conviction on their faces, the grip on the paddle, their feet grounded on the top of the board. As the last one departs, the boat reaches around to face the group with the sunrise as a backdrop. The change of colors in the sky marks the break of dawn.The group carries a good pace, the water is very clear
and luckily no wind or currents can be found. The sunrise not only gives a stunning view, but also the energy of the people augments and the rhythm picks up.

Around 6:40 A.M. we reach a group of islands that characterizes this part of the country. The first stop is Guayabo, where the group seems tired but still with the drive to continue. Between apples, Nunu bars, gels and many water bottles they replenish their bodies, taking advantage of the pause to hydrate and recharge. Only a fourth of the way and the Sun can be felt. Many comment ‘I’m good’ while the blue and green of the scenery becomes more saturated and lush.

Gabriela Azofeifa, 38 years old, from the town of Orotina expresses the importance of ‘eating, taking care of your meals three days before, hydrating yourself properly’. She has been practicing paddle boarding for a year and has participated in several races. Costa Rican National Circuit she came in third and the Catalinas Race in Playa Dantas as well. Her training is consistent; she will not miss a weekend and will try during the week while balancing her job as a school teacher in Orotina. She also comments on the fortune of the ideal conditions, of the glassy sea, with no wind or currents.

Eniel another paddle boarder says he has been training for six months, and confesses that they could have trained more. He has been waiting for this time and feels very satisfied with how it turned out. What he liked the most was the view: ‘the landscape is incredible, it is like seeing it backwards, it is not the typical I am at the beach and see the ocean but rather I am in the ocean’.

During the course of the day, heat rises and the sun can definitely be felt by everyone. Nonetheless, everyone continues to paddle. You can already tell some of them are very tired, but teamwork kicks in. They talk to each other to entertain themselves and keep each other company. Others distract themselves with the view which is now even a deeper blue, more prominent rock formations and a deep green mangrove.

Some turtles are spotted along with manta rays. The following stops gave us a unique perspective of the gulf: San Lucas, Jesusita and Cedros. Finally, around 11:00 A.M., the first paddlers arrive to Isla Chiquita, where the trail ends. After 24 kilometers (14 miles) they are rewarded with a red fruity cocktail and a round of applause, a fresh shower and a well deserved break on this small island in Paquera bay.

Roberto Rodriguez Sanchez, 44 year old has surfed since he is 14 but at age 38 he decided to take up paddle because of a knee injury. He typical paddles into waves and today was his first time on flat waters. He trained in Arenal Volcano in three sessions of two hours and commented on how happy he is to have completed this paddle.
He appreciates the coordination and logistics that Alvaro Solano provided. “I have always wanted to make a trip like this and until now we haven’t had the opportunity where there is a boat, a group, snacks and I am very grateful for it”. An excellent leader, coordinator, Alvaro is a reknown SUP instructor and guide that has led multiple groups in various parts of the country.

An international of the group, Canadian Daniel Dahan comments how the experience was incredible, telling us about managing the pace: “being relaxed, not going too fast, not too slow” His favorite part was the end, when he sprinted, using the energy he conserved throughout the day.

Raquel comments on how ‘the experience was unforgettable, a challenge that forces the mind, physical resistance, and combining both you can achieve a lot, like finishing this’. She has also been training and waiting for six months, committing every weekend to the craft. Raquel says she enjoyed listening to the sea, relaxing, enjoying the view. She also says that the group’s connection was very powerful: coordinated and together at all times, not only in rhythm, distance, timing, but also the energy was shared.