Fresh from a trip to Costa Rica, pro surfer Kassia Meador shares her travel guide with Tory Daily. Learn all about this surfing paradise from a Malibu native once dubbed the “queen of nose-riding” by The New York Times, who also — entrepreneur alert! — designs her own line of wetsuits and surf accessories, KASSIA+SURF.
It’s always been one of my most favorite places to travel to — the people are wonderful, the environment is well protected, the food is great and the waves are epic. It was also the first international place I traveled to for surfing when I was 15 years old, so it has and will always hold a special place in my heart!
My packing essentials…
Dead Kooks 9’4, Mandala 2+1 6’0, our new KASSIA+SURF Neo-Sport Bikinis — they’re perfect for Costa Rica’s warm water — and the Palo Santo surf wax we make, straw hat and SHADE sunscreen, a good book to read, Raen sunglasses, and a camera.
First-time visitors to Costa Rica must visit…
Go to the Arenal Volcanoes. So much magic up in the mountains.
The best beaches and surfing spots there…
Avellanas, Playa Negra, Ollie’s Point.
My favorite view…
Avellanas’ mango grove bridge at sunset.
My favorite local eats…
Lola’s at Avellanas and Las Olas.
One thing you can get in Costa Rica you can’t get anywhere else…
A blue-tailed motmot bird whistle.
The Costa Rica surf scene vs. elsewhere…
Costa Rica has an epic surf scene. There are a lot of surfers, but it’s not overcrowded by any means. In California we have a ton of rights; being a goofy foot, I am always keen on more lefts. Costa Rica is the place that has more left-point breaks than most places and has super-cozy warm water and sunshine making it a hard place to ever leave. Also, in the northern region of the country it is super close to Lake Nicaragua, which makes for off-shore wind conditions most of the time. It is truly one of my most favorite places ever!
After the sun sets, surf insiders head to…
Grab a bite and crash. A lot of people head to Tamarindo for some party vibes, but it’s not really my thing; the sun rises early there so I like to wake up with the sun and surf!
The highlight of my trip…
Surfing with my good friends and the turtles out at Avellanas river mouth.
My pro tip for first-time surfers…
Remember that surfing is about having a good time not being the best one in the water, and no matter if it’s your first time or you’re a world champion, everyone falls. It’s just about getting out there and having the best time ever.