Costa Rica
Science of Surfing
Dates
May 22nd - June 2nd 2023
Location
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Course
Science of Surfing
Price
approx. $3000
DAY 1
- Arrive in Liberia, Costa Rica
- Transport to Nosara
- Welcome Dinner
- In Country Orientation
DAY 2
- Morning Group Surf Lesson
- Lecture 1
- Walking Tour of town
- Group Discussion
- Surf Lab
Day 3
- Surf
- Lecture 2
- Barriguiones Reforestation Project / Site visit and volunteer
- Surf Lab
- Class movie night
DAY 4
- Lecture 3
- Surf
- Free afternoon
- Evening SUP tour of Rio Nosara with lab
Day 5
- Surf
- Volunteer with Surfing Nosara Foundation in Ostional
- Soccer game with local H.S.
- Lecture 4
Day 6
- Optional World's Longest Zip Line
- Surf
- Lecture 5
- Beach Clean Up with local surf guides
- Beach Bonfire
Day 7
- Lecture 6
- Beach Lab
- Free evening
Day 8
- Depart for Playa Avellanas
- Surf
- Lecture 7
- Class movie night
Day 9
- Surf
- Lecture 8
- Free time to work on Group Projects
- Side trip to Tamarindo
Day 10
- Lecture 9
- Surf
- Lunch at local beach restaurant
- Beach Bonfire
Day 11
- Surf
- Prepare to return to US
- Present Group Projects
- Closing dinner BBQ at Playa Negra
Day 12
- Transport to Liberia Airport
- Return to US
Included
- In country transportation
- 2 meals a day
- Accommodations
- Site visits and course related activities
- Travel Insurance
Not Included
- Airfare
- Extra snacks and some meals
- Optional Zip Line ($75)
Sean Newcomer
Professor
My passion for surfing began at the age of five on the beaches of Cardiff-by-the Sea. Little did I know then that this passion would someday become the focus of both my Master’s thesis entitled: “Aerobic Capacity of Humboldt County Male Surfers” and my research endeavors as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM). In the past my research at CSUSM has focused on characterizing the physiological requirements of participating in recreational surfing across the lifespan. In addition, research projects investigating the impact of surf equipment on paddling efficiency, oxygen uptake, heart rate, thermoregulation, and mechanics (in collaboration with Dr. Nessler) are currently underway in our outdoor surf laboratory. These projects are funded by our collaborators in surf industry and are carried out by undergraduates as part of their Kinesiology curriculum at CSUSM.
Course Objectives:
This unique 12 day study abroad course will provide students the opportunity to gain insight into the sub disciplines of Kinesiology (Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, Motor Control, Physical Education, Athletic Training, Strength & Conditioning, Sport History, Sport Sociology and Sport Psychology) through the use of examples derived from the sport of surfing. Specifically, students will learn about research and careers in Kinesiology that are focused on the sport of surfing through daily lectures, readings, class activities, and research projects. To facilitate the learning process this class will be held in Costa Rica at some of the best beaches for surfing in the world. Students will be encouraged to spend a portion of everyday surfing to allow them to reflect and apply the content that is presented through the course material. Surf instructors with local knowledge of the surf conditions and expertise in teaching surfing will be on hand to help those students with little to no surfing experience. In addition to surfing, students will have opportunities to learn more about Costa Rica and its people through field trips (Guided SUP river tour of Rio Nosara, Zip lining through the rain forest, and Visiting reforestation project site) and community outreach opportunities (Volunteer with Surfing Nosara Foundation and Beach clean ups with local surf guides).