steviesmom - Keens worked great for us on our trip, which was during the "rainy" season in July/August although we only got actual heavy rain about one out of every three days.

As far as immunizations are concerned, my son got a typhoid shot because he was backpacking in Corcovado and other remote locations for three weeks before the rest of us arrived. The rest of the family did not get any extra immunizations for the trip, although I believe Hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended by some.

None of us took malaria pills and were fine, but in retrospect I wondered whether we should have, especially my son, who also ended up spending time in the Sarapiqui area. The reason the rest of us didn't is that we didn't think we were going to be in northern/Nicaraguan border area, but we did end up going to Cano Negro for the day on the spur of the moment.

Best surf instruction that my daughter ever got was from Jim Hogan (formerly from CA). We brought her to Hermosa (5 miles south of Jaco) at age 17 and although she is really well travelled, this was the best trip of her life .. surfing at that time with a surf camp that is no longer. Second time at age 21 she went to Jim for a week with her girlfriend and he was amazing. She has since been to Bali surfing and is headed back to surf again with Jim's group in Jan for 10 days .. she can hardly wait. Given that you have accomodation, you should ask if you can just get lessons for him. www.jimhogansurfcamp.com BTW, he sets a really good example and was the 95/96 World Longboard Champ. Good luck .. CR is a great place to take a teen

Thanks Shillmac, MRand, Virgochick and Surfersmom. Your advice will help and I think that's all the questions I have for now!

This thread has been wonderful as I just begin to research a trip we'd like to take in the spring. I'm looking into availability at the Jim Hogan surf camp as that's the whole purpose us planning a trip to CR - surfing!

I'm looking at the Club Del Mar as a possibility as the Jim Hogan surf camp does packages through them. One question - I will have my four year old with me - will we be limited to the hotel property when my husband is off surfing or is there walking around and sightseeing that can be done? Thanks!!

fuzzbo .. I would deal direct w/Jim Hogan. Anyone in the area will attest to him being the best and why deal thru another group to get him?? We are staying at the hotel (Terrazas del Pacifico) in January and my daughter and her friend stayed there last year in Feb. They loved the staff. I have heard on forums that there was an issue of stealing (which happens anywhere in CR) but we don't take anything of value and there is safe's in the rooms. You can walk along the beautiful black sand beaches and take a break and take your 4 yr old to Manual Antonio Pk for picture perfect beaches. As part of the group, Jim takes you to alot of things including MA too. Yup walk around and do whatever. My daughter wants me to go a block away to the Backyard for fresh creviche. 10 min cab into Jaco to do a little shopping(buy the store brand coffee ... cheap and fabulous to take home) on the main street. My husband and I just toured around last time while our daughter surfed. They have a nice little pool there. I think Jim also can arrange things for you while they are off surfing. Don't walk at night alone and in CR don't take any bling. Have fun

To bad ...that by march all of them at Ostional are gone...but this week we had over a million turtles arriving...incredible number...they will be hatching in 7 weeks!!

Rocio

Thanks for that, surfersmom! I sent an e-mail to Jim Hogan to inquire about everything. Now, I'm just hoping there will be availability!