Who We Supported in 2023
Each year CR Surf Travel Company gives back to local community and environmental groups and last year was no different. In fact, due to our success we were able to donate well over $1000 to these non-profit organizations. These donations ensure a healthier and safer environment for all travelers coming to Costa Rica.
Costa Ballena Lifeguards
lifeguardscostaballena.com
For the last three years I have volunteered as the President of the board of directors for the Asociacion de Guardavidas de Costa Ballena. This group pays for four full time lifeguards to patrol the beaches of Playa Hermosa de Uvita and Dominical. Since I surf at both spots often, it feels great knowing a professionally trained lifeguard is watching over me in case anything happens. The rip currents at both beaches can be fierce.
The association pays the lifeguards only through donations from the community since the Municipality had not renewed our contract in 2023. That left us struggling to keep lifeguards in both towers, especially during the peak season when thousands of visitors flocked to the beach to swim and surf. They have a fundraising opportunity called the $1/day initiative, where businesses or individuals can pay $30/month or $365 for the year and help keep the lifeguard going. We joined that program in 2023. We also sponsored the Semana Santa Classic, a surf contest in Dominical where all the proceeds go to the lifeguards. The next contest will be March 29th and 30th so I encourage everyone to either sponsor the event or come watch it donate at the event.
Community Carbon Trees
communitycarbontrees.org
This non-profit association was created by Jennifer Smith to help stop deforestation in Costa Rica, caused by cattle ranching and development. They employ teams of local Costa Rican men and women from the area of San Juan de Dios to plant and maintain trees. They supervise trees for 4 years, keeping them healthy and re-plant trees that do not survive. They also empower the local community in environmental education workshops, and tree planting days for kids. Through the Global Giving fund we sponsor a tree each month of the year.
CREMA – Centro de Rescate de Especies Marinas Amenazadas
cremacr.org/en
The Center for Rescue of Endangered Marine Species is a research and conservation organization that works to protect the sea resources and promotes sustainable fishery policies in Costa Rica and Central America. They focus on protecting sea turtles and sharks, by tagging and tracking both species, and volunteering at sea turtle hatcheries. They also are vocal activists at the national level of government, educating policy makers on the value of saving these remarkable creatures. Last year we sponsored tracking devices for 10 sea turtles. I feel that every form of marine life has an important role in maintaining the ocean ecosystem.
Surfrider Foundation
surfrider.org
I have been a Surfrider Member for over 25 years. This US based 501c3 protects our oceans, waves, and beaches through a global network of volunteer based chapters. They even have one in Tamarindo which I helped create back in 2001 when I lived there. Every year, besides paying my annual membership I participate in beach cleanups, help as an activist on policy decisions, and volunteer to educate the public on environmental issues like beach erosion and water quality.
As Margaret Mead once said – “Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.” I hope after reading this you will find some inspiration to give back to a cause you believe in.