Why Choose Bodhi Slide 7 Day Adult Bodysurf + Yoga Camp

Why do we think that you should dedicate a whole week of your precious time off with us learning to bodysurf in beautiful Bahia Ballena, Osa, Costa Rica?

(And for those of you who may not know, what is this bodysurfing, we speak of, anyways?)

In the following blog, we have aimed to break down what to expect from this week-long experience and what to expect when you opt to do the Bodhi Slide: 7 Day Bodysurf + Yoga camp.

And if this is not sufficiently convincing, we encourage you to visit our TripAdvisor page, where over 200 of our beloved guests from over the years have shared their firsthand experience. You can also watch this video of first hand Bodhi Surf + Yoga Slide guest testimonials!

What is Bodhi Slide: 7 Day Bodysurf + Yoga camp?

What exactly is our “Bodhi Slide” vacation option? It is a groundbreaking and first of its kind camp in Costa Rica which features a week of both bodysurfing and yoga.

It is also a unique, ocean immersive week-long retreat that features experiential learning opportunities, laughter, fun, and sun, as well as tools and inspiration for personal growth.

During the course of your week, you will gain ocean awareness and comfort as you learn the “simplest” form of surfing — wave sliding, or bodysurfing. You will also stretch, breath, and move as you reconnect with yourself with the help of our invigorating yoga curriculum.

Here are a few fun facts about our Bodhi Slide: 7 Day Bodysurf + Yoga camp…

• Come when you can: unlike most other retreats, Bodhi Slide can run at any time that we are open, making it easy to book.
• Small groups: we limit the number of guests who can join weekly to a maximum of 10 people to ensure that every person has an intimate experience and receives personalized instruction.
• Tried and tested: Bodhi Surf + yoga was founded in 2010, and we have been improving and modifying the experiences that we offer every single year since then.
• Educational classes: the goal of our bodysurf and yoga curricula are to really educate and create a sense of independence. All of our lessons feature verbal explanations, visual demonstrations, and ample practice time!
• Inclusive options: there are accommodation options for singles, couples, families, and groups of friends. We have also designed the experiences that we offer to accommodate these various groupings.
• Responsible tourism: our schedule offers plenty of time to venture out into the community and experience it in a myriad of different ways, which will foster cultural insight, connection, and provide various learning opportunities.
• Delicious, healthy meals: food is one of the best parts of your stay! We are all food lovers and proud to offer a hearty, homemade, and healthy culinary experience. Check out our Bodhi Cookbook to see some of our most famous plates.

We went in August (rainy season) which meant we had cool nights and pleasant days. The property was beautifully laid out and more clean than any other place I’ve been to. Everything was hand crafted and perfectly curated.

The people at Bodhi and their commitment to learning about the ocean was far beyond any other retreat I’ve been to. It felt like home. The daily yoga, meals, activities and body surfing made us feel whole again. If you have the chance to go, it will be memorable and transformative. We plan to go back every year.

Madeline, August 2021

Is Bodhi Slide: 7 Day Bodysurf + Yoga camp a good fit for you?

This experience could be a good fit for you if you’re into the idea of immersion. It provides a true opportunity to disconnect from what you don’t need (work, phone, stressors) and reconnect with more of what you do need (yourself, nature, other lovely humans).

This week-long camp is a good choice if you:

• Want an engaging learning vacation: learn more about the ocean, bodysurfing, Costa Rican culture, animals and nature, and so much more.
• Have a desire to [re]connect: with yourself, other people you will meet (fellow guests, local staff, community members), nature, and purpose.
• Are open to immersing yourself into the community of Bahia Ballena: via the community walking tour, visiting local attractions and restaurants, and doing nature or culture tours.
• Enjoy being physically active and particularly in the great outdoors.
• Would like to improve your ocean skills and yoga practice, whether you fall anywhere between a complete novice to having some experience.

In order to provide more specific information about why people often join this retreat, we have consolidated some interesting travel facts below.

The Bodhi Slide: 7 Day Bodysurf + Yoga Camp experience

1. Connect to the ocean. When it comes to learning and connecting with the ocean, there is no better way than bodysurfing. There is something mystical about the activity. It is the best way to connect with the ocean’s power, simply because there is nothing separating the bodysurfer from the wave. As ISA-certified surf instructors and ocean lifeguards, we are stoked to teach you more about the ocean and safety. Learn more about this unique sport!
2. This is a unique, one-of-a-kind retreat. We are the first surf camp in the world to offer this kind of retreat, and are excited to link the two core activities (bodysurf and yoga), and to really teach them. One of our goals here at Bodhi Surf + Yoga is also to inspire: in this instance, we want our students to progress their bodysurfing, have a wider ocean experience, and gain mind-body awareness with the yoga.
3. Community connection is built into the Bodhi Surf + Yoga experience. There is a community walking tour included on the first full day in Bahia Ballena, which highlights information about the community’s history, culture, as well as the flora and fauna of Costa Rica and our community. Read more about the community walking tour.
4. Guests keep coming back because at Bodhi Surf + Yoga, they feel like family! With the ability to go anywhere in the world, why do so many of our guests return time and time again? There’s much that could be said about this, but we will let the guests speak for themselves in this “What is Bodhi” video.

Everything that the Bodhi troop does is gold-standard (believe all the good stuff everyone says!). In this case, the ‘bodysurfing’ element was definitely the highlight. I feel a lot more equipped to go out in the ocean and safely play with the waves. Also, I cannot even begin to describe the experience of catching a wave’s energy and being propelled like a rocket to shore – there are literally no words for such fun and adrenaline!

Tom S, March 2020

Why choose Bahia Ballena – Uvita

1. Bahia Ballena is a natural paradise. Visit this small, coastal community that is surrounded on all sides either by lush jungle, verdant mountains, or the Pacific Ocean. There truly aren’t many places left like this in the world!
2. Bahia Ballena is home to the stunning Marino Ballena National Park. The first marine park created in Central America, it’s main purpose is in the protection of the two visiting groups of humpback whales (yes, lots of opportunity for whale watching here) as well as the host of other marine flora and fauna. Bonus: if you learn to bodysurf with Bodhi Surf + Yoga, it is within this very national park that you will be learning!
3. The people here are just so friendly. Whether you are patronizing a local business, enjoying a tour, or simply strolling the streets, you will find that the people in our local community are kind souls who are happy to welcome you into their home.

Why visit Costa Rica

1. Costa Rica is a wonderful place to learn to bodysurf and gain ocean awareness. If you’re looking into the Bodhi Slide camp, this is something that is probably of interest to you! With its warm water, uncrowded lineups, and friendly locals, Costa Rica is the perfect place to build your foundation of ocean savvy. Read more!
2. This country is a global leader in conservation of nature and biodiversity. There is something so refreshing about how ostensibly passionate “Ticos” are about protecting the natural resources of their beautiful country. It is refreshing to see such high value placed on something so simple yet fundamental.
3. Costa Rica is a safe country to visit. While there are risks here like anywhere else in the world, we sincerely believe that if you prepare accordingly and practice common sense, the instances of trouble will drop drastically. Read more about common travel risks and how to avoid them.
4. Potable water in the majority of Costa Rica means there is a greatly reduced chance of getting sick. We’ve all heard of (or had personal experiences with) how horrible it can be to get sick in the tropics. Here are a few reasons why high water quality is correlated to the general health of residents and visitors in our community of Bahia Ballena.

Learn about our other vacation options aside from Bodhi Slide: 7 Day Bodysurf + Yoga camp, choose your dates based on our availability calendar, and book quickly as spaces are limited to a maximum of 10 special guests per week and fill up quickly!

What you can expect from your Bodhi Slide: 7 Day Bodysurf + Yoga camp

Bodhi Slide: 7 Day Bodysurf + Yoga camp is a great week-long Costa Rica vacation option for those wanting some solid ocean immersion time in a very beautiful and special place — Bahia Ballena, Osa, Costa Rica.

It features experiential learning opportunities, laughter, fun, and sun, as well as tools and inspiration for personal growth. You will gain ocean awareness and comfort as you learn the “simplest” and most pure form of surfing — wave sliding or bodysurfing.

Throughout the week, you will stretch, breath, and move as you reconnect with yourself with the help of our invigorating yoga curriculum.

Woven throughout the experience is time to learn about local culture and Costa Rican cuisine, and connect to the local community.

One of the main reasons that many Bodhi Surf + Yoga guests return again and again is that the trip is easy: Just give us your flight number, and our shuttle will be at the airport to pick you up.

Four hours later, you’ll be pulling into the Bodhi Lodge, in Bahia Ballena, Osa, Costa Rica. It is at this point that your adventure really gets going!

(FYI: Likewise, we provide a shuttle back to the airport so you don’t have to worry about the back and forth).

Learning how to surf the waves with your body is something every surfer and ocean lover should do. It not only gives you the skills to get out of the water in case your leash breaks, but more than that.. you experience riding the waves in the most purest way possible, with no board, just your body..like a dolphin!

Adriana, August 2019

What’s included?

Our Bodhi Slide: 7 Day Bodysurf + Yoga camp starts Saturday and runs for one week. Each retreat includes the following:

• 5 night at the Bodhi Lodge
• 1 night in a San Jose hotel
• 5 bodysurf lessons
• 5 yoga classes
• 1 swim technique training
• 5 breakfasts
• 3 dinners
• Snacks at surf lessons
• Walking tour of Bahia Ballena
• Waterfall visit
• Round trip transportation between San Jose and Bodhi Lodge
• Shuttle service from San Jose airport to San Jose hotel
• National Park entrance fees for surf lessons
• Travelers’ Philanthropy donation

Also, you get the benefit of staying at a quaint lodge in Bahia Ballena, Costa Rica with a group of passionate individuals, many of whom have lived in the community for decades and who have lots of local knowledge to share.

Opportunities for independence

There is a great deal of flexibility in the Bodhi Slide: 7 Day Bodysurf + Yoga camp to allow you to do other activities while you’re in this amazing place.

Our ethos here at Bodhi Surf + Yoga is one of responsible travel. We have opted to be semi-inclusive so that our visiting guests get out into the community and visit its shops, supermarkets, and restaurants.

We have a ton of recommendations for meals to eat out and local activities to participate in. Moreover, we are here (literally onsite) to help. All you need to do is ask!

There is no better way to experience connection with a place than by immersing yourself in it!

The community of Bahia Ballena – Uvita is mostly comprised of small, family-owned and operated businesses. Guests provide a big economic benefit to our community by patronizing these businesses.

Offsite meals and activities

For any meals that are not included, options abound. If you opt to stay in one of the larger bungalows, you will have kitchenette access and can purchase ingredients at one of the several supermarkets which are walking distance away.

There are also many restaurants. Some are within walking distance, others which are accessible by taxi.

If you’re interested in squeezing the juice out of your vacation, note that there is ample time to do activities outside of the bodysurf and yoga program. As mentioned above, there is plenty to choose from!

I have always had a healthy fear of the ocean, it is important to me to do these types of activities with knowledgeable and helpful individuals. I found that here in spades. Spencer and Hannah were so helpful, understanding and super stoked to teach us their passion. But the best part of all, was actually catching a green wave. You have not really experienced the sheer thrill of feeling mother ocean until you are riding on her back. It was exhilarating. I would HIGHLY recommend you check this out.

Christie, February 2020

Bodhi Slide: 7 Day Bodysurf + Yoga camp daily schedule

The following breakdown is designed to give you an idea of what to expect!

Note that this is a sample schedule, as exact times of activities are subject to change. The surfing/bodysurfing components of our schedule requires us to change it weekly, around the tides and wave conditions.

Saturday (Day 1)

Guests may arrive to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose, Costa Rica, at any time on the first Saturday of camp.

The first night of lodging (Saturday) is at a hotel near the airport, and is included in the camp. Transportation to the hotel is included, provided by the hotel itself.

Dinner on the first night is on your own. You can dine at the delicious hotel restaurant, or go to a nearby restaurant.

Sunday (Day 2)

You may your first breakfast in Costa Rica at the hotel restaurant whenever it opens. We recommend the traditional Tico or Costa Rican breakfast, called Gallo Pinto with a nice cup of coffee.

You and the other guests will be picked up by Bodhi Surf + Yoga’s private transportation service, Wali Rider, at 9am. Together, you will make the 4-4½ hour journey to Bahia Ballena – Uvita, Osa, Uvita, and the home of Bodhi Surf + Yoga.

You will arrive at Bodhi Surf + Yoga and be welcomed by members and receive a tour of the lodge and property, and see the schedule is for the week to come.

You may go out to a local restaurant for your first lunch, or go to the store to purchase some groceries to prepare food on your own.

Dinner the first night is included: guests and Bodhi staff will go out to a local restaurant and get further acquainted and chat with your fellow campers and staff about what you are most looking to get out of the week!

Monday (Day 3)

Mondays start with an early breakfast of locally sourced fresh fruit, coffee, banana bread, and eggs.

Following that, there will be a Community Walking Tour of Bahia Ballena with a trained local guide. This activity is a great way for guests to learn about the local community and get some insider perspectives, see some of the local flora and fauna, and learn the general “lay of the land”.

Expect to see some of the local flora (and maybe even fauna), and maybe even finish with a local snack or drink!

After returning to home base, there is a little break before the first yoga class at the onsite Bodhi Shambala Yoga studio. Next up, take a stroll to the local supermarket to stock up on snacks and meal stuff or go out for lunch at a nearby restaurant.

In the afternoon, you will head down to the Marino Ballena National Park for your first bodysurf session. Once there, your instructors will provide you with some history and information about the park, including a brief discussion about where you are going to be spending the next few weeks!

You will learn some swim techniques to get you prepped for your week of bodysurfing. Then, you will dive in both literally and figuratively!

Monday night is unscheduled so everyone is welcome to do their own thing. Head to a local restaurant or make something simple to eat before relaxing in the hammock or playing some games before an early bed.

Tuesday (Day 4)

Tuesday is day two of both bodysurfing and surfing! You will start the morning off right with some coffee and a banana before piling into the bodysurf mobile to head down to Playa Chaman for your second bodysurf lesson.

After spending two hours frolicking in the warm, tropical waters, you will head back to Bodhi Surf + Yoga to satisfy your newfound appetite with a delicious home-cooked breakfast.

Whether snoozing in a hammock or cooling off by the pool, you will want to spend some time relaxing and digesting breakfast before heading to the local Uvita waterfall.

You can grab a cool beverage and some lunch at the restaurant located near the entrance of the waterfall before being transported back to the Bodhi Lodge in the late afternoon. Just before sunset, you will head up to the yoga platform to enjoy a much-needed yoga session.

After limbering up throughout the course of the yoga class, you will want to shower before another delicious Bodhi dinner. That evening, you will be enjoying a bodysurf movie to get further stoked about this wondrous sport.

Wednesday (Day 5)

By Wednesday, you are going to be so into the way of life in the tropics that you rise, bright and early, with the sun and the sounds of local animals such as roosters, howler monkeys, and what Bodhi staff call “funky chickens”.

You know the drill by now: an invigorating yoga class is up next — much needed class after two days of physical activity!

After you float down the stairs of the yoga platform and over to the common area, enjoy some local coffee or fruit juice, a delicious home-cooked breakfast, and conversation with fellow guests and staff.

After breakfast, you will return to the beach for your third bodysurf lesson, where you will continue perfecting your wave-sliding abilities.

Post bodysurfing, another filling breakfast at Bodhi Surf + Yoga is in order. Have a nap, read a book, hang out in the pool. The world (and the afternoon) is your oyster.

After that, you are free to do your own thing for the rest of the day and night. Wednesday is also free, so guests are most often found going out for a meal at one of the nearby restaurants.

Massages are an optional add-on for anyone who is feeling the burn of the last few days!

Thursday (Day 6)

A lovely morning yoga is the first activity of the day, an an opportunity to limber up for the events to follow.

You will enjoy a delicious and filling breakfast (fruit, coffee, and perhaps even some more Gallo Pinto) followed by some chill time at the lodge.

Your bodysurf lesson of the day will be in the afternoon, so after learning and practicing your skills (perhaps even paddling out into the green waves if the conditions allow), enjoy a beautiful sunset on Playa Chaman.

It is the last dinner (and night!) at the Bodhi Lodge, so enjoy it up. Maybe even instigate a dance party with your fellow campers!

Or conversely, head to bed early to rest up, because your next bodysurf lesson is the following morning!

Friday (Day 7)

Today is the day that it all comes together! On your last morning, it’s not unlikely to have a “dawn patrol” bodysurf class where the aim is that everything comes together and you are able to catch green waves.

Following that session, a light and delicious breakfast along with a hefty cup of coffee is in order.

The final yoga class of the week where some of the threads of the week are woven together, and you have an intentional “yoga goodbye” with your instructor.

After packing, pool time, and lunch, guests and staff share one last activity together: the thoughtful and reflection-filled Bodhi Gratitude Ceremony.

Finally, at 3:30pm, you are picked up at the Bodhi Lodge for your shuttle transfer to the Adventure Inn in San Jose. Friday night is not included in the program, so you are free to book your own hotel anywhere you’d like. Sometimes, guests even stay in the Uvita area.

A farewell, but not a goodbye. After all, you can always come see us again. We hope you do.

Saturday (Day 8)

On this day, guests typically fly out of San Jose back home, or embark on their next week of adventures in Costa Rica!

They were genuine and so organized making the entire experience so relaxing being with people living in this way and upholding their values in their work and life. Perfect examples for my teenagers…so glad I found this last minute to escape and have these memories. Gracious people…absolutely loved it. Oh and body surfing was a blast when the ocean was wild for surfing. We all just played together in the ocean. Truly a delight how they rolled with us as we did with them. Bungalow was just what was needed with comfortable porch. Food was fresh and tasty. Music and ‘DJ George’ made for fun meals. Want to go back.

Lisa, July 2022

We hope you will come see us!

Bodhi Surf + Yoga is a small family-owned and operated business that was founded in 2010. We feel blessed to be able to offer our multitude of passions to visiting guests from around the world, and do it in a responsible and community-centered way.

We sincerely believe that business can and should be conducted in a way that uplifts its workers, protects the environment, enriches its patrons, and benefits the community.

In our 12+ years of being operational, here are a few of the accolades that we are most proud of:

• We have been awarded with TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award multiple years running
• We’re a certified B Corporation, and a recipient of their “Best for the World” honor in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022
• We have been a proud 1% for the Planet member since 2018
• We’re a Transformational Tourism Council partner and a proud Platinum Sponsor of the Center for Responsible Travel

If you have any questions that have not been answered in this blog post, please feel free to email us at [email protected]! We are happy to speak to you directly as well.