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The Thrill of Costa Rica

The Thrill of Costa Rica

We caught up with our guy Grant Begley @dontfearthesweeper to talk story about his recent trip to Costa Rica. How he planned it, to what happened while they were down there. From the looks of it we think he scored. Our very own Sam Nelson @brothersnelson sat down to chat with him.


Grant, your trip looked epic! Tell us a little bit about your trip, when you first started going to Costa Rica and how has your love for it developed?

“I have been going to Costa Rica thrill seeking land and sea for over 20 years. Its amazing to see how it has changed before my own eyes. What once was all dirt road has been replaced with pavement, tolls, and açaí bowls. Surf schools up and down the beach accompanied by local ticos with waiting of tourist for a coco frìo is pretty common. These things are great for the economy, but when I want to get away, I want to get away from all of that.” 

So what do you do instead of going to mainstream Costa Rica?

“I want the real Costa Rica. About 6 years ago, I found Spearfishing Adventures guide that offered my getaway. Now I have been running away 1-2 times a year to get there. No cell service, power is a maybe and definitely no hot water. I love it! You either take a small plane or a small boat down a river to get to it, and someone once said the smaller the plane when traveling means the bigger the fish.”

Guess what’s for dinner tonight? Grant showing off his Yellow.

From the looks of it, sounds like you scored. So where do you find them? 

“Poor Mans paradise is in south Costa Rica that is designed to cater to the everyday backpacker or birdwatcher. It’s quite the subtle place…… until our guide stepped foot onto the land. Good Time Charlie Charters definitely brought a wild sided absolute thrill seeking adventure to the area. The property and bungalows are surrounded by the Corcovado National Park, and filled with pristine wildlife. There are no major ports or harbors close, so the fishing is very lightly impacted.”

So what were you searching for on this trip?

“The main target is big Pargo (snapper), but this year we changed it up to focus on Yellowfin Tuna. A faster growing pelagic fish, higher specie population, and still big! We planned our arrival almost 8 months in advance to arrive on the new moon. This means the tuna should be looking for food during the day since there is no light at night. It worked. With two boats, and two professional guides, we decided to set up a friendly fishing tournament.”

Do you always use a guide or do you go out remotely?

“Something we find very important and won’t do trips without is a guide. Although Spearfishing can seem as easy as swim and shoot, it can be extremely dangerous. Even the smartest individuals can make the dumbest mistakes. It’s important to plan safety and do research before trips like this. Fortunately our guide service does all the ground work, and we just get to have fun.”

We were stoked to help make the trip happen how was the outcome?

“Yeah man, everyone was hyped that Waterman provided the prizes for the daily weigh ins giving a next level experience for the final winning boat. Everyone literally killed it, putting over 500lbs of tuna in the boats over the trip.”

Wow, that’s so rad dude. What were some highlights from the trip?

“The main highlight of this trip is that a group of working class fisherman bring over 500lbs of fish back to the base camp and all go home safe. Everyone in the village shows up and the rewards from the days catch are passed around and quickly brought home. Nothing is wasted. It is truly a waterman paradise. You eat what you catch, diving in shore reef to blue water all in the same day. On your off days, the beach has surf to play in and rivers to follow up to hidden waterfalls. I can’t wait to go back next year.”

The last day for tuna was fun. The weather was perfect, the schools of dolphin were broken up and the tuna were hanging a bit deeper below, but we found some. Sushi for dinner.

We are stoked you continue to show everyone here what a true waterman does. It’s inspiring to say the least. We can’t wait to see some more of your trips throughout the year!

Last day means, wash gear, recover and make a quick dive for dinner. It’s been fun, but it’s time to head back home.
Watermen in the woodlands

Watermen in the woodlands

Well, last we caught up, the Watermen Crew ventured to Chicama to surf the longest left known to man. Where are we now? In the forest – feels like the middle of nowhere – with no cell reception and nothing but breathtaking views. AKA Yosemite. So how did we make it out of this one?

The trip began with a seven hour drive up the coast of California, then into the winding roads of the High Sierras. Once we arrived, we set up camp, started a fire and, of course, roasted some smores. Day one, not too shabby.

We kicked off day 2 with a “bike tour”; little did we know this bike tour is a 12-mile loop up and down the mountains on beach cruisers— yep, you read that right. Beach cruisers. As in, no gears, suspension or handbrakes, but at least we had our compressions shorts to block the chaffing. Still, the scenery was amazing and the ride was fun— taking the corners quickly around huge boulders and dodging trees, trying not to fall off the bike.

Day 3– the crew woke up for a nine-mile hike starting at Glacier Point, then wrapping around Yosemite Falls and Mist Trail, and ending in Yosemite Village. Right away we saw a bear; and Vic tried to get as close as possible (yikes!). We took a little dip in the frigid river and then marched onto the next uphill climb. After about 5 hours, we arrived at the top of the waterfall for a much-needed lunch break. Then we headed down the steep steps of Mist Trail. Exhausted and almost to the end, Ryan started running and singing “pizza and beer” to pass the time, and then slipped and landed right on his butt! He didn’t rip his shorts though, thankfully, since he had on his crew shorts and they’re built to take a beating both on land and in the water.

Finally, rest! Day 4– With all our limbs sore and immovable, we spent the day floating the river and going down the rapids. To top off the trip, that evening we headed to Glacier Point to watch the sunset with some wine. Wow what a view! We would all recommend you visit Yosemite if you haven’t already. Make sure you take your men’s hybrid boardshorts and womens’ stretch shorts, since Watermen gear is built for days like these! For us, now it’s time to head home…

Where will the Watermen Crew be next? Stay tuned & stay salty!

The watermen crew takes on Chicama…

The watermen crew takes on Chicama…


SEPTEMBER 26,2018

WATERMEN CREW: CHICAMA PERU SURF TRIP

Let’s state the obvious here, this is one wave you’ll dream about forever and our crew is stoking to surf it. Chicama is best known for having the longest wave in the world, then you can mosey over to Pico Alto for one of the biggest waves in the world, not a bad place huh? Don’t even get us started on the food there, ceviche for days… Maybe not the “American Dream” but sure as heck the “Watermen Dream”.

We’ll land in Lima take a jumper flight to Trujillo, and by that time the froth sets in. Once we are in Trujillo we hitch a ride to Chicama, the trip usually takes around 45 minutes, give or take how hungry we are. Start the days off with some eggs and bacon, hop on the zodiac and surf until your thighs are too sore to move.

Why do we do this to our bodies? Why do we travel to the ends of the earth all for a wave? Honestly, I couldn’t tell you, but here at Watermen we are hooked on that feeling. That feeling of adventure and being in the ocean, and what better way to travel than with your favorite crew? Maybe we could do without Ryan, since he is notorious for snaking waves.

Next month’s newsletter will have some pictures from our trip. I imagine a few stories of mishap and casualties, more than anything tales of one of the best waves around the world. But for now, we will leave you at the edge of your seat wanting more…

– The Watermen Crew

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