Traveling has always been a passion for me and combining travel with kayaking and yoga makes it even better! This was my 6th season running womens whitewater kayak trips in Costa Rica (7 in Mexico before that) and it never gets old. The diversity of the rivers, the colorful wildlife, the lush jungle, the delicious food and the Pura Vida way of life keep me coming back year after year. This year my husband Andrew and our friends Michelle and Shannon joined us for a paddling adventure over Christmas and New Years. It was a fantastic way to spend the Holidays and we got in 8 amazing days of padding, including the classic Class IV-V Upper Pacuare run, with prime water levels.
The following week was my annual Womens Costa Rica Week of Rivers with 10 women joining in the fun. With a daily yoga class keeping our bodies in top shape, we paddled 6 days of awesome whitewater and enjoyed sightings of toucans, monkeys, iguanas, sloths and many different species of tropical birds. The group was really fun, positive and enthusiastic. I am so grateful that they joined Anna W and I on this adventure! Here’s what the women had to say about the trip:
“Your grace, positive energy, and encouraging demeanor were inspirational. I did not hear one negative comment during the entire week.”
“Can’t say enough about those rivers. They were truly beautiful and so much fun all at once. I felt so energized and alive from yoga everyday. I wasn’t even sore until after the last day of paddling. “
“This was an incredible trip that combined fun river running with great comradery and encouragement. What better place to beat the winter doldrums and tune up your paddling skills than the wild beauty of Costa Rica? I also appreciated the yoga to improve my form and health from all the kinks paddling can bring on. I will be returning.”
“The whole two weeks were just the best vacation I’ve experienced – ever. You and Anna W really cultivated an exceptional atmosphere for everyone on the trip. I learned some truly beneficial techniques to improve my paddling and my yoga practice.”
“Having never done anything like that before, I was blown away. I really enjoyed the experience of being in another culture, the scenery of course was beautiful, and I loved getting to meet and connect with new people.”
Here’s a photo album of the trip for you to enjoy! Stay tuned for 2017 dates!