THE FOOTNOTES

This is a picture from my week-long visit to the infamous "surf diva" school in Costa Rica. I graduated not only with flying colors, but also with a torn rotator cuff, a dislocated hip, and muscle soreness that lasted about 2 months. I'm exaggerating a bit, but it really was a physically punishing week! After the first day I felt like I had been in a bar brawl. By the second or third day I really got into the swing of things, eventually graduating to what is called the "outside" (out beyond where the waves break). It's pretty hard to paddle out there, but it's so much fun. Catching your first wave is unforgettable and more fun than most things I've experienced. I really appreciated the simplicity of it -- you didn't have to chop down trees and ride a gondola to get a downhill thrill. It's eco-friendly and free! Try it.