Did you miss the Kalama Kamp this spring and find yourself digging through our website to find other SUP camp opportunities? Well, not to worry! Vista Guapa SUP Team Member, Mark Salvetti, who has been SUP Paddle-Fit Certified by Kalama Kamp Co-Founder Brody Welte, is leading our next SUP camp this coming December. The Certification is accredited by the governing athletic foundation ACE and is the only certification available for Standup Paddling, covering water safety, paddle instruction, fitness on the water and the overall SUP business. 

A veteran of Vista Guapa and dubbed our Chief Inspiration Officer, Mark was instrumental in bringing SUP's (by way of YOLO Boards) to Costa Rica and Vista Guapa.  Mark helped manage April's Kalama Kamp and will be guiding the first "YOLO Board Experience" camp at Vista Guapa in early December - December 3 - 8.  The SUP-specific YOLO Experience Week will focus on Standup Paddling's fitness benefits, paddling and surfing techniques and just plain having fun.  Each guest will receive a special "YOLO Experience Package", and a full complement of photos and videos following the trip.

(If you've ever seen any of Mark's photos or videos you know that  the guests will get more than their share of digital mementos and entertain us with their exploits via Facebook. And if you've ever overlapped with Mark at Vista Guapa, you know this is a trip not to miss!)

For more information you can email Mark at markosalvetti@gmail.com. But HURRY! There are only a few spaces left in this camp!!! (If the camp is oversubscribed, we are looking into running a second week December 10 - 15.)  

We are also in the planning stages for an "All Female YOLO Experience" trip that is tentatively scheduled for Mardi Gras 2012 and "Kalama Kamp II" in late March (Date TBD) and another YOLO Experience tour by Mark Salvetti in May 2012....Stay tuned to the website, newsletters and Facebook for more announcements.

 

Having focused the last several years on managing Vista Guapa, Alvaro had stepped aside in National level competitions, but not for long. Years of training, coaching and teaching ultimately led Alvaro back out on the National Circuit, this time as part of the Masters competition. And would you expect anything less than the national title? If so, then you've clearly never met Alvaro!

Alvaro added another trophy to the case this year, taking home the title as National Masters Champion.   

 

The trophy may weigh more than his board...

  

In addition, our own Dennis "Titi" Solano brought home 5th place and Leo Calvo brought home 4th place in the National Grommet Competition. It helps to train with the Master, and I'm sure they both have their eyes on the prize for next year!

Leo Calvo takes 4th Place

Getting in shape for the surf trip

Thinking about the surf trip coming up? Want to be in shape? Here are a few tips that will help you get there.

We all know that a strong core translates into more balance overall, but you have to put in the time and pain to get the results you want. Remember that these exercises can be done anywhere - in your bedroom, in your living while watching TV, or in your hotel room if you're a business traveler:

20 Sit ups  x 4 reps

20 Push-ups x 4 reps (this improves your pop-up on the board and paddling thru the waves)

30 Squats x 4 reps (this helps you have a stronger stand on the board)  

Those simple exercises 3 times/week helps you paddle out faster, catch more waves, and surf better = HAVE MORE FUN! 

Also, if you have access to a pool, that can make a BIG difference. We recommend swimming 5-minute intervals with 2 minute rest x 5 reps. 

PURA VIDA.

 

Alvaro 

Deanna Black tears down the wave