NATIONAL FORECAST

TOP NEWS

TRAVEL --> American Airlines offering trips to Costa Rica for $240 RT from Miami and Fort Lauderdale on select dates in August - October. Lacsa flights as low as $189 in October. Contact us now to lock these in.

--> Costa Rica celebrated the annexation of the province of Guanacaste last Friday. However, on MONDAY (7/28) the country will also be on holiday so banks, schools, and government facilities will be closed.

--> The Tamarindo Lifeguard Program so far is a success. The three guards are in the tower six days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last month they rescued 20 people from the currents and assisted in numerous surf-related injuries. In addition there was a Tamarindo Scavenger Hunt which took place at Hotel Pasatiempo that raised $1,300 for them. And the Surf Club Sports Bar in Langosta added another $780 by hosting Lifeguard Bingo.

--> Daniella Navarro, a 12 year old piano prodigy from Liberia, just returned from France after winning a international competition. She will be playing at a fundraiser on August 10th called "Piano and Painting Under the Stars" at the Club de Playa de Pacífico on Playas del Coco. For more information on how to help or for tickets, email Carlos Hiller or call him at 2666-4878.

CONTESTS --> The next Puerto Viejo Open Pro surf tournament is set for Aug. 9 at 8 a.m. at the beach break in Playa Cocles. Mark it on your calendars, as these tournaments are always lots of fun. For entry information, contact Beto at 8885-9688, or email the Cashew Hill Lodge.

--> Former women's champ, Andrea Díaz of Waves Costa Rica recently opened a new office in Jacó, above Pollo Express and across from Century 21. Waves Costa Rica offers customized surf tours for surfers of all levels and is a Costa Rican tour company operated by local Ticos eager to share their knowledge of the country's bountiful surf spots and friendly culture.

--> Frederico Pilurzo from Playa Langosta competed in the Honda US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, CA. After winning his first heats, he did not make it past the round of 96. Julian Wilson from Australia won that heat with a 14.55 to Pilurzo's 10.3. He is still the only representative on the WQS from Central America.

ENVIRONMENT --> Last month, Waves Costa Rica Surf School, with Roxy and Quiksilver, launched June as international month of the environment, a campaign about the need to protect the Playa Hermosa-Punta Mala National Wildlife Refuge. The campaign includes the "Blue Book" with 10 tips on how to stop ocean pollution. Those who want to be part of the campaign are invited to stop by Andrea's new office for stickers and a copy of the book.

--> Next Surfrider Tamarindo meeting, 7 p.m. at the Surf Club in Playa Langosta. You can help the group with the education program, water quality work, and fundraising efforts. Email chairman Lock Cooper to join.

--> Read the letter I wrote to the Tico Times and A.M. Costa Rica regarding the unchecked development happening in Costa Rica. If you are concerned that they are polluting surfbreaks and destroying the coastal ecosystem, then you have to raise your voice! Contact me if you can help.

--> Here is a New Video in Spanish (with Engish subtitles) demonstrating the problem that communities have all over Costa Rica - the loss of water quality and quantity. It was made by CAVU, who did low aerial surveys covering Uvita and the Osa Peninsula.

SHOP --> FREE SHIPPING on all orders !! The lowest prices are found in the CRSurf Shop. Find boardbags, books, backpacks, maps, and straps- all you need for your next trip.

--> Looking for some summer reading for the kids?? Check out All the Way to the Ocean, a book that teaches kids not to litter, because eventually it will end up in the sea and hurt marine life.

** From Hotel Buenisimo in Santa Teresa/Mal Pais (7/26) -

AREA WAVE HEIGHTS AND CONDITIONS - Tamano de las olas y condiciones: Head high, clean lines, have to work the tides.

** From Steve at Jazzys River House in Dominical (7/26) -

AREA WAVE HEIGHTS AND CONDITIONS - Tamano de las olas y condiciones: wednesday and thursday were classic Dominical peaks - well overhead, thick and fast, clean and mean. Too much fun to be legal. small crowd, grey skies, warm water, dolphins at the mouth, backside barrels for Andrew and Steve. Third time not a charm. Friday early, wrecked and surly. Drop in size, blown out and junky but cleaning up on the outgoing tide.

WHAT TO EXPECT THIS WEEKEND (weather and waves) - Que va a pasar este fin de semana (clima y olas): Building size we hope and expecting regular rains and heavy river flow with attendant peaks and rips.

BEST PLACE TO SURF THIS WEEKEND IN YOUR AREA - El mejor lugar a surfear este fin de semana en su area: Dominical though good reports from Playa Hermosa (near Uvita) the past few days.

NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS- Noticias y dias especiales: Dominical Lifeguard Fundraiser a big success! Last Friday night Taylor at Que Nivel hosted a welcoming party for new lifeguard Andrew Webster from Encinitas, CA. Over $6000 was raised, a fine nights work for a small community.