Surf & Skate Coach

location
1 - 8 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 4.9  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Share your Surf and Skate passion, skills, and experience with enthusiastic local kids.
  • Work collaboratively and become friends with local Surf and Skate experts, trainers, coaches, and business owners.
  • Make lifelong memories as you explore the area, see secret waterfalls, surf amazing waves, and watch breathtaking sunsets in between sessions.

Highlights

  • Share your Surf and Skate passion, skills, and experience with enthusiastic local kids.
  • Work collaboratively and become friends with local Surf and Skate experts, trainers, coaches, and business owners.
  • Make lifelong memories as you explore the area, see secret waterfalls, surf amazing waves, and watch breathtaking sunsets in between sessions.
  • Gain hands-on international experience while working directly with local kids to make your resume stand out.
  • Enjoy local cuisine while living at our modern yet rustic lodge located one minute from the waves.


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+
    Wheel Chairs

    About the program

    Lead and support Surf and Skating lessons for local children while sharing your athletic knowledge and skills.

    Our program empowers Surfers and Skaters to gain professional and personal experience by leading practices, trainings, workshops, and lessons for kids living in a low-income community. WeVOL is located on the pristine Matapalo beach just fifteen minutes north of Dominical and thirty minutes south of ...

    About the program

    Our program empowers Surfers and Skaters to gain professional and personal experience by leading practices, trainings, workshops, and lessons for kids living in a low-income community. WeVOL is located on the pristine Matapalo beach just fifteen minutes north of Dominical and thirty minutes south of Quepos-Manuel Antonio. Our rural beach town has one of the best skate parks and waves in the area. 

    Known for its beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and laid back culture, Costa Rica is consistently a top choice for eager globetrotters. Matapalo evokes the Costa Rica from years ago with empty beaches, roadside ceviche shacks, and endless miles of stunning beaches and vibrant tropical jungle. Surf and Skate Coaches not only get to know and work with Costa Rican children who are motivated to train and practice, but truly experience the Pura Vida lifestyle that attracts so many travelers to this peaceful nation. Our experienced staff will train and support you on effective instructional skills, so you are prepared to deliver engaging Surf and Skate activities. 

    WeVOL accepts Skate and Surf Coaches who are traveling solo, partners, groups, and families. Volunteers receive a certificate of completion for service hours worked. If you are interested in getting even more active, we encourage you to seek new and exciting extreme sports by going horseback riding, rafting or kayaking, and more exciting area excursions.



    Typical day

    • 7:30: Breakfast (provided)
    • 8:00 - 10:30: Morning Surf or Skate Practice with local kids
    • 10:30 - 11:00: Break with Snack
    • 11:00 - 12:30: Team Planning for tomorrow's activities
    • 12: 30: Fresh Lunch with team
    • 13:00 - 14:00: Preparing and cleaning gear
    • 14:00 - 15:30: Free time 
    • 15:30 - 17:30: Beach time for ...

    Typical day

    • 7:30: Breakfast (provided)
    • 8:00 - 10:30: Morning Surf or Skate Practice with local kids
    • 10:30 - 11:00: Break with Snack
    • 11:00 - 12:30: Team Planning for tomorrow's activities
    • 12: 30: Fresh Lunch with team
    • 13:00 - 14:00: Preparing and cleaning gear
    • 14:00 - 15:30: Free time 
    • 15:30 - 17:30: Beach time for Open Surf & Skate
    • 17:30 - 19:00: Shower, call home, internet time
    • 19:00:  Hearty and Healthy Dinner
    • 19:30: Planned Group Activity

    Free-time activities

    Located in between Domincal and Manuel Antonio National Park, our town is full of options during your free time. Participants will have free time to enjoy sunsets daily and maximize their weekend fun. In addition to the stunning beach with consistent waves, Matapalo also has a great skate park, ...

    Free-time activities

    Located in between Domincal and Manuel Antonio National Park, our town is full of options during your free time. Participants will have free time to enjoy sunsets daily and maximize their weekend fun. In addition to the stunning beach with consistent waves, Matapalo also has a great skate park, paved roads for cycling, and a well-maintained soccer field. Participants can shop at the thriving local artisan market in Dominical, head to Quepos to find unique souvenirs, and experience the local farmers´ market which is a sensory overload of smells, colors, and beautiful people. The free time activities here are endless and the only challenge will be fitting them all in before you head home or continue your travels. 

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Experience Surfing and Skating Desire to Coach and Instruct Children

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 07:30 - 14:30

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by WeVOL

    • Arrival Transportation

    • Shared Room Accommodation

    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

    • Orientation

    • Transportation to Volunteering Locations

    • Waterfall Tour

    • Surfboards & Skateboards (we recommend coaches to bring their personal boards)

    • Early morning, mid-afternoon or late evening snack daily

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    All participants fly into SJO International Airport and our taxi driver will be there to greet you. The WeVOL driver will take you from SJO airport to the Tracopa bus terminal. Prior to your arrival, we will have communicated and you will have your bus ticket in the form of a QR code. The bus trip takes less than 4 hours and brings you directly to Playa Matapalo. The WeVOL team will meet you at the bus stop (about 3 minutes away from WeVOL) and bring you to the lodge to meet everyone. 

    Accommodation

    Our accommodations are designed to fit and blend in to our natural surroundings and tropical gardens. Relax and unwind as you hear the sounds of waves and wildlife. Matapalo is a small beach town on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast that thrives on a new tourism industry. Restaurant owners and tour operators alike depend on the hundreds of tourists from around the world who come to Matapalo every year for its sandy beaches, picturesque waterfalls, and lush mountainous jungles. Our rooms are comfortable, unique, and perfect to experience the natural beauty of Costa Rica while relaxing in between surfing, skiating, and exploring. All rooms have a private bathroom and air conditioning is available. Rooms are comfortable with double, twin, and bunk beds and include all basic features needed to ensure a comfortable stay and total privacy during your down time. We spend every afternoon enjoying the blazing sunsets and often share time with evening bonfires as the moon rises over the ocean. WeVOL participants live in a tropical, coastal environment, it’s recommended that you bring plenty of sunscreen and bug spray. Be sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp. Don’t forget your swim suit and a rash guard. The weather is very hot, so pack light summer clothes.

    Food & Beverages

    We are known for our great food! Enjoy healthy, locally sourced meals with the freshest ingredients along with caring, friendly service. We are proud to serve fresh and local produce whenever possible in all of our dishes. Our extensive menu caters to all types of lifestyles and dietary requirements or preferences.

    Sample Menu:

    Breakfast:
    Fresh Local Fruit (mangoes, bananas, pineapple)
    Toast and Cereal
    Eggs
    Cheese

    Lunch:
    Chicken Salad Sandwich with provolone on wheat roll with vegetables
    Vegetarian: Eggplant sandwich on wheat roll with vegetables

    Dinner:
    Pasta Salad with ham
    Vegetarian: Pasta Salad with garlic mushrooms

    All dietary requirements are catered for (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian, no seafood, dairy free, etc). 
     Our chef enjoys meeting the needs of our volunteers. All meals, drinking water, juices, and coffee are provided.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Costa Rica provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Costa Rica you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Costa Rica. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Volunteers can arrive any day and WeVOL provides local bus transportation from the Tracopa bus terminal located near SJO airport. The bus ticket is provided by WeVOL and the bus takes you to the entrance of Playa Matapalo. WeVOL leaders will meet you there and we will be in communication using WhatsApp prior to your arrival and during the bus trip. The ride is less than 4 hours from the bus terminal to Playa Matapalo.

    Participants stay at Guava Lodge located in Matapalo, Costa Rica. Guava Lodge is a five-room modern lodge with a studio apartment and a restaurant on-site. Guava Lodge is located 200 meters from the ocean and has a lovely tropical garden with lush flora and fascinating fauna - imagine monkeys, scarlet macaws, avocado trees and hibiscus flowers! Each room has a private bathroom. Towels and linens are provided. Our staff will make sure that you will feel at home as soon as you arrive.
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    1 week (min. stay) 454€
    2 weeks 908€
    3 weeks 1,361€
    4 weeks 1,790€
    6 weeks 2,698€
    8 weeks (max. stay) 3,580€
    Average fees 450€/week

    Program fees

    450€ per week 1 - 8 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 8 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with WeVOL during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    WeVOL

    Outstanding 4.9 rating (49 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2022

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Kerri

    Spoken languages: Spanish, English

    About the project

    WeVOL offers meaningful voluntourism and adventure programs supporting English learning in local public schools and community development projects in rural Costa Rica.

    Meet your organization

    Travel Like You Care is our motto and WeVOL knows how to do it!
    WeVOL accepts eager globetrotters who want to experience and give back to Costa Rica in meaningful and memorable ways.

    Who we are? 
    The WeVOL team is composed of bilingual international tourism and education professionals who have worked in Costa Rica for more than twenty years. We are ready to assist you during every step of your travel and volunteer experience. Our team consists of Costa Rican and international staff members who lead and manage volunteer activities, provide delicious and nutritious meals, and ensure that lodging and amenities meet your expectations. Our team enjoys working AND playing hard, plus sharing the Pura Vida lifestyle with all participants. We are more than happy to share our local knowledge with volunteers. We offer Pre-Trip Packing and Arrival Support, Orientation & Training upon arrival, and dedicated support during your volunteer work. 

    What we do?
    Our program empowers volunteers to gain professional and personal experience while also helping and supporting people living in a low-income community.  To do this, WeVOL offers meaningful volunteer experiences that combine hard work, dedication, a desire to explore cultures and meet new people, and a mutual cross-cultural exchange of talents and expertise. Immerse yourself in a Costa Rican community while supporting our long- and short-term projects, plus experience a unique opportunity to live and work with local families. WeVOL takes the stress out of trip planning so our participants truly maximize their well-deserved vacation time.

    Where we work?
    WeVOL is located in Matapalo, Costa Rica - an ideal destination for first-time and experienced volunteers. Costa Rica boosts progressive environmental and social policies and is widely considered one of the most sustainable countries on our planet. At the same time, Costa Rica is still a developing country with a low national income and a number of socioeconomic issues. WeVOL offers a variety of ways for eager travelers to get involved and help the vulnerable population living in our quaint beach town. Not only will you support positive community development as a volunteer with WeVOL and make new friends, you will also relish in the natural beauty of our lodge. All rooms are nestled in a lush garden surrounded by fruit trees (imagine: avocados growing right outside of your window) and is located less than a 1-minute walk to the beach.

    Visitors to Costa Rica must have a valid passport as well as proof of their exit from the country before their visa or entry stamp expires. The visa stamp is usually 90 days. Proof of exit is needed and the immigration officer will ask for it upon your arrival and possibly from your point of departure. Entry into Costa Rica is valid for all countries. 

    Our Mission
    WeVOL's mission is to save eager globetrotters stress, time, and money while supporting their personal goals of giving back to local communities and experiencing meaningful cross-cultural exchange. 

    Our Goals
    As an innovative international volunteer and travel company, WeVOL's goal is for all participants to contribute their time to work on projects and causes with the aim of bringing benefits and knowledge to our local beach community. 

    Who are we looking for?
    WeVOL welcomes and supports travelers from all over the world, with special needs or handicapped, and regardless of religious or political views, sexual orientation, or race. Participants working directly with schoolchildren in local schools are required to be 18 years of age or older and be fluent or native English speaker. 

    Why choose us?
    Travel Like You Care is our motto and WeVOL knows how to do it!
    We have a great beach town location and modern lodge. We will be sure your volunteer time is well spent. Plus, you will enjoy three amazingly delicious and fresh meals per day. The WeVOL team is excited to receive volunteers from around the world - you will be in great and knowledgable hands! 

    Accommodation
    Volunteers stay at our modern and fully equipped lodge located less than a 1-minute walk from the beach. Each room has a maximum of three volunteers and there is a private bathroom in each room. Accommodations are high quality, modern, clean, and comfortable with free high-speed WiFi connection.

    Volunteer Work
    A half-day orientation will be provided for all volunteers. Culture, greetings, locations, transportation, safety, and volunteer requirements are discussed and agreed upon during Orientation with the local staff and team. As needed, transportation will be provided to-and-from volunteer work sites and schools. All participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end of their volunteer program.

    Meals
    Volunteers are provided with three freshly cooked meals a day. Meals vary and generally include freshly made soups, vegetables, meat, salad, rice, potatoes, juice, dessert. Plus, we cater to all dietary restrictions and preferences. 

    49 reviews · rating4.9

    Alice Louvier rating5

    2024 at Reforestation and Community Development

    I stayed a month in WeVol and it was a true paradise. Kerry and Jaime are awesome people and truly inspiring. During this month, we painted a bunch of stuff at the local school (benches, mural...), cleaned up a park and worked with the kids, who are very sweet. The town of Matapalo is quiet with a ...
    Madison Ditullio rating5

    2024 at Reforestation and Community Development

    Words cannot describe the feeling of joy and happiness you get when you spend time with the kids of Matapalo and giving back to their community. I have not stopped raving about my time with Kerri and Jamie at WeVol Costa Rica. I canot wait to come back and see how far these kids have come since the ...
    I had a wonderful time at WeVol. Kerri and Jaime are both very wholehearted and inspiring people. Matapalo is a very nice place to stay and the sunset at the beach is amazing. We painted a mural in school, cleaned up a park and I also got to work with the kids. All in all, it was very enriching and ...
    Volunteering at WeVOL was an experience that holds a special place in my heart. From painting a mural with local children to immersing myself in the vibrant wildlife and beach life of Matapalo, every moment was filled with unforgettable memories. What truly made the experience extraordinary was the ...
    Iris Brockmann rating5

    2024 at Reforestation and Community Development

    Much more than fine - GREAT: - the people - The hosts, the kids, friends and neigbours - kind, helpfull, awake, with humor, energie, interessted, kreativ, - the project - supporting communal development - the kids, the nature, the village with so verity, kreativ, flexible timetable, amazing ...
    Viktorija Stojcheva rating5

    2024 at Reforestation and Community Development

    My partner and I spent two weeks at WeVol at playa Matapalo. Kerri and Jaime are some of the most dedicated and selfless people we met, working day and night to support the children of the community and contribute to improving its infrastructure. While we were hoping to work a bit more on ...

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