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Rapid Experiences Programs:

• June: WNC
• July: Costa Rica
• August: Southeast US

 

 

Dates:

COSTA RICA:July 12-25

AIRFARE INCLUDED

Rates:

COSTA RICA:$2,700 or $3,200 including airfare

All Rapid Experiences Programs are Co-Ed for entering 9-12 grades.

What we send to you:

• Registration Form
• Participant Questionnaire
• Medical Form
• Participant Agreement Form
• Release of Liability Form
• Terms of Agreement
• Clothing and Equipment List

What we need back from you:

• Registration Form
• Participant Questionnaire
• Medical Form
• Participant Agreement Form
• Terms of Agreement

 

 

 

Summer Kayaking Adventures For Teens: Rapid Experiences Costa Rica Program

Trip Info

Rapid Experiences Costa Rica - an intermediate, international whitewater kayaking expedition and cultural immersion. You might even find us on surf boards too! Just like all Rapid Experiences trips, the core of our program lies in traveling, paddling, and living in a small group. Unlike our other trips, in Costa Rica we stay in lodges and paddle several rivers in one region before moving to the next. The three main regions we visit throughout the course of our trip are; Turrialba, Northern Caribbean Slope, and Manuel Antonio near Quepos - where we take a break from whitewater and learn to surf off the Pacific Coast. Our itinerary is more structured on international trips, while participants are still actively involved in the decision making process determining daily activities. Throughout the trip we eat traditional Costa Rican food at the local "sodas", and get to participate in cooking some of these meals during our stay at the lodge in Turrialba.

This trip is designed for intermediate whitewater kayakers, it is the next step in the Rapid Experiences progression from our Western North Carolina trip. Most participants on this trip will have a solid understanding of all the skills used to kayak in whitewater, and have learned to roll or have had some exposure to the skill. Most of all, this trip is a great fit for those who want to get the most out of their summer vacation and have a sense of adventure!

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at the Bella Vista Ranch in Turrialba, Costa Rica - a secluded coffee and chocolate farm with outstanding mountain top views.

Day 2-4: Warm up on the class II-III waters of the Pejibaye and Naranjo rivers while staying at the Bella Vista Ranch. We will eat authentic Costa Rican meals cooked at the ranch, and learn some "survival Spanish" before traveling to our next destination.

Day 5-7: Travel to the North Caribbean Slope region, which gives rise to a land of whitewater flowing from the northern slope of Costa Rica's largest volcanic range, the Cordillera Central. While here we will paddle some of Costa Rica's classic rivers - the Sarapiqui and Orosi. While not on the water, we will have the opportunity to play soccer with the local kids, hike to amazing waterfalls, and test our waterfall jumping skills.

Day 8-10: Quepos and Manuel Antonio, in the Central Pacific region, are a gateway to easily accessible whitewater and some of the best kayak and board surfing Costa Rica has to offer. Participants have a choice while here between waterfall hiking and wildlife viewing, surf lessons, or more whitewater. The beaches of Manuel Antonio also have great shopping!

Day 11-12: The culmination of Rapid Experiences Costa Rica is an overnight trip down the Paquare river. Halfway down we will stay at a river camp - with platform tents, a huge kitchen, and outdoor showers. Imagine Toucans and spider monkeys in the trees, waterfalls, and if you have an urge to eat a banana - grab on off a tree!

Day 13: Back in the States and wanting more...

Cost & Dates

July 12: Most participants meet at Green River Adventures and prepare for the trip to Costa Rica.

July 13: Participants flying from other areas of the country may meet the group at the Charlotte, NC airport. We check in and fly together to San Jose. All participants are required to fly on the same flight to San Jose.

Cost: There are two options for payment for Rapid Experiences Costa Rica. The base fee for the trip is $2,700, or you can let us take care of your airfare for only $3,200.

**There is an $80 fee from US Airways for participants who wish to fly to Costa Rica with their personal kayak.

July 25: The group arrives in Charlotte and transportation is provided for those who wish to be picked up at Green River Adventures.

Travel

All participants fly from Charlotte, NC to San Jose, Costa Rica together on July 13th. One of the trip leaders will be transporting participants from Green River Adventures in Saluda, NC to the Charlotte airport on the 13th and flying with the group to San Jose. We encourage parents to arrange for drop off on the 12th of July at Green River Adventures in order for trip leaders and the group to organize all kayaking gear and luggage. Lodging is provided on the night of the 12th at the Saluda Mountain Lodge for all participants. However, we realize that some of our participants will be traveling from different areas of the country and will need to meet the group at the airport in Charlotte on the 13th. During your conversations with our office, all necessary travel arrangements will be addressed.

FAQ's

Q: Am I good enough to paddle in Costa Rica?

A: You need to have experience paddling class III rapids, and have some experience with rolling a kayak. What we ask our prospective participants is not, "How good are you?" It's "How pumped are you to kayak in Costa Rica!" All we ask is that you come to us with an open mind and a sense of adventure!

Q: Can I bring my own kayaking gear and boat?

A: Yes, if you own your own gear definitely bring it. If you do not own your own gear, we will take care of it! Most people who own their own boat feel uncomfortable paddling a different boat. We encourage you to bring your own boat if it will make you feel more comfortable on the water. It can be a bit of a headache flying with kayaks, but we have found that on this direct flight with US Airways, it is as painless as it can be. There is an extra fee of $80 for flying with a kayak - and the boat has to be under 115 inches long and weigh less that 100 lbs.

Q: Do I have to know how to speak Spanish to do this program?

A: You don't. We usually have expert local guides with us that speak English, and at least one of your trip leaders will also be proficient in Spanish. If you do speak Spanish, that's awesome! You will have so many opportunities to practice.

Q: Where do we sleep?

A: We change it up on this trip. Sometimes we camp out on the riverbanks, under the rainforest canopy, or stay in small hotels. We start the trip in the Turrialba region staying in cabins on a coffee and chocolate farm high in the mountains.

Q: What do we eat?

A: Part of any cultural experience is dining on the local fare. We will have the opportunity to eat in the local "sodas", serving traditional Costa Rican food - which is FABULOUS! Some of the places we stay serve family style meals, and we get to participate in cooking some of these traditional dishes.

Q: Can I call home on this trip?

A: Yes. You will have the opportunity to call home every few days when we stop in larger villages. To pay for calls, you will need to purchase a pre-paid international calling card. We have found that AT&T and MCI calling cards are the easiest to use in Costa Rica.

Q: Do I need a passport?

A: Yes. All participants traveling internationally must have a valid passport. You can apply for a passport at the post office. If you do not already have a passport we recommend that you begin the application process when you begin enrolling in Rapid Experiences Costa Rica. The process usually takes about 6 weeks from applying to receiving your passport.