Long time friend Pao Barrera dropped in for her first Nosara Podcast episode to explain the purpose & intentions for Triple Crown of Surf Nosara contests plus explain how & why the Asociacion de Surf Nosara is asking for support from the local community & visitors.
Pao is pleasure to be around, and it is fun to see her growing family evolve while she continues to be a pillar in the community.
She serves as vice president for the Asociacion de Surf Nosara & their main objective is to unite people through surfing to make a difference in the community for a greater good.
They are paying prize $ to winners plus they are getting local children involved in the festivities. They are asking for people to come join in on the fun plus consider anything and everything from financial to gift donations which may help serve as prizes & or benefit local kids. Some local leaders of the surf community are assisting Dreamcatchers Foundation on a regular basis & overall the Asociacion is committed to uniting the community through surfing.
*There’s several ‘Rich rants’ in this episode pertaining to community items; especially about empowering the local Tico populace with the education and skill set systems to acquire higher end jobs and own their own successful businesses and become the future.
Personally I am growing quite tired of people directing anger & frustration about Nosara’s challenges without being part of a solution. Being upset or angry is OK, but direct it to the right direction… The Asociacion de Surf Nosara is doing this & it has my attention a great deal.
The Asociacion de Surf Nosara is happy for anyone & everyone to help any number of ways ranging from financial assistance to used surfboards, games for kids, and even just some ideas &/or helping local kids learn to surf are super appreciated as Pao explains in this episode.
Per usual, I ask 3 favorite restaurants question of Pao plus a bunch more.
If you’re in town get to the contest to participate or just cheer on the folks involved. Shout out to all sponsors and everyone involved looking to help for a greater good.
In this Nosara Podcast episode, John and Susan (Short) Johnson openly discuss a myriad of subjects plus share their purposes & intentions behind their actions for themselves & the Nosara community as a whole.
It’s a wide ranging episode, which bounces around in all kinds of directions towards addressing the heavy hitting subjects surrounding our town (John also gets in a couple of good jokes along the way, which I’m grateful for) as well as just simple topics & personal opinions and memories of Nosara’s yesterday & perhaps what tomorrow will prove to be.
Rather than spend much time reciting the same things as the litany of articles and such that are readily available on the internet about the Johnson family, I decided to take a different approach, which hopefully proves significantly more beneficial to the community as well as the entertainment level of this episode & achieve it’s purpose of getting to know the ‘real’ version of them.
We begin with a curveball of a question & discussion with me asking their opinion about wave pools. What started as conversation starter turned into solid points from the obvious about water issues and the ocean being preferential, then into pros/cons and my wild idea about prior to any money being sent for wars… Make everyone put their guns down and have a surf (I was more serious than kidding). From there the conversation goes on a loooong ride down many lanes and avenues and I hope you enjoy it.
My goal with this episode is to provide an opportunity for people to get to know the ‘real’ version of this famous, but not so famous, duo. Reason being, this fiercely private family is constantly brought up in conversations with all kinds of things being suggested ranging from being multi billionaires with unlimited resources plotting to take over majestic Nosara all the way to extreme other end of the spectrum as kind hearted people who truly are trying to protect this town through their acquisitions and projects focused on keeping Nosara away from being engulfed by chain hotels and mega developments.
For anyone unaware: John & Susan (Short) Johnson are the owners of Nosara’s Harmony Hotel & Healing Center, Sunset Shack, El Campo (formerly Harbor Reef Hotel), new development project El Bosque, and behind many community initiatives via Harmony Projects & quietly behind the scenes of many other ones.
This is NOT a standard ‘fluff’ piece like so many others out there. Both John & Susan willingly address some of the most challenging parts of the community while providing an interesting take on things from their vantage points.
My relationship with both John & Susan started as surfing friends in the water at Playa Guiones. In recent years, I’ve spent time in water surfing with Susan & playing music with John. Turns out both John & I enjoy playing same styles of music together and I count myself fortunate to have a music friend who enjoys folk, gospel, bluegrass & from time to time we hope to play at our ‘gospel Sundays’ which is basically he & I squeezing a couple moments into our already incredibly busy schedules. He’s the only friend who has ever given me a Banjuitar (banjo strung like a guitar) & in the same conversation went over our longboard rail preferences, then bounced to meditation techniques and affirmations followed up with a recap of Nosara stuff.
Although this episode is focusing on Nosara… The Johnson’s have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Conde Nast, and so many other publications due to their exposure to the public from the Johnson & Johnson name itself in addition to their many personal accolades.
For example, John is well known for Eyebeam, being cofounder of Buzzfeed, Harmony labs, but started out as a successful filmmaker who has written, produced and directed multiple films. Susan is deeply committed and concerned about the environment… So much so she started Deep Green Living and through this & her Nosara efforts and projects wants people to live in line with their environmental values (as you will hear in this episode).
I hope this episode & this synopsis help you have more insight directly to John & Susan!
Last week in Nosara was a BIG one! Guanacaste’s 200th Anniversary, the 2nd event of Nosara’s Triple Crown Series (this event was at Barrigona), some fun surf in Guiones, all kinds of community updates… Hope you enjoy this one!
This Week In Nosara #33 recaps June being heaviest rain amounts for June on record,
June 2024 record breaking amount of rain (thanks Andrew Weinstein)
Flooding in front Rinde Más (thanks Kerrie from Krae’s & Jerusha)
Yar’s wheelies
Tierra Magnífica July 4th & Steve’s Nosara Podcast episode is up
River up high south or Garza
Ola del Mes contest from Papagayo Brewing & Chancho’s BBQ June 27th send in your video clips
Worst water report… Boca, Pelada, Baker’s & Palm Tree all failed. Osti passed!!!
Surf better but not great
Rich complains about weather & surf
Dos Mares overview 6bdr house & drawings from Donald Loria
Traffic jams & Nosara’s new interstate
Prendas Loria & IBL Consultores
No Sh1t Nosara signs at Casa Milo & Pelada entrance
Mariju’s monkeys
Casa Milo view!
Rio Nosara scary passing drive around then scenic
Harmony Hotel studio recording
R6 is INCREDIBLE new neighborhood bordering nature reserves, unobstructed views, underground power & approved water letters & some lots already have construction permits
Music: After Surf Band Song: Max is a hillbilly
Esta semana en Nosara #33 resume que junio es la cantidad de lluvia más fuerte de junio registrado,
Cantidad récord de lluvia en junio de 2024 (gracias a Andrew Weinstein)
Inundación frente a Rinde Más (gracias Kerrie de Krae’s & Jerusha)
Los caballitos de Yar
Tierra Magnífica el 4 de julio y el episodio del podcast de Nosara de Steve ha sartado
Río al sur o Garza
Concurso Ola del Mes de Papagayo Brewing & Chancho’s BBQ el 27 de junio, envía tus videoclips
El peor informe sobre el agua… Boca, Pelada, Baker’s y Palm Tree fracasaron. ¡¡¡Osti pasó!!!
Surfea mejor, pero no genial
Rich se queja del clima y el surf
Descripción general de Dos Mares 6bdr casa y dibujos de Donald Loria
Atascos de tráfico y la nueva interestatal de Nosara
Prendas Loria & IBL Consultores
No hay carteles de Sh1t Nosara en la entrada de Casa Milo y Pelada
Los monos de Mariju
¡Vista de Casa Milo!
Río Nosara que pasa aterrador, conduce por ahí y luego es pintoresco
Grabación en el estudio del Harmony Hotel
R6 es un nuevo vecindario INCREÍBLE que bordea las reservas naturales, vistas sin obstáculos, energía subterránea y cartas de agua aprobadas y algunos lotes ya tienen permisos de construcción
Christophe Jean Charles has been roaming the waters in Playa Guiones seeking the biggest and best set waves for decades. He is one of the fastest paddling surfers in most any lineup and although not huge in size, he is huge in personality, opinions and aggression taking on a big set wave.
In this Nosara Podcast episode, we learn how Christophe figured out how to base his life around surfing since he was very young and up into this present day as he nears 60 years old. He shares ideas of segmenting beaches to help alleviate crowds, a good bit about what life in Nosara was like back in the day compared to now, discusses how not everything is bad, life has a way of balancing things out and although uncomfortable there is a way. At the same time the good old, opinionated Christophe shares a bunch of opinions and fusses at Rich about a couple things. Is a fun conversation and I’m grateful to Christophe for coming in.
Here’s recap of our conversation: Intro: Rich thanks Christophe for always surfing on big days when weather bad & complains about C paddles fast. 1: Started surfing at 9 didn’t want to do office. Invented life around surfing 2: Pulled it off! Rich asks day job C says did & does all kinds of things from body therapy & is naturopath, being a builder he is on 7th house in Nosara. 3: Rich asks what’s life in Arenales 20 years ago to today. C references panthers, animals, & construction happening and not going to stop 4: R asks how C wrestling with the pros cons of development. C says road being paved is good 5: C says #1 thing is life getting better for the Tico populace and for him that is number 1 6: R asks about crowds & says Guiones been crowded with residents since 09.. Today though many new people don’t surf. 7: C says understand’s R position & how a realstater needs to find a way to bring people in (this is super incorrect by the way, Nosara super popular) 8: C upset tax $ not coming back from Nicoya. Why doesn’t government reinvest for the young people in Nosara? 9: Rich explains needs census to solve issue because on public records Nosara is much smaller than it really is. So we need to prove our size 10: R explains expat community able to take care of itself but Emmanuel from Desarrollo de Alianza says if we get census we can start the plebiscite process of breaking away from Nicoya. 11: C would like to get lights at the airport. He explains French version of US is imperialist trash type version. C says living in Nosara was first time he saw organization of trash & R is often helping community. 12: R agrees Nosara is special in this regard. When times get bad people come together. Surf talk: C says when waves are too small the good surfers should get out & let beginners have at it. Then C says we should have sections for different levels at different spots. Surf Schools, beginners, intermediates and advances. C says crowds are dangerous and how he got hit in the ribs by a longboardiing beginner. 14: R asks how the flag system worked in France? C says 6 flags 15: C says we have to separate beginners from the advanced we don’t need surf instructors pushing people into crowds. R asks how this system would work… C shares ideas about how to implement 16: R asks C favorite waves to surf. C definitely one of his favorites. Rich remembers losing a surf contest to C at Ostional in 2010. 17: R asks about secrecy of Ostional because back in day it was a secret. R says no more secrets everyone knows about Ostional, but what about other spots? 18: C says it’s good someone from Surfing Nosara is asking this question because him Surfing Nosara symbolized the beginning of the end for Nosara’s glory years. 18: C says surfers not the smartest people and surfing individualistic and ego filled. C says he has lots of ego and if you know about a wave somewhere just don’t share it. Don’t talk about it. 19: Surfing bigger than it’s ever been. C says 20 years ago there was still room in the water. He’s saying it’s over we have to adapt. 20: R says likes C’s proactive thought about crowds but strongly disagrees about people forgetting a spot or just staying quiet is a strong solution. R says plant trees help locals and develop in a nice way. 21: C says that’s American way and paternalist and instead of getting involved with Ostional people just leave them alone. They are doing great and town is the same now as has been for many decades. 22: R respects C’s opinion & good for yesterday and today, but strongly disagrees for the future because people are coming. R references Beverly Kitson’s quote about development and R is concerned the local kids don’t have education and skill sets to work at the higher level jobs and it isn’t fair 23: C points out San Juanillo growing & people electing to live there. 24: C says leave Ostional alone a bit more but acknowledges future inevitable. 25: R asks for septic solutions and also points out supply demand situation. C says doesn’t have all the solutions 26: C says construction should be revised by the authorities for quality, the water situation should be addressed. R asks what areas are going to be the best in 10 years?
27: C explains the outer areas about 15 to 20 minutes away from everything is how he feels the future will be for the best.
28: R explains supply and demand curve has adjusted and he can’t afford to live or invest in prime area of Pelada or Guiones, even though his day job is selling real estate in the highest end locations. R says thinks about every day how if he’s struggling then how about the local kids who are trying to find a way to make it here?
29: C Reminds R things change and its good for the Tico. C says the more development the cheaper things will be for Ticos. He give bread example from 10 years ago and sees balance. R struggles with the positivity from C.
30: C says human beings by nature will share and cooperate but it takes times for things to balance out. R is happy to listen to C’s thoughts and celebrates the value of long form conversation and hearing people out.
31: R falls back into losing hope about surfing crowds. Surfing only more popular, internet changed everything. C says there will be something, it is a question of time, patience and working together.
32: R says he feels water crowded since arrival in 2009 & it was shocking to him how same people there every day. R compares former life in FL to Nosara and after getting to know everyone the surprise and frustration transitioned into liking the vibe, people, seeing C split a peak (inside joke).
33: R complains about paddling out & new people taking off. Outside of this the people who live here are pretty cool and things are good. C says now young Ticos, tourists, everyone can surf and it’s not like it used to be where only a couple people could surf.
34: New generation of people are combined with the older folks and rules and regulations of lineup. C says R arrived a bit older into an atmosphere of people with more experience… Wheras today that is gone. There’s young locals and tourists.
35: C says we have to find balance. Maybe it’s time for next generation to step up. But stay in shape, paddle hard and show these young kids you still have it so don’t miss your wave.
36: R asks C why is he getting nicer and stuff? C says he’s getting beat up by the ocean and can’t take it as much anymore. R says Nosara too small and weak for his ability and thought went to Bali for that reason.
37: C trying to lower expectations into what’s coming and realizes he’s on the downturn in age and physical abilities
38: R asks what 3 favorite restaurants are in the area. C explains his favorites at Bistrot, Celajes, Malacrianza
39: R asks if anything wasn’t to share while has the platform: C answers saying he wants to apologize to anyone he’s yelled at in lineup, but that’s it
The Steve Jacobus story is a fun one & we hope you enjoy hearing it! This is a fun conversation between long time friends about their journeys to, & experiences in, Nosara, Costa Rica. Steve shares some good tales with Rich & provides all kinds of upfront info in this candid, and interesting conversation.
Patrick is a multi talented man with high-level of skills in many arenas. He is a music producer, songwriter, performer, life coach, hosts a podcast (BEING with Patrick Cooke), father, and overall just a pleasant human being.
In this episode, Patrick shares his journey to Nosara, how facing trials and tribulations in recent years is proving extremely beneficial to him. We discuss how & why his life transformed into his current growth as a human and what he’s learned & he’s sharing it with others.
I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with Patrick and hearing his guidance about all kinds of different things pertaining to Nosara and just life in general. Please check out his podcast and take a deeper look into Patrick.
If you’re not interested in the mental health side of Patrick, just get down to El Chivo and listen to he and his new band The Quebrada’s rocking out! They’re super fun to listen to and a blast of fresh energy.
Luis López Alfaro es propietario y opera Transportes Guiones y es un hombre popular y querido que es un buen ejemplo del que pueden aprender los niños. Tiene muchas habilidades y continúa evolucionando. Comenzó a trabajar en la construcción, luego aprendió a ser mecánico… En el camino adquirió la pasión por andar en motocicleta y surfear. Luis explica su trayectoria desde él hasta convertirse en un emprendedor exitoso y cómo sigue su lema de “Trabaja duro y juega más duro” en su vida diaria. ¡Esperamos que disfrutes conociendo a Luis!
**Nuestros subtítulos están bastante desviados y nos disculpamos por ello. ¡No hay suficiente tiempo en el día para hacer todo! Estamos muy respaldados con los episodios y buscamos voluntarios que nos ayuden con los episodios.
Luis Lopez Alfaro owns and operates Guiones Transports & is a popular, well liked man who is a good example for children to learn from. He is a many of many skills and continues to evolve. He started working in construction, then learned how to be mechanic… Along the way he picked up a passion for riding motorcycles & surfing. Luis explains his journey to a successful entrepreneur and how he follows his motto of “Work hard & play harder” in his daily life. We hope you enjoy getting to know Luis!
**Our subtitles are off a good bit & we apologize for this. There’s not enough time in the day to get everything done! We are super backed up on episodes and looking for volunteers to help us with the episodes.
Gaby Barzuna’s episode is up, as is her first published song, Aldeas en el Aire. If you don’t know her already, we are excited for you to meet this talented musician, yoga instructor, and overall interesting person.
