From Endless Summer to Pura Vida: A Father-Son Surf Story at Witch’s Rock
When Parker first watched Endless Summer II, one scene burned itself into his memory: perfect waves, sunlit skies, and a legendary stop in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, to visit Robert August. Years later, that dream turned into reality when he booked a trip to Witch’s Rock Surf Camp with his dad, Robert. Now, three trips later – with another already on the books for this October – Parker is a familiar face around camp, chasing waves, growth, and connection.
Surfing Into Something Deeper
This July, Parker returned to Witch’s Rock Surf Camp with his dad and cousin, Alex, joining the intermediate surf program. For Robert, this was his second visit to Tamarindo and his first surf trip in a while. “It’s not like riding a bike, trust me,” he laughed, reflecting on how long it had been since he regularly surfed the Southern California coast.
Parker’s journey, like many, wasn’t love at first wipeout. “I think I was 14 the first time I stood on a board – visiting my dad in Santa Barbara. I didn’t like it at first,” he admitted. “But it slowly grew on me. Especially when I moved to Orange County for college… surfing became my escape.”
That sense of escape is something both father and son cherish. “Surfing now is my way to unplug,” Parker said. “To get away from the noise, be present, and reconnect with nature.”
Why Witch's Rock Surf Camp?
Their search for quality time, great waves, and surf community led them to Witch’s Rock Surf Camp.
“We’d seen the spot in the movie, and I looked it up,” said Parker. “Witch’s Rock looked like it had everything – a real surf setup, not just a hotel on the beach. Once we came, we were hooked.”
For Parker and Robert, WRSC isn’t just about catching waves – it’s about showing up and being taken care of, from sunrise surf trips to sunset beers. “This whole operation is made for surfers,” Parker said. “They wax your board, load the van, take you on a boat to the next surf spot, coach you with real feedback, and you come back to a hot breakfast and a room steps from the sand where you can relax. All you need to do is be present.”
Real Growth, Real Coaches
Both Parker and Robert trained under Coach Oscar Valverde, who quickly became a favorite.
“He doesn’t sugarcoat things,” Parker said. “He tells you exactly where you’re getting stuck, and his technical advice just clicks. My goal this trip was to improve my left and wave selection – Oscar helped me break it down step by step.”
Robert agreed. “Being grounded in the moment is essential. Oscar reminds you that your energy has to match the wave. You need to be calm before the wave. That’s the part I love – surfing becomes more than a sport; it’s a connection.”
They also loved the video coaching sessions, where guests gather to review surf footage captured by WRSC’s media team. “I’m a tech guy,” Parker laughed. “If it’s not on camera, it didn’t happen. But seriously, watching yourself surf and reviewing it with your coach is a game-changer.”
Community, Camaraderie, and Costa Rica
It wasn’t just the waves that kept them coming back – it was the people.
“You meet families, solo travelers, and locals,” said Parker. “Everyone’s here to surf, connect, and share this beautiful place. We did trivia night, karaoke – probably the first time I have sung and danced with my cousin since a family wedding this past fall.”
Whether you’re chatting over coffee at Eat at Joe’s or cheering on someone’s first green wave, the vibe is welcoming and electric. “Every coach, every staff member is happy to be here,” Parker added. “The whole place runs on pura vida energy.”
Watch Parker’s surf videos here from Witch’s Rock Surf Camp:
Who’s the Intermediate Program For?
Parker and Robert debated whether to start with the beginner group after years off the board. Ultimately, they went for the intermediate program – and never looked back.
“If you’ve surfed before, know how to pop up, paddle out, and read waves – this is your group,” Parker explained. “And if you’re not sure? The team here will guide you. You can always adjust.”
What makes WRSC’s intermediate program special is its variety of breaks – from boat-accessed spots to early van missions – and its world-class coaching. “They don’t just tell you what to do, they help you feel the wave,” said Robert. “It’s the difference between just riding and actually surfing.”
Final Wave
For Parker, WRSC isn’t just a surf destination – it’s part of his life now. “Every time I come, I leave as a better surfer. And a better person.”
His advice to anyone considering the trip? “Don’t just rent a board and go out. Come to a camp like this. If you’re serious about surfing – and about reconnecting with yourself or the people you love – this is the place.”
And with that, Parker is already counting down the days to October.
Pura vida, and see you in the lineup.
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