The Lucky Robert August Surfboard Winner Is…

Ryan Waldron • 7 de agosto de 2019

How would you feel walking into a surf shop with permission to take any surfboard off the rack… Pretty dreamy, right? Well that was a reality for the winner of the Robert August Surfboard Giveaway this past May, Russel Kent. We like to do these giveaways a few times a year because we love the feeling of giving back to our valued guests and hearing the sound of their voice when we call them with unbelievable news. “Is this a joke? Am I getting scammed?!” is the initial response we normally get in today’s world where everything seems too good to be true.

When Russell was staying with us for 2 weeks this past June, he was able to pick his free board off the rack and test it out while here on the Intermediate Surf Tours. We took a moment to catch up and congratulate him in person. Here’s what he had to say:

How many times have you been to Witch’s Rock?
Tamarindo 3 times, 2 of those at WR.

What program do you do?
Intermediate for life! :-)

How did you feel when you heard you won the board?
I had just arrived at the beach at Bolinas CA to go surfing when I saw your text/email, and to be honest it took awhile for me to believe it. I booked my trip at short notice, maybe 3 or 4 weeks out, so this was a huge unexpected bonus. I spent the next 2 hours in the line up at Bolinas with a massive smile on my face.
I was then very excited at the prospect of being able to choose any board from the shop (thanks again for sending the photos and descriptions).

What board did you pick?
I chose the red 5′ 8″ twin fin fish. Unfortunately the only photo I have is the one that you sent me, and I left the board in storage at WRSC so I can’t take another. I had planned to get a photo of the board, Robert and me, but I ran out of time. Maybe I’ll do this when I come back. I was going to put it on Facebook etc to give you guys some thanks and promotion.

Robert-August-Surfboards

How does the board feel under your feet?
The board is really nice. Obviously it looks great but it also rides smooth and fast. It’s the shortest board I’ve ridden, so was challenging in some ways, but I was starting to get used to it by the end of my trip. I’ll probably bring it back to California as I think it will go really well at some of my local spots.

Are you planning a return trip to WRSC?
Yes, for sure. Not just to pick up the board. I’ve had 2 great stays at WRSC. I always learn a load and I always meet great people, both staff and other guests.

Thanks so much for choosing Witch’s Rock Surf Camp, Russell. We know there are lots of options out there for a surf trip so it really means the world when you trust us to get you into great surf. If you are looking to get down to Witch’s Rock anytime soon, please feel free to contact us at 1-888-318-7873 or shoot us an email at reservations@witchsrocksurfcamp.com

PURA VIDA!

At What Age Can Kids Start Surfing?

por Witch's Rock - Costa Rica Surf Camp • 25 de mayo de 2026
Most kids can start learning to surf between ages 4 and 7, depending on their comfort in the water, balance, confidence, and excitement about trying something new. At Witch’s Rock Surf Camp in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, we’ve taught surfing to children as young as 5 years old using beginner-friendly waves, personalized instruction, and a safe […] The post At What Age Can Kids Start Surfing? appeared first on Witch's Rock Surf Camp.

How to Prepare for a Surf Trip to Costa Rica

por Joe Walsh • 17 de marzo de 2026
Planning a surf trip to Costa Rica is exciting — but the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable one comes down to preparation. From fitness and mindset to packing and expectations, arriving ready to surf will help you make the most of every session. 1. Understand What Surfing in Costa Rica Is Really […] The post How to Prepare for a Surf Trip to Costa Rica appeared first on Witch's Rock Surf Camp.

How to Avoid Rib Bruising From Surfing (And Paddle Pain-Free for Longer Sessions)

por Joe Walsh • 13 de marzo de 2026
One of the most common questions we hear from guests at Witch’s Rock Surf Camp is this: “After a few days of surfing my ribs are completely bruised. What can I do to stop this?” If you’ve experienced rib pain or bruising while surfing, you’re definitely not alone. Many surfers—especially beginners or surfers on surf […] The post How to Avoid Rib Bruising From Surfing (And Paddle Pain-Free for Longer Sessions) appeared first on Witch's Rock Surf Camp.

What’s Included in a Costa Rica Surf Camp Package?

por Witch's Rock - Costa Rica Surf Camp • 23 de febrero de 2026
If you’re planning a surf trip to Costa Rica, you’ve probably come across the term “surf camp package.” But what does a surf camp package actually include? Most Costa Rica surf camp packages combine accommodations, surf coaching, surfboards, and transportation into one organized experience designed to simplify your trip and maximize time in the water. […] The post What’s Included in a Costa Rica Surf Camp Package? appeared first on Witch's Rock Surf Camp.

Ollie’s Point Guided Surf Tour: What to Expect

por Witch's Rock - Costa Rica Surf Camp • 22 de febrero de 2026
You don’t paddle out at Ollie’s Point because it’s convenient. You go because when it’s on, it feels like Costa Rica handed you a fast, clean runway and said, “Go.” The catch is that Ollie’s is not a “just show up” wave. It’s a mission – tides, swell direction, wind, boat timing, and a lineup […] The post Ollie’s Point Guided Surf Tour: What to Expect appeared first on Witch's Rock Surf Camp.

Family Surf Camp in Costa Rica Done Right

por Witch's Rock - Costa Rica Surf Camp • 20 de febrero de 2026
The moment that changes everything usually isn’t the first pop-up. It’s the second one – when your kid paddles back out smiling, you’re not checking the clock, and nobody’s hungry, sunburned, or overwhelmed. That’s the real promise behind a family surf trip in Costa Rica: shared wins, low stress, and enough structure that everyone actually […] The post Family Surf Camp in Costa Rica Done Right appeared first on Witch's Rock Surf Camp.

Advanced Surf Tours in Costa Rica That Deliver

por Witch's Rock - Costa Rica Surf Camp • 19 de febrero de 2026
You don’t fly to Costa Rica for “pretty good” waves. If you’re already comfortable in solid surf, the real win is efficiency: paddling out at the right break, at the right tide, with the right board under your feet – and not wasting a single prime window because a road washed out, the wind switched, […] The post Advanced Surf Tours in Costa Rica That Deliver appeared first on Witch's Rock Surf Camp.

Video Surf Coaching for Intermediates That Works

por Witch's Rock - Costa Rica Surf Camp • 18 de febrero de 2026
You know the feeling – you’re paddling out confidently, catching plenty of waves, and you can even make sections… but your surfing still looks nothing like it feels. In your head, you’re carving. On the wave, you’re kind of surviving. That’s the intermediate plateau, and it’s exactly why intermediate surf coaching with video analysis is […] The post Video Surf Coaching for Intermediates That Works appeared first on Witch's Rock Surf Camp.

Beginner Surf Lessons in Tamarindo: Learn to Surf in Costa Rica

por Witch's Rock - Costa Rica Surf Camp • 17 de febrero de 2026
If you’re dreaming about learning to surf in Costa Rica, Tamarindo is one of the best places in the world to start. With warm water year-round, beginner-friendly waves, and experienced instructors, Tamarindo offers ideal conditions for first-time surfers. Many travelers take their first surf lesson here because the waves are consistent and the learning environment […] The post Beginner Surf Lessons in Tamarindo: Learn to Surf in Costa Rica appeared first on Witch's Rock Surf Camp.