Surf's Up in Costa Rica

Long known for its pristine jungles, rare cloud forests, and beautiful beaches, Costa Rica will get to again show off when the World Surfing Games come to the country this Summer. The International Surfing Association-hosted competition will take place from August 6-14 in Jacó on the Pacific coast, making this the second time the sport’s biggest trophy will be awarded in the Central American nation.  “With Team Costa Rica defending their title in their home waves and the pending Olympic announcement, this event has all the elements to be a monumental milestone for surfing,” said association head Fernando Aguerre. Costa Rica last hosted the World Surfing Games in 2009, when some 100,000 people gathered to watch the world’s best compete in Playa Hermosa.