Costa Rica Surfing Documentary - SEEKING SWELLS [Salsa Brava, Playa Bonita, Isla Uvita, Pavones]

Follow me on a journey through Costa Rica's surf history, visiting some famous as well as lesser known surf breaks in the Caribbean and Southern Coasts!
A Film by Chris Crass
Special Thanks To:
Kurt Van Dyke
Edgar “Manolo” Leon
Ricardo “Tano”
Marco Picado
Roberto Vargas
Willy Vargas
The Costa Rica Dive and Surf Team
Archive Photos By:
Chon Fotos
Kathleen Lopez
Augustin Munoz
Diaz Carvs
Jimmy Dowds
Archive Videos By:
Blue Youth
Kevin Woods
Aula Afuera
Diaz Carvs
Telenoticias Limon
Chris Scholl
Tucker Mason

[@jacobdefebo7671]

The amount of nostalgia that this film gave me was unreal. It takes me back to watching films like endless summer and step into liquid as a kid. So stoked on how this came out and would love to see more surf films follow this type of surf porn/educational film style. The naroration was awesome, I wouldn't be surprised if someone has you do it for a big surf film in the future! Thanks for the great film, hope to see more from you!

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thanks I really appreciate it! I definitely modeled this in the Endless Summer style. I have some more surf related projects planned this year so there'll be more coming. Thanks for watching!

[@keenanpowers9222]

Someone has definitely seen endless summer recently. Great job

[@BossTalkProductions]

An incomparable classic! Thanks

[@mauart.7893]

Amazing film! As a native of caribbean coast of Costa Rica, this was so on point. Linda Tano.

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thank you! I definitely have to make a return trip soon

[@markkendrick7547]

Mucho respect for Tano....🌊🔥💪👊🙏

[@iTonyRoo]

Thanks, beautiful and inspirational. From a Limon born Costarican. Pura vida!

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thanks for watching! You have some great breaks there

[@calebw9372]

The endless summer intro was perfect

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thank you! It’s such a classic

[@HiloBoiz808]

Narration great!reminds of old school surf films.

[@BossTalkProductions]

Jeffrey Moss thanks! Kinda the vibe I was going for

[@nicholasdorsey7336]

Love this! Had no idea you had one of your own. The cinematogrpahy is beautiful!

[@BossTalkProductions]

Lol I think its coincidence that I released mine around the same time. Thanks bro!

[@rqf4v9]

Nice film Chris, I enjoyed it. Thanks!

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thanks Corey. I appreciate the support!

[@ecuyer67]

Great surf film. Outstanding work. Congrats!

[@BossTalkProductions]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@danandalain]

Great film Chris, inspiring and wholesome, get me to Costa Rica, peace

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thanks you very much! Lol yes I want to retire early in CR

[@vta70]

Loved it! Great production. A Bruce Brown feel to it!

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thank you! It was definitely influenced by his films

[@RickMonsour09]

Hey Kurt nice interview at least now I know what your hotel looks like, great pics of you at salsa Bravo maybe I'll get out there sometime Dr Rick

[@tionamariec]

Beautiful cinematography and storytelling.

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thank you very much!

[@MonsieurLeBonz]

Great film mate! Thank you 🙏🏼

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed it

[@LukaszKusmierz_85]

Great film, thanks.

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thank you!

[@cbthomas9577]

Great film, I loved it.

[@BossTalkProductions]

thank you!

[@jorgeolivier3502]

Great video , and as a matter of fact I know Kurt pretty well so what I can say is that he's one of the first ones who brought the surfing culture to the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thanks! Yeah he's a real one

[@westwindpainting]

Did you ever know Donnie. ..lived just before the turn into cahuita..nicest gringo I ever met

[@jorgeolivier3502]

@@westwindpainting yeahhh of course that I know him bro in fact this guys have been living there before everyone knew that place

[@westwindpainting]

@Jorge Olivier Donnie was one of the coolest guys I have ever known .anywhere I've ever traveled....I lived in cahuita from 85 to 90....but I traveled the whole country. Ha. We went off the wooden bridge just passed Sanfords restaurant. In 86 or 87. Mitsubishi right into the river. Hertz rental cars will never allow me to rent a car from them again. ..Chiney from Puerto Viejo also a fearless surfer and incredibly nice man. ..

[@jorgeolivier3502]

@@westwindpainting yes I know Chiney!!!

[@michaelweikum3253]

This is absolutely magical man. Thanks for creating this. Loved hearing from the local who talked about the earthquake. He seems like a great dude. I also loved the man on the boat who talked about how he hopes heaven will have waves for all surfers in the world. This was absolutely class! Hope to see more from you!

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thanks Michael! Yes the surfers there were very poetic and can really charge it too!

[@marksalvetti4894]

Great film, fantastic. 😎🤙🏽

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thank you!

[@toyotero3sgte]

What a video man, great job

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thank you bro 🙏🏼

[@marcolerin7167]

Soooo beautiful, lived there for 4 years and enjoyed a lot watching your film and remembering this beauty. Thank you for creating it!!!!!

[@BossTalkProductions]

Yes Costa Rica is definitely a paradise in Central America. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@marcolerin7167]

@@BossTalkProductions loved it!

[@gsmarin1]

Good production value, that and seeing my old buddy Kurt at Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

[@BossTalkProductions]

I appreciate it brother. Thanks for being a part of the story

[@itsnotthecloudyouknow2635]

Dude this is so amazing, you certainly inspire me to make my own movie!

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thank you bro! We have the gear and the platform no reason to not go for it!

[@matthewlyons_]

This is Awesome!

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thanks!

[@arturocordoba4841]

De puerto a puerto muy buenas olas grandes recuerdos salsa, bonita portete y kocles desde los 85 recuerdo a tano que llega de puntarenas y a los Tigres saludos y bendiciones

[@albertico911]

Algun spot que trabaje bien en noviembre?

[@solotraveller4351]

Great doc about costa rica pura vida!!

[@BossTalkProductions]

I appreciate it!

[@josephdennehey4126]

Thank you! Amazing, good work!!

[@BossTalkProductions]

I appreciate it! Thank you for watching

[@deedubs602]

I met Kurt in ‘97 when Me and friends went down there to surf Salsa brava and stayed at his hotel. Classy guy and great times. Must say he looks much older in this vid.

[@BossTalkProductions]

Must've been great. Less crowded lol. I guess age catches up to us eventually

[@Babypapayaproductions]

So well done and informative. ❤

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thank you!

[@markmartin3221]

Ahhh the Surf trip, good waves 🌊 not so good, just remember it’s all good. Nature with all its colors just like the personalities of the people. Nice job 🤙

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thanks, its all about the journey

[@diabolical1976]

Awesome vid brother!! I actually have been living in Uvita since 2016. I think you did a great job of showcasing the area. Thanks for not dropping all the local zones ;-) hahah Pura Vida m/

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thanks bro! Yeah there’s a few good spots there on the coast

[@aeonflux3132]

Hey Chris! Nice video bro, I was the guy staying with you at the Tasty Dayz Hostel...Really nice work!!! PURA VIDA!

[@BossTalkProductions]

Yes I remember! Thanks brotha glad u liked it!

[@ronnyalejandrolopezhernand6602]

Felícitarlos exelente documental enfoca esas pinceladas de lo bello y hermoso de lo que es la provincia de Limón y su gente por que Limón aparte esas playas tiene mucho más bendiciones.

[@BossTalkProductions]

Muchas gracias Ronny! Fue un gran placer concer la gente de Limon y las playas de Costa Rica en general

[@Goomer]

Got to get back there sometime before I'm gone.

[@sk8lawrensstephens264]

Pura vida mae!😎 lived 2 hours from the beach pavones, the longest waves in the world, a paradise without hesitation.now i'm in new jersey

[@BossTalkProductions]

Pura vida brother. That must've been awesome! I wish I could've surfed it on one of those great swells

[@davidjllo]

Awesome ride man!

[@BossTalkProductions]

thanks!

[@jammy-44]

Great video. Sub’d! I’m heading out there in April. Can’t wait to explore and score some waves

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thanks! It should be great out there

[@hepcat5199]

Great video.

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thank you

[@chrisfernandez5566]

Don't forget to visit Tasty Waves when your there...

[@peacepuffz]

Really good job dude

[@BossTalkProductions]

I appreciate It. Thanks for watching

[@TremenDirio]

Pura vida!

[@BossTalkProductions]

Pura vida broder!

[@johnkoch7386]

influence of endless summer no doubt. Well done

[@BossTalkProductions]

Yep one of my favorites. Thanks

[@johnkoch7386]

@@BossTalkProductions me as well. Cool shots,

[@surf_expedition]

Nice work! I really enjoyed watching your video. We're in Pavones and loving it.

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thanks for watching! It was an awesome trip. You have some great content on you channel too 🏄

[@jackfromboston69]

Great video 🤙

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thank you!

[@michaelscurr9046]

Quality wave power. a wave I must try.

[@user-gs8jv4oq6w]

Nice video braahhhhh

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thanks brotha

[@mvc1822]

nice documentary

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thanks

[@borntoclimb7116]

Very interesting

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thank you!

[@gustavoalvarado920]

good stuff man, this country is the paradise , the best in the world, next time you have to come the north pacific shore ..where we live and check out the waves here..awesome ride.Nice to see Limon and puerto on the documentary,those places are the bomb!!!! surf lives in Costa Rica

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thanks! I love CR so I try to go often. Definitely planning another trip when the Covid situation is over. I've been thinking of making another mini doc exploring the lesser known and hard to access beaches Kurt mentioned of which I'm sure there are many

[@gustavoalvarado920]

Right on , you guys will have a good time here , there are some amazing spots , we have been on a few of them..magical

[@CRsurfCostaRica]

Let me know if you want help planning your next trip. That's what I do. Great video!

[@oscarvalverde4795]

Welcome to my place in pavones pura vida buen video!

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thank you! I wish I stayed long enough for a good swell lol

[@oscarvalverde4795]

@@BossTalkProductions yeee winter its coming soon big swells are coming!

[@agustincapobianco7209]

Nice video

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thank you!

[@carlwells4989]

I like your little twist on Endless Summer.........

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thank you brotha. Gotta pay homage to the classics

[@gonzcasa]

That narration though !!!

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thanks bro maybe I should offer voiceover services and make that big $$

[@gonzcasa]

Boss Talk Productions my clients need a miami accent voiceover asap

[@BossTalkProductions]

@@gonzcasa Ah the elusive Miami accent. All I know is its a weird way they roll their R's

[@mattiuesrodriguez9807]

pura vida mae!

[@BossTalkProductions]

Pura vida bro!

[@mattmichaels3980]

Good job! I moved here in 1992... it’s changed Pavones is crowded w/ kooks Negra has a hotel in front You wont get Salsa without a crowd It’s still beautiful, but the surf scene is a zoo now... Bocas was great ‘93-99.... it’s over there too. My advice to the grommets of today is get a sailboat & learn how to use it... or just get used to a crowd, surf schools, and second rate spots like Uvita... go figure Patrick (Captain Zero) is dead...

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thank you! I can imagine. Its just the price of progress I guess. I kinda think it would be an interesting adventure to head off and search for new spots. Documentary material lol

[@mattmichaels3980]

@@BossTalkProductions I know a spot here that no one knows about... sailboats have unseen benefits!

[@BossTalkProductions]

@@mattmichaels3980 ah very cool. I will let you know next time I visit and maybe we can coordinate something

[@jeremyeubanks2387]

That island you boated to looked like cloud break

[@BossTalkProductions]

True. Must be similar geography and reef conditions

[@christopherhoole6446]

What website were you using at the start with all the surf forecasts? otherwise what a film 🤘🏽

[@BossTalkProductions]

I appreciate it! The website I use is Surfline

[@anagabrielamateo2972]

Love Puerto and how you captured some bits of that magic... Pavones... 'plenty of time to impress the girls standing on the beach'....? Dude you should come back, there's plenty of girls riding the full 1 km to the fourth point better than you and most of the boys out there!

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thanks! Yes actually when I was there it was mostly girls ripping 😂 The script is kinda in the vibe of the old surfer films. I imagine if I made the doc now and a little more woke-ish I could’ve changed the words to “plenty of time to impress the boys on the beach”. Or to be PC I could write “impress the boys and girls on the beach” but it just doesn’t have the same ring of the classic surfer films. No offense was intended

[@sullsurfer]

The logo on that balsa board hanging on the wall at 2:44 in Kurt Van Dyke's shop looks a lot like a Cort Gion logo. Cort was also raised in Santa Cruz and has shaped thousands of boards including balsa. Would that happen to be one?

[@BossTalkProductions]

I think you might be right. The one I know he shaped for sure is the one he’s holding

[@jtcody918]

What are the waves like in April on the caribbean side??.... Great film!!

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thank you! The Caribbean really needs the winter swells but sometimes you get lucky later in the year. You could always hit up spots on the west coast

[@jtcody918]

@@BossTalkProductions been on the west coast a bunch of times. But was thinking of hitting up Puerto Veigo area next month. Doesnt exactly have to be overhead, but that would be great. Lol!!

[@michaelscurr9046]

I heard bunker explored the area

[@johnsononey]

Christian Fletcher was always right . Aerials do count .

[@EK-lp8od]

Question about Pavones. After you catch one of these long lefts, do you then walk or paddle back to the take off zone? OR are there multiple take off zones?

[@BossTalkProductions]

If you ride it all the way down it might be easier to walk back lol

[@codyyounkin3097]

multiple take off zones still easier to walk to the point and float down to your preferred take off zone. the crowed here rivals lowers so its no my cup of tea. enjoy.

[@EK-lp8od]

@@codyyounkin3097 is there a best time of year to go for the waves? Bad time of year? And best time if year to avoid a crowded line up?

[@codyyounkin3097]

@@EK-lp8od yeah go in the non raining season.

[@user-ko7nk9pc9t]

They should change the name of " Salsa Brava " to " Van Dyke point "

[@JungleSoundzperc]

PAVONES WHIT MY GO FISH MACHADO 5’9” ...... mmmmm 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽🏄🏽‍♂️🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊

[@HiloBoiz808]

Tano lost an eye to a needle fish,he's one rough dude.

[@jakeliening847]

What program did you use to look at swells at the beginning of the video?

[@BossTalkProductions]

Thats the Surfline website

[@albertico911]

Bro im going to costa rica second week of nov wich side you recomend pacific or caribean?

[@BossTalkProductions]

I would check to the forecast to see if the season has started in the Caribbean side because that might be too early for it. In that case Pacific would be better

[@albertico911]

@@BossTalkProductions thanks man I will

[@pantykila78]

Bra was into it till the go pro surfboard view killed it just got me dizzy should have stuck to the drone

[@BossTalkProductions]

Gordo78 sorry for that. Thanks for watching though!

[@salsadelmar4018]

Do u miss the caribbean hawaii bocas del toro

[@BossTalkProductions]

Always

[@HiloBoiz808]

However playa Bonita is a left.

[@westwindpainting]

An old friend of mine lived here since late 70s. He owned Hotel Cahuita.....we had times in mid 80s that will never be again. The earthquake did some damage. But the endless stream of kooks ,,trust fund babies have turned c.r into a cheap circus type of atmosphere....r.i.p.david lagerquist...you were 50 years ahead of the masses

[@markbreaux2370]

I have a house for sale in pavones with surf break views, rainforest, montains...

[@itsnotthecloudyouknow2635]

why sell :0

[@mollyblair6826]

‘Plenty of time to impress the girls standing on the beach’ …. And what about the women out there shredding too? Everyday sexism at its finest

[@BossTalkProductions]

I realize it sounds that way especially in todays environment but I wrote the script in the old school Endless Summer style from the 60's. Actually when I was there there were more women surfing than men that day (at the risk of implying that women like surfing MORE than men which could somehow be offensive, no -women like surfing EQUALLY as much as men do, there we go)

[@johnschnetzler8308]

disappointed in the limited and amateur footage of Pavones! The countryside and the wave are both epic and all we got was you wiping out on a selfie! oh how disappointing! Maybe next trip you will take your time there

[@BossTalkProductions]

Lol yeah I missed the swell by a couple weeks. I did put one long drone clip in there that someone sent me

[@rqf4v9]

Well John, we get what we pay for ...don't we bud?

[@ifinnature]

Great interviews! Not sure why people film themselves while surfing off the front of the board. Turn it around the other way you narcissist !

[@BossTalkProductions]

😂this is a generational problem. The selfie syndrome

[@amcleod6202]

Haven’t the Americans already ruined Costa ?

[@BossTalkProductions]

There's definitely a big expat community but mostly on the Pacific side. Jaco, Tamarindo, etc