The course is built around a simple rhythm. After the arrival day at Tres Ríos Basecamp outside San José, where you meet your crew and pack out your gear, you transfer to Uvita on the Pacific coast. Days 3 to 6 are spent camping there, with early surf sessions, service work and shared camp chores. On day 7 you head back to basecamp, and on day 8 you fly home from San José International Airport. The exact plan shifts with permits, weather, the group's skill level and what the instructors judge to be sensible on the day.

Surfing is the main physical activity. Sessions usually happen first thing in the morning, when the water is calmer and the beach is quiet. You'll learn surf technique, ocean safety and how to care for the gear. Because the whole crew learns together and has to stay together in the water, this isn't the place to work on advanced manoeuvres. It suits beginners and improvers who want plenty of time in warm water with an instructor nearby.

The service side is what sets this apart from a standard surf camp. Your crew lends a hand on local community and conservation projects around Uvita. What you actually do depends on the time of year and what the community needs at that point, so it can vary from course to course. You'll also be around local families and Spanish-speaking community members, which is a good chance to pick up some Spanish even though formal lessons aren't part of the course.

Instruction comes from Outward Bound's own staff, who train in teaching, facilitation, risk management, decision-making, conflict resolution and emergency procedures. New instructors work under experienced staff before becoming lead instructors, and lead instructors do further training every year. Outward Bound says it has been running expeditions for more than 60 years, and every course has a way to call for help in an emergency.

The setting is the southern Pacific coast, where rainforest runs right down to the beaches. Marino Ballena National Park is nearby, and the area is a well-known spot for seeing humpback whales and dolphins. Expect warm, tropical water, sunsets on the beach and nights in a tent.

There are also some practical extras that matter for this age group. Academic credit can be arranged through Outward Bound's partner colleges or independent study, 529 College Savings Plans and AmeriCorps Education Awards can be used through Western Colorado University's Extended Studies programme, and need-based scholarships are available.

What's included

- 8-day course with 2-3 instructors per crew of 8-12 - Camping at Tres Ríos Basecamp and on the beach near Uvita - All food while on course - Surf instruction, ocean safety and gear care lessons - Surfing equipment - Technical gear: tents/tarps, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, packs and cooking gear - Community and conservation service projects - Permits - Transfers between Tres Ríos Basecamp and Uvita - On-call international insurance - Pre-course support from a Course Advisor

What's not included

- Airfare to and from San José - Baggage fees - Health and travel insurance - Personal clothing and footwear - Personal expenses - Spanish language lessons