The locals refer to themselves as Tico or Tica. The idea is that of a very friendly, helpful, laid back, unhurried and environmentally aware people. "Pura Vida" (literally pure life) is a way of life in Costa Rica that encourages living in a peaceful manner surrounded by nature, family and friends.

Our endless fun group has been visiting Costa Rica for close to 2 decades. 2006 was one of the best years we have seen it, with great weather, offshore winds, overhead waves and a great turn out for the Robert August Charity Challenge.

Guatemala was next. Located in Central America bordering the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean, our crew consisted of our leader, and star of the classic film "Endless Summer," Robert August, son Sam, "Endless Summer II" star Robert "Wingnut" Weaver, Huntington's Budd Llamas, Dodger Kremel, Mary Osborne and Costa Rica's finest, Brookes Wilson. Although this well-traveled ground has criss-crossed the globe in search of surf, for some reason the Guatemalan customs stamp was no where to be found in any of our passports. Our only thoughts of this country were from textbook lessons about the ancient Mayan culture and years of political instability. That was the case until our host, Pedro Pablo, sent pictures of waves too good to be true.

We learned two things very quickly: the pictures we were sent of the waves did not do them justice, and the textbooks could never compare to experiencing the Mayan ruins in person. While in Guatemala, we discovered hundreds of miles of black sand beaches, countless breaks with no crowds and an amazing culture and history. Now the only question: do we keep it a secret or share our stories with the rest of the surfing population?