Individual SURF THERAPY
One-on-one sessions tailored to each athlete’s unique needs. With consistent support from trained instructors, athletes build confidence, resilience, and social-emotional skills while experiencing the healing power of the ocean.
Happy Camp & Day Camps:
Inclusive surf therapy, ocean fun, and connection—all in a single unforgettable beach day
Surf-Fit and Wellness
Where land-based fitness and pool training meet to support mind, body, and ocean readiness.
Caretaker Wellness
A restorative space for those who give so much. Through mindfulness, movement, and community, caretakers recharge, find balance, and strengthen the resilience they bring to their loved ones.
LITTLE LEGENDS WAVE FEST TRAVEL CLINIC
A traveling surf therapy clinic that brings the stoke to new beaches and communities. Athletes and families connect through inclusive surf sessions, celebration, and shared growth—spreading the magic of Gnome Surf beyond our home shores.
Youth Mentorship
Guiding the next generation of surfers and leaders through connection, responsibility, and growth. With support from trained mentors, young athletes build confidence, sharpen skills, and discover the power of belonging to an inclusive surf community.
Costa Rica
An immersive surf therapy adventure designed for our Gnome Surf families and the local Costa Rican community. Together, we share the magic of surfing, connection, and wellness—embracing warm waves, vibrant culture, and the restorative rhythm of pura vida.
Events
From paddle outs to community celebrations, our events bring athletes, families, and supporters together. Each gathering strengthens connection, spreads stoke, and fuels the mission of inclusive surf therapy.
News and Press
From local beaches to global stages—Gnome Surf has made waves in major publications and news programs, innovating and pioneering surf therapy one story at a time.
Images and Videos
View photos from every session—our photographers capture the magic at the beach daily. Browse the galleries and watch videos that bring the Gnome Surf story to life.
REGISTER FOR INDIVIDUAL SURF THERAPY SESSION
Experience the magic of Gnome Surf—book your individual session now
REGISTER FOR SURF THERAPY EVENTS
Celebrate connection, stoke, and community at our surf therapy events
Surf Therapy in Costa Rica
In order to extend the magic of surf therapy and continue the healing in the ocean throughout cold weather months, our founder heads to Costa Rica to provide surf therapy to children in need. Self-funded by his own personal savings, accumulated from his secondary full time job as an executive banker, our operations in Costa Rica were born from our founder’s personal journey to want to give back to individuals born into poverty, inspired by his mother’s journey from Azorean poverty. Today our operations in Central America are solely funded by our founder and private participants. No grants, donations, nonprofit funding is used to support the mission in Central America. Don’t worry though, our robust, talented team is still operating stateside with our Surf Fit & Social Emotional Wellness School Series simultaneously.
Our Surf Camp is nestled in the heart of one of the world’s five Blue Zones in Nosara, Costa Rica, Happy Camp is a sanctuary for families seeking to reconnect, heal, and thrive. This unique wellness town offers a transformative week-long retreat where families immerse themselves in surf therapy, traditional mindfulness practices, and invigorating adventures—all set against the backdrop of a lush jungle paradise. Designed to help families recharge, refocus, and reshape their approach to well-being, Happy Camp provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience that blends the serenity of a Blue Zone—where longevity, health, and happiness are a way of life—with meaningful, family-centric programming that renews bonds and inspires a lasting commitment to wellness. All Activities happening in Costa Rica are not funded by any grants, donations, or sponsorships made to Gnome Surf. They are privately funded by our founder or the participants who come to experience Happy Camp, Costa Rica.
In addition to hosting our families at Happy Camp…
While we aim to create transformative retreat for our visiting families, our commitment to wellness extends deep into the local community. We proudly work with our Costa Rican Ohana—local families in the Nosara and Tamarindo areas—providing life-altering individual surf therapy sessions to children of all abilities. In a zone that has limited access to traditional therapies, we focus on supporting neurodivergent youth, families at risk, and those facing poverty, offering not just personalized therapy but also community-building events through our Little Legends programs.
This entire ecosystem of healing—from international family retreats to local community support—is made possible by the dedication of our incredible volunteers, who help us create unforgettable, magical experiences that foster resilience, joy, and profound connection for everyone we serve.
activities
Frequently Asked Questions
Happy Camp Nosara is nestled in the heart of Blue Zone in Nosara, Costa Rica — a vibrant, family-friendly beach town known for its pristine coastline, surf culture, yoga, and pura vida lifestyle. Our retreat is just minutes from world-class beaches and surrounded by lush jungle, wildlife, and warm community energy.
Yes! Nosara is considered one of the safest and most welcoming areas in Costa Rica, especially for families. The community is very family-oriented, and we work closely with trusted local partners. Our team will guide you through transportation, activities, and excursions so you always feel secure and supported.
- We love nourishing families with delicious, fresh, and healthy meals:
- Traditional Costa Rican favorites like gallo pinto, fresh fruit, and plantains
- Kid-friendly options that are simple and tasty
- Fresh fish, organic produce, and vegetarian/vegan options available
- We also do special family dinners where everyone comes together to share stories, laughter, and connection.
Happy Camp Nosara provides surf lessons for all levels — from personalized surf therapy to complete beginners and advanced surf lessons. Kids and adults alike can enjoy safe, supportive instruction designed to build confidence and joy in the water. All equipment is provided.
- We design the retreat to be flexible — you choose your level of participation. Families can:
- Take part in group dinners and excursions
- Join surf lessons and wellness sessions
- Enjoy family activities or choose solo downtime
- Let us help arrange babysitting or kids’ programs so parents can also enjoy restorative time
Happy Camp Nosara is more than a vacation — it’s a wellness and nature retreat designed for families, adventure experiences, and ecotherapy. We combine the joy of surfing with holistic practices like yoga, sound healing, and community connection.
Families of all ages are welcome! Surf and wellness activities are tailored for children, teens, and adults. We can also help arrange childcare for little ones during certain sessions so parents can enjoy restorative time.
Yes! We always need the support of epic volunteers.
Happy Camp Nosara is nestled in the heart of Blue Zone in Nosara, Costa Rica — a vibrant, family-friendly beach town known for its pristine coastline, surf culture, yoga, and pura vida lifestyle. Our retreat is just minutes from world-class beaches and surrounded by lush jungle, wildlife, and warm community energy.
Yes! Nosara is considered one of the safest and most welcoming areas in Costa Rica, especially for families. The community is very family-oriented, and we work closely with trusted local partners. Our team will guide you through transportation, activities, and excursions so you always feel secure and supported.
- We love nourishing families with delicious, fresh, and healthy meals:
- Traditional Costa Rican favorites like gallo pinto, fresh fruit, and plantains
- Kid-friendly options that are simple and tasty
- Fresh fish, organic produce, and vegetarian/vegan options available
- We also do special family dinners where everyone comes together to share stories, laughter, and connection.
Happy Camp Nosara provides surf lessons for all levels — from personalized surf therapy to complete beginners and advanced surf lessons. Kids and adults alike can enjoy safe, supportive instruction designed to build confidence and joy in the water. All equipment is provided.
- We design the retreat to be flexible — you choose your level of participation. Families can:
- Take part in group dinners and excursions
- Join surf lessons and wellness sessions
- Enjoy family activities or choose solo downtime
- Let us help arrange babysitting or kids’ programs so parents can also enjoy restorative time
Happy Camp Nosara is more than a vacation — it’s a wellness and nature retreat designed for families, adventure experiences, and ecotherapy. We combine the joy of surfing with holistic practices like yoga, sound healing, and community connection.
Families of all ages are welcome! Surf and wellness activities are tailored for children, teens, and adults. We can also help arrange childcare for little ones during certain sessions so parents can enjoy restorative time.
Yes! We always need the support of epic volunteers.
Fuel the Magic. Be the Movement. Become a Sponsor
Behind every smile, every breakthrough, every child who finally believes they belong, stands you. Our sponsors and partners aren’t just supporters—they’re the backbone of our mission, the lifeline to our magic. These visionary companies and foundations don’t just write checks; they co-create futures. They invest in communities, champion corporate responsibility, and prove that profit and purpose can ride the same wave.
To our current partners: you’re the reason hope has a heartbeat here. Your mentorship, belief, and unwavering commitment fuel therapies that heal, programs that empower, and a tribe where no one walks alone. To those yet to join us: this is more than charity—it’s legacy. Align your brand with radical joy, unshakable inclusion, and a movement rewriting lives daily.
We don’t just need donors. We need partners who dare to ask, “What if?” What if your logo could stand for love? What if your business could be a beacon?
Join us. Be the tide that lifts every child home.
