Farewell Kook Bitches Retreat ~ July 30 – August 5

Eight years ago Helen Bowditch quit her job in journalism at the BBC, packed her bag full of jean skirts, and bought a one-way plane ticket to become a surf goddess in Costa Rica.

In 2011 Helen began working with us at Pura Vida Adventures—and the rest is history!

We’re sad to announce that Helen will be leaving us, but we’re excited for her to return to her home country of bonny England to pursue her writing career! She’s been a HUGE part of the PVA family, and has impacted the surf abilities and lives of so many students. 

We love her, and we’ll miss her, but we want to send her back to her home country of England with a BANG!

That’s why we’re introducing a one-time special event…

The Farewell Kook Bitches Camp

When: July 30 –  August 5

Who: All the Kook Bitches who know how to PARTAY

Where: At our all-inclusive surf and yoga retreat, at the frickin’ gorrrrrrgeous Tropico Latino hotel.

Why: Because this is your chance to get top-tier instruction from not only are other amazing surf instructors but the Head Kook Bitch herself, you KNOW you’ll come away ripping even harder than before, and you deserve to take a summer vacation that will fill your soul up for months.

Book Now

If you want to take one last golden opportunity to:

—Push the Bush, Grab the Rails, and Pick Waves that Aren’t Deadbeats

—Learn how to absolutely rip with a smile on your face

—Get a recipe for the best kale salad ever

—Surf warm tropical waves with one of the best instructors in the sport

—Celebrate with your PVA family

—Hit up Cabuya…buya…buya with the crew

—And party under the stars

…then you should DEFINITELY come to our Farewell Kook Bitches Camp!

“I am excited for Helen to go back to her country to be with her family and continue her career in journalism. We were very fortunate to be able to work with her for the last seven years, because she is not only an incredible surf instructor, she is also humorous and a great story teller. She has definitely left her mark with her quirky catch phrases like “squeeze the watermelon” and “push the bush”, her “How to Surf Videos” series, and her legendary Salsa Lizano Awards. We will truly miss her since she has become a PVA family member and a very good friend. Her huge smile will be missed in the line-up.” –Tierza Eichner

Anyone who has had the privilege to improve their surfing with Helen’s patience, expertise, kindness, and hilarious metaphors, knows what an incredible gift it is to have her as an instructor. She’s fun, she knows her stuff, she’s encouraging to the next level, and she really, really, really cares about the people she teaches.

Book Now

How “Kook Bitches” was Born

One day when an aggro surfer dude got mad at PVA students for getting so many amazing waves, he stormed out of the water and wrote “Kook Bitches” on our surf van. What was intended as an insult soon became a phrase of honor that has made us laugh for years. (Thanks, aggro surfer!) AND inspired Helen to start her female surf blog of hilarious adventures and tips called…you guessed it…Kook Bitches!