With an estimated population of 4.9 million people, tropical climates, rainforests, beautiful beaches, perfect waves, and hundreds upon thousands of eco-tourism destinations, there’s no doubt that the Republic of Costa Rica is a country rich in culture and history with inhabitants recorded as early 10,000 – 7,000 BCE. Some refer to the Republic as, “one of the most spiritual places in the world.” Jack Hendee, Kona Surf Company Team Rider and Wildwood Catholic Senior I’m sure can attest to those words, as he is lucky enough to be progressing his surfing skills abroad this semester in Costa Rica, surfing some of the best breaks in the world along the Guanacaste Province and beyond.
Hendee, a standout surfer from Cape May County who calls Avalon, NJ his home break, has recorded top performances in the ESA (Eastern Surfing Association), the NSSA High School Surfing Championships, numerous private contests, and even surfing in a WSL (World Surf League) sanctioned professional event in 2016 – the Soup Bowl Pro Junior. Needless to say with Jack’s skills and abilities, he is obviously enjoying himself down there. However, Jack Hendee with assistance from Kona Surf Company had other plans than just surfing this semester. With Kona Surf Company’s assistance, Jack brought with him abroad boxes of clothes and surfer supplies to assist the younger local groms from the central America country most in need.
“Surfing cost money, whether it’s the wetsuit, rash-guard, board, board-repair, fin setup, track-pad, leash – the list can go on and on, and Kona Surf Co. and I recognize that these items can been costly and not readily available, especially in a foreign country,” said Kona Surf Company owner Mike Sciarra. “That’s why when Jack came to us with the idea of bringing supplies down for the less fortunate, we pounced on the idea,” said Chris Sciarra, Kona Surf Company partner and owner.
Want to follow Jack Hendee on his journey? Follow him on Instagram @jackhendee. For pictures of Jack from his 2018 Costa Rica Trip, please see below:
Ron Simone