Costa Rica Surfer Highlight: Brisa Hennessy

If you’ve ever joined us for a Surf Camp in Tamarindo you will know that surfing is not a mere sport in Costa Rica. In our golden land of pristine beaches, wicked waves, coconuts and palm trees, surfing is a way of life. The sport is so integral in the local culture, especially along the Pacific coastline and in popular towns like Tamarindo, that everything seems geared to satisfy surfers’ needs and desires. You’ll find an impressive array of world-class surf schools, camps, and board rental outfitters along our idyllic stretch of Costa Rica coast, and a bevy of complementing offerings like yoga and fitness camps, wellness treatments, and a host of active outdoor activities.

The most endearing part of the Costa Rica surfer scene is, without a doubt, the sense of camaraderie and community bonds that exist in every town A welcoming community and close social ties are proof of the power of surfing in bringing people together. 

Few embody this ideal more than Brisa Hennessy, Costa Rica surfer prodigy who is a two-time ISA World Gold Medalist, Pan American Games Gold medalist and represented Costa Rica at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Most recently, Brisa ranked 3rd best at the WSL 2024. A native of Matapalo, Brisa Hennessy has had an astronomical ascent up the pro surf rankings, qualifying for the 2024 Olympics. The surfing events will kick off on 27 July in Teahupo’o, Tahiti.

Here’s all you need to know about the star of the Costa Rica surfer scene right now!

Brisa Hennessy – Costa Rica surfer extraordinaire

Brisa was born on December 16, 1999, into a family deeply connected to Costa Rica’s surfing culture. Both of her parents were surf instructors, and they instilled a deep love for the ocean in her from a young age. Brisa’s early years were split between the beautiful jungles of Costa Rica and the legendary waves of Hawaii’s North Shore, where her family relocated when she was eight. She also spent many summers in Fiji, where she had the opportunity to surf world-class waves. Brisa’s exposure to such distinct surfing environments is what makes her surfing style unique. 

A young star on the rise

Brisa Hennessy’s professional journey has rocked the Costa Rica surfer scene. To date, her achievements include:

• 2019: Won the Gold medal at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru.
• 2020: Qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
• 2021: Reached the quarterfinals at the ISA World Surfing Games.
• 2021: Competed in the first-ever Olympic surfing competition at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (becoming the first Central American surfer to do so).
• 2022: Won the Hurley Pro Sunset Beach, her first Championship Tour event victory.
• 2022: Finished the year ranked in the top 10 on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour.
• 2023: Competed on the WSL Championship Tour, solidifying her status as one of the top female surfers on the circuit.
• 2024: Finalist at the Shiseido Tahiti Pro.
• 2024: Finally claimed the #1 ranking in the World Surf League!
• 2024: Qualified to represent Costa Rica in the Paris Olympics.

Brisa’s exceptional achievements have showcased her as a formidable competitor on the global stage. They have also been celebrated as national milestones for the Costa Rica surfer scene. 

Brisa Hennessy is quite the busy bee outside of surfing. She’s committed to a plant-based lifestyle and shares her passion for vegan cooking with her followers on her Instagram page. Yet, as is the case with just about every ‘climb to fame’ in sport – and in life – it hasn’t all been plain surfing for Brisa. In 2023, the dynamic surfer candidly admitted to needing to take some time off to deal with body image issues and an eating disorder that had plagued her for a while. Her honesty about her struggles has inspired many young surfers and gained support from the international surfing community. Brisa continues to encourage others to never give up on their journey to recovery and to find their inner strength.

Brisa’s commitment to mental and physical health, as well as her dedication to a holistic lifestyle, has become a core part of her identity. Her philosophy of living in harmony with nature, deeply influenced by her upbringing in Costa Rica’s rich natural environment, is not just a personal choice but also an inspiration for others to live a balanced and healthy life.

Costa Rica – the future of world-class surfing

Renowned for its stunning biodiversity and lively culture, Costa Rica a surfer’s ultimate paradise and boasts some of the world’s best surfing beaches. With a strong surfing culture, laid-back lifestyle and outstanding natural beauty, it offers a host of unique experience for surfers that they simply won’t find anywhere else.

So, you might be wondering: if Costa Rica is such a great surfing destination, why hasn’t it produced more #1 surfers? Fair question! At the end of the day, the country doesn’t see the kind of financial investment that’s poured into places like Hawaii and California, where world-class waves, excellent infrastructure and incomparable sponsorships create perfect environments for nurturing surfing talent. Costa Rica is not yet able to compete at that kind of elite level.

However, Costa Rica is where the world’s top talent comes to practice!

The Pacific beaches in Costa Rica and popular pro surf spots like Tamarindo, Avellanas, Pavones, Hermosa and others attract pro surfers all year long. They come here to hone in on their craft in a laid-back environment, enjoying anonymity and the Pura Vida lifestyle. 

Surf with us in Guanacaste!

The Guanacaste province is the best destination in Costa Rica for surfers. The expansive coastline offers a bevy of surf beaks for beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers – there’s literally a wave here to suit everyone.

Tamarindo Beach is the one Guanacaste beach that has it all and is considered the beast beach in Costa Rica for beginners. It is right here that we run our Iguana Surf Camp, surf lessons and surf board rental. 

Why not come join us for an unforgettable Christmas getaway? Bring a friend, book in the month of July, and you’ll enjoy a special discount on our Tamarindo Surf Camp.

Contact our reservation team today and look forward to the surfing vacay of a lifetime!