From early morning wakeups to evening wind down, every hour of the day at Surf Term is designed with intention. From start to finish, our days are full of learning, adventure, reflection, and growth.
What exactly does each part of the day accomplish? How do we fill our time, and what does a typical day truly look like? Let’s start from the beginning.
5:45 A.M. – Wind Up
We start our days early, not just to catch the best waves, but beginning the day with movement and time outside sets us up for success in all other areas. We’re up at 5:45 for a small first breakfast before our morning surf session.
6:30 A.M. – Morning Surf
We head to the beach to start the day with surf lessons. Surfing first thing in the morning together helps set the tone for the rest of the day. Not only do we get to start the day with the best waves, but we conquer challenges, try new things, learn from failure, and encourage our teammates…all before 9:00 A.M.
10:30 A.M. – Self-Paced Academic Study Hall
After a quick post-surf meal, it’s time for a focused academic block. This self-paced, guided academic time is used for each student to work towards their personal goals. Whether it’s math, english, or literature, this time is designed for focused, independent work. The daily habit of working towards goals forges a work ethic that will become an invaluable skill.
11:15 A.M. – Leadership & Team Building Games
Our community is the foundation of all that we do at Discover Term. The bonds we form with each other throughout the course of the term are what make this program what it is. Each day, we take time to nurture that community through intentional conversation, reflection, team building, and leadership practice.
12:00 P.M. – Lunch
A quick break between a packed morning and afternoon. Chefs and students prepare, serve, and clean up our mid-day meal to keep us fueled for the afternoon ahead.
2:00 P.M. – Project Time
Our second academic block of the day is geared towards collaborative, project-based work. Throughout the course of Surf Term, students work towards cross-discipline, hands-on projects designed to guide them through an experiential learning experience. This time is used for work on these projects.
4:00 P.M. – Second Surf, Games, or Beach Cleanup
By the time our second academic block is complete, our afternoons are a time to come together to give back, catch some more waves, or simply enjoy Costa Rica. Whether we’re cleaning trash off beaches, heading out for a second surf, or enjoying games at the house, afternoons are a time for connection, growth, and adventure.
6:00 P.M. – Dinner
Our chefs prepare a lovely Costa Rican meal and we use this time to gather together as a group and reflect on the day. Whether it’s conversations about epic tricks in the surf lineup, group games, or sharing stories from lives back home, our time at the dinner table is always a highlight of the day.
6:30 P.M. – Cleanup
Cleanup, also known as “ship shape”, is our chance to care for the space we get to call home. For the duration of Surf Term, students live, eat, learn, and play at our beautiful campus. After dinner each night, we take time to reset and care for our space. Everyone has a job to do, and our teamwork is what helps keep our campus clean and safe.
7:15 P.M. – Evening Discussion
Whether it’s reviewing surf theory or book club, evenings are a time to slow down, spend time as a community, and learn something new together. Early sunsets in Nosara mean evenings are a time for calm, intentional time together after a full day outside.
8:00 P.M. – Evening Wrap & Wind Down
The end of the day is a chance to slow down, rest, and reset for the new day ahead. Early mornings also mean early nights, to give ourselves plenty of rest.
While every day brings its own excitement and unique opportunities, our schedule at Surf Term is designed to foster an environment of learning, leadership, adventure, and community. Every hour has a purpose, and the combination of all of these unique experiences create the opportunity of a lifetime for young people.
