Link Roundup!

Here in the marketing office we always enjoy an interesting story. Whether it’s an article related to our industry of “all things out-of-doors” or simply a funny story about an intoxicated moose, we like to stay informed.

Thus, we would like to take an opportunity to share some of the things we’ve been reading lately, with the hope that you might find them as interesting as we do.

Today’s Links!

Looks like Prime Minister David Cameron enjoyed his time on course with OB England. Maybe we need to check the schedule of Costa Rican President Chinchilla! Link here.

As ideas around healthy and sustainable diets evolve, it is always good to hear the perspective of someone living the dream, for example, this person. Link here.

Some may know about the globe trotter girls. If not, they recently made their way to many of the places we go on course and had some great photos to share! Link here.

Working out in a gym is something we would rather not do. If you agree with this, the following video might help give you some alternatives. Link here.

Speaking of working out, next time you’re on a flight to Costa Rica (or elsewhere), try some of these handy exercises to keep the blood moving. Link here.

We Recycle!

Costa Rica Outward Bound has a lot of awesome equipment that we use throughout the year. These tools of the trade include backpacks, tents, surfboards, rafts, kayaks and much more. You name it, we probably have it! The thing is our various types of gear often have hard lives and eventually find themselves no longer in use. However operations manager Sam Schlesinger and some other OB staff got a little bit tired of our equipment being so lazy and decided to put them back to work.

Surf boards are a great thing, especially in the water. But what to do with them when they no longer serve their water-oriented purposes? Well, turning them into a couple of nice benches seems like a good idea to us!

A comfy seat for all!

Kayaks are also great in the water. But what happens when the whole floating thing doesn’t work out so well? Did somebody say new tables for everyone??

Best work space ever!

Costa Rica has no problem growing an incredible array of flowers and plants, however sometimes a good old flower pot is hard to find. A Kayak flower pot seems like the logical next step!

Que lindo!

Awesome bonus quasi-recycling item! Ryan in the marketing office was exhausted watching two rather dangerous bikes hang out and rust, so he turned them into one rather safe bike!

Base transportation for all!

New Additions to Costa Rica Outward Bound!

There is a new intern at Costa Rica Outward Bound! Hailing from Vermont, Nathan Poland is here for a three-month internship and will be splitting his time working in the communications office and in the field. Nate started his time with the organization as a student in the Spring 2011 leadership semester where he had an incredible experience while earning the numerous professional certifications. The leadership semester was the doorway to his internship and Nate is excited to be back. He enjoys rappelling, whitewater rafting, scuba and many other outdoor activities. During Nate’s summer at home he used his technical ropes certification to get a job washing windows.

Careful Nate!

On his days off, Nate spent his time hiking around looking for tall cliffs to scale to keep in practice, of which, he found more than a few! Now that he is back in Costa Rica we are going to see what kind of fun things he can get himself into here. While in the field, Nathan is going to be helping out with both Tri-country and Water and Wave courses. Stay tuned to see where he ends up next!

Nate helping us test some new gear!

Staff trip recap to Piedras Blancas!

Staff trips at Costa Rica Outward Bound are always something we look forward to. Our recent end-of-high-season trip to the Lopez household in Piedras Blancas was certainly a nice treat and followed a route many alumni will remember. Complete with a hike, visit to Rancho Tinamu, stop over at the Grenados household, fishing, river exploration and a good ol' fashioned cook out, a first-rate time was certainly had by all! So take a look at our trip recap and enjoy!

Costa Rica Outward Bound staffer surfs himself into the news!

At Costa Rica Outward Bound we are lucky to have some of the most talented and motivated staff members around.  This surely applies to surf instructor Alex Cook.  After heading back to his native land of South Carolina, Alex participated in a surf competition before resuming classes at College of Charleston.  Not only did Alex land himself a very comfortable 4^th place finish, but he also surfed his way directly onto the front page of the local newspaper.  See how Alex’s style took him out of the water and onto the presses:

Alex makes us proud!