KasiaTravels: Surfing in Costa Rica. #3: the concussion

I arrived in Costa Rica to fulfil one of my dreams - to learn how to surf. Surfing is definitely a sport that requires a great deal of both physical and mental strength. And everyday practice. I am a hardworking person, but I was also expecting a lot of fun, meeting open, happy and free spirit people. What I wasn’t expecting though was how challenging it would be. That I would confront my fear of water and that all the battles would take place in my head.

I am a lot more of a mountain girl, born and raised away from the see. My parents didn’t have enough of spare money to sign me up for swimming lessons when I was little. So I started learning how to swim while studying at a university. I immediately loved it, but, let me tell you, it was a struggle at the beginning. To breathe underwater. But first and foremost not be afraid of the water itself, to feel comfortable with my head underneath it. Today I really enjoy swimming. I find it very relaxing. And 40 minutes of a constant swim is definitely a great way to let off one’s steam. I was quickly comfortable enough to swim in the Mediterranean Sea, even while some waves ;) But again, swimming in the swimming pool or in a rather calm sea and swimming in the ocean… That’s just a different story.

So here I was, in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, starting my one-week long surf camp (I am writing more about the camp here :). The only European among Americans and Canadians. Seriously!

We were divided into teams of 3 people per 1 coach. I had my classes super early in the morning, at 6 am! At first, I thought that it was unfortunate, cause I was still tired after the whole travel from Europe. But the minute I saw the sky turning from dark to daylight just above me, well, it felt great to be up!

The first lesson, the basics, a bit of theory, some exercises and yes, first attempts in the water! It felt amazing! I couldn’t believe how lucky I am and yes, I was proud of myself as well!:) Later during the day, another group lesson with the instructor, looking more - less similar to the morning one. I felt I have so much energy, I wasn’t satisfied, I wanted to come back on the board! I spoke with some other guys from the camp and we decided to surf more on a late afternoon.

There are several types of boards that can be used, depending on your level: big, smaller. The big boards can additionally be covered with some kind of foam, those are the ones for absolute beginners ;)

We were pretending to surf, after all, it was absolutely the first time for most of us :) we laughed a lot. It started to be windy and I was pretty crowded, with people surfing mostly in the same area.

I was hit on the back of my head. By a “regular” (“hard”) board. It hurt, but I was more surprised that it happened. I looked around and a lady around 45-50 excused herself. Here I was, standing there and noticing that the boards are actually flying in the air because the “surfers”, most of the beginners, do not control them. I decided to move a little from that area.

Next thing I remember was the people around me. With faces showing concern. The first question I heard was “do you know where you are?” I smiled and responded “of course!” And then I realise that I am not so quite sure of the answer. That surprised and frightened me. I asked them to explain what had happened. Apparently I was hit again on the back of my head by the board of one of my camp colleagues, luckily this time it was a bit softer, covered with the foam. I lost consciousness and was lying with my head down in the water for around 15-20 seconds before I was “rescued”.

The manager of the “Witch’s Rock” suggested that I should do the brain scan and consult the doctor. I agreed. Fortunately, I bought an insurance before my departure, just in case. And luckily I was smart enough to buy the one that covers accidents from practising extreme sports.

The girls from my shared room declared that they will go to the hospital with me, as well as a guy whose board hit me for the second time because he felt very bad and responsible for the situation. During the whole week, he couldn’t believe that I was not angry with him. And one guy that had enough liquid money to borrow me in order to pay the hospital for the visit and examination (I didn’t know that back then, but first you have to pay for everything, and then, if the insurance company agrees with the expenses, will pay you back).

Witch’s Rock borrowed us their minivan and the driver. It took us almost 2 hours to reach Liberia, the capital of Guanacaste region. It was the nearest city with a private hospital having the necessary equipment. In a public hospital, brain scan wouldn’t be possible.

I hope you will join me for the second part of this story.

Pura vida to all of you, my Steemit friends!

Kasia

• More about me here :)
  and here: You can travel without being wealthy aka a girl from a "struggling" family chasing her dreams!

• Some of my recent stories from South America:
  KasiaTravels: Surfing in Costa Rica (Part 1: “Spots and the arrival.”)
  KasiaTravels: Surfing in Costa Rica (Part 2: “Wich’s Rock Surf Camp.”)
  Kasia and the death road - la ruta de la muerte - Bolivia (part 1)
  Kasia and the death road - la ruta de la muerte - Bolivia (part 2)