A cinematic bodysurfing journey across Costa Rica, Pura Vida Bodysurfing follows local talent and visiting riders as they explore some of the country’s most iconic surf breaks, capturing the simplicity and joy of riding tropical waves sin tabla.
About “Pura Vida Bodysurfing”
Synopsis
Pura Vida Bodysurfing is an immersive short film that captures the raw beauty of bodysurfing across Costa Rica. Produced by Spencer Dunlap, the project was born from a desire to highlight the country’s world-class waves and the passionate local community that rides them.
The film follows Costa Rican bodysurfer Pablo Solano alongside Dunlap and traveling members of the Bodysurf Collective, visiting breaks on both coasts—including Roca Bruja (Witch’s Rock), Playa Grande, Playa Hermosa, Dominical, Pavones, and Salsa Brava.
Through a blend of in-water shots, drone perspectives, and candid moments on the road, the film showcases bodysurfing not only as a sport but as a cultural expression deeply tied to Costa Rica’s “Pura Vida” ethos.
Featuring original music by Sami Freeman and tracks from Costa Rican artists such as Abedúl, Cocofunka, Magpie Jay, and Patterns, the film blends sound and visuals to create a warm, rhythmic portrait of life by the ocean.
Winner of the Audience Choice Award at the 2025 Costa Rica Surf Film Festival, Pura Vida Bodysurfing stands as both a love letter to Costa Rica and an invitation for viewers to reconnect with the pure joy of wave riding.
Credits
Directed & Produced by
- Spencer Dunlap
Featured Riders
- Pablo Solano
- Spencer Dunlap
- Members of the Bodysurf Collective
Cinematography
- Felipe Sánchez
- Dennis Monge
- Hannah Walsh
- Anki Cramer
- Frency Sanchez
Music
- Original composition by Sami Freeman
- Additional tracks by Abedúl, Cocofunka, Magpie Jay, Patterns
Special Thanks
- Costa Rica surf community
- Local photographers, watermen/waterwomen
- Sponsors: DaFiN, Costa Verde Surf Shop, Bodysurf Collective, Viva Adventures
- Kickstarter supporters
- Costa Rica Surf Film Festival
Notable Locations
- Pacific Coast: Roca Bruja (Witch’s Rock), Playa Grande, Playa Hermosa, Dominical, Pavones
- Caribbean Coast: Isla Uvita, Salsa Brava
- Road segments shot throughout Guanacaste, Puntarenas, and Limón provinces
Awards
- Audience Choice Award — Costa Rica Surf Film Festival 2025
Technical Specs
- Format: Short film
- Genre: Surf / Bodysurfing / Documentary
- Country of Production: Costa Rica
- Original Language: English & Spanish (minimal dialogue)
- Distribution: YouTube (Bodysurf Collective channel) + festival screenings
- Runtime: 22 minutes
Director’s Statement
Bodysurfing is the most elemental way to ride a wave. “Pura Vida Bodysurfing” is an attempt to show the beauty and simplicity of slowing down, connecting with the ocean, and experiencing wave riding at its most authentic. This project was created to honor the people and places that make Costa Rica so special.
— Spencer Dunlap
