C-Forum

I'm looking for any info on renting a solo open boat or C1 in Costa Rica over Christmas. I spoke with someone at Costa Rica Rios that has open boats and C1's and they cannot rent me a boat over Christmas nor due they have any trips available otherwise I would go with them. Any help or info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I was in the same situation about a year ago. I had given up when I saw a post on the Coastals message board. David Baer is a US ex-pat from the Roanoke VA area who now lives on the outskirts of San Jose. He retired to open boats from c-boats and rents out his personal fleet, including a Detonator, a Phantom, a Shredder and a couple of butt boats. You'll need you own paddles and gear. We only had time for a day of boating, and met him in La Virgen. He arranged for a guide out of the Sarapiqui Outdoor Center - very helpful guy and very reasonable prices.

He can be reached at baersx2@hotmail.com, and is willing to call out to the US with his skype account.

That's awesome! Thanks for the info. It sounds like there is still hope for my 12 yr old lad to kayak while his old man canoes!

If Costa Rica doesn't work out for you, I know Esprit has boats in Mexico, near Veracruz, and could for sure help you out.

I was down last year, and had a chance to open boat and kayak, so it sounds like there would be a trip that both you and your son could enjoy. The rivers around their base were awesome...a mix of class II, III and IV, all doable (with a bit of safety here and there), the people really friendly, the food great, and the town and scenery incredible.

Last time I was there Esprit had Preludes, Taureaus, a spanish fly, an evergreen solito, a tandem boat (the blast...maybe you could get your son interested in the better whitewater sport!), and as I understand it, they also have a L'edge prototype down there this year.

If you're interested the email is mexico@whitewater.ca (website www.whitewater.ca). You can also PM me for info on my trip.

Hopefully you find somewhere you can go!!