Surf, Skate & Serve: A Mission of Identity in Nosara, Costa Rica
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This past month, an inspirational team of women took a vibrant mission trip to Nosara, Costa Rica. As part of an outreach with Shred Sisters, the women’s ministry of Ride Nature, the team is able to share the love of Christ through action sports.
The trip was short in length but immense in impact. Over the course of just five days, the Shred Sisters team poured their hearts into the women and girls of Nosara. Through the joy of surfing, skating, and music, the team was able to spark intentional community time, building confidence and identity in Jesus with everyone they met.
Faith, Waves, Glitter, & Smiles
At the heart of the trip was a two-day girls’ surf camp. The local break became a scene of laughter, colorful sunscreen, glitter, dancing, and wave after wave of encouragement. While some of the girls were seasoned surfers, many were catching waves for the very first time. Regardless of skill, smiles stretched wide and hearts were full as three-year-olds, teens, and everyone in between took part in what could only be described as a beautiful adventure.
The surf camp was filled with so many unforgettable moments, including a special family moment of two little sisters surfing tandem “party waves” with their father cheering from the inside break, overwhelmed with joy to see his daughters finally riding waves he’d long hoped they would embrace. Moments like these illustrated more than just surfing skills; they reflected the heart of a Heavenly Father thrilled to share life’s moments with His children.
Gods Princess Warriors
After each surf session, the group gathered on the sand for snacks and devotionals. The trip’s theme, Identity, echoed through every story, verse, and prayer. The girls were reminded that they are God’s princess warriors, created strong, valuable, and deeply loved.
As the surfboards were exchanged for skateboards, the mission continued to roll. The local skate park was soon overtaken by a spirited all-girls shred session, powered by donations of helmets, pads, and boards from the Shred Sisters team. Though some hadn’t skated in years, the energy was contagious. Together, they carved out moments of laughter, courage, community, and Christlike love on four wheels.
A Night of Worship & Wonder
On Sunday, the team worshipped alongside the growing congregation of Casa Vida Church and later hosted a women’s night, an evening dedicated to encouragement, connection, and prayer. Local women, including some of the girls’ mothers, gathered for food, worship, and fellowship. They spoke of how refreshing it was simply to be seen, heard, and supported. It was an evening that broke barriers and built bridges, one of restoration and genuine sisterhood.
The Power of a Simple Gesture
Before heading home, the group visited several influential women in the Nosara community, offering prayer and encouragement. One visit stood out. In the humble home of a woman facing a painful foot infection that left her unable to walk, the Holy Spirit moved in powerful ways. As the team prayed and sang in both English and Spanish, one Shred Sister quietly knelt down to wash the woman’s feet, a gesture both simple and sacred.
That moment wasn’t planned; it was divinely orchestrated. Through the act of foot washing, worship, and prayer, the love of Jesus was felt in full force. It was a reminder of the servant-hearted nature of Jesus and the ways in which He shows up through small acts of faith
Rediscovering Identity
This trip was more than a mission; it was a mirror. Even for the Shred Sisters team, it served as a much-needed reminder of where our true identity lies as Christians and image-bearers of Jesus. Lara, a professional surfer and fellow Shred Sister, shared that as a professional athlete, it’s easy to become entangled in performance and results. But through this experience, she was reminded that her worth doesn’t come from rankings or competitions; it comes from being a child of God. A local woman reinforced this message to Lara with heartfelt encouragement, speaking life into who she saw, not just an athlete, but a radiant light of God’s love through her joy, her smile, and her presence in the water.
Join Us in Making a Difference
At Cobian, we are honored to share stories of people who embody the spirit of adventure and serving with purpose. This journey to Nosara was a vivid reminder of what it looks like when faith meets action, when comfort zones are left behind in exchange for eternal impact. We invite you to join us in supporting Salt + Light initiatives, whether through donations, spreading the word, getting involved in your community, or simply choosing Cobian as your go-to footwear brand. Together, we can make waves of change, one step or one surf at a time.
To the women of Nosara, the Shred Sisters team, and the Ride Nature family: thank you for sharing your story and for the way you love, lead, and live out the gospel through every wave and wheel.
If you're inspired by the Shred Sisters’ story and want to get involved, consider supporting Ride Nature by visiting RideNature.org/give. Your contribution can help bring adventure, resources, and faith to communities in need around the world.