Almost every student who has participated in a Semester or Surf Intensive course during the last six years has learned from Carlos Castro Montero (or as he’s more commonly known, Carlos Diablo).

Before working for Costa Rica Outward Bound, Carlos was employed by an information technology company, working with computers, in San Jose.  After six long years in an office job, Carlos felt that he was watching his life pass him by.  He realized that life could be more fulfilling and he left his office job to run an indoor soccer league (fun fact: Carlos’ company was the 3rd biggest indoor soccer provider in Costa Rica).  After every warehouse in Costa Rica started renting out space for indoor soccer, Carlos took an opportunity to work as a surf instructor for Costa Rica Outward Bound.

Carlos Playing GuitarSix years later, Carlos is now our Surf Program Coordinator and he can’t imagine going back inside to the office.  He has fallen in love with his new lifestyle and living and working in the outdoors (he tells us all he needs is his surfboard and his tent).  He loves watching students change just by being in new environment.  The simpler lifestyle shows students a new way of living, with healthy food and exercise surrounded by natural beauty.  Carlos has also learned from his students, he says that they have opened his eyes to the possibilities of where life can take you.  

Want more Carlos facts?  His favorite beach in Costa Rica is Witch’s Rock, and his favorite beach he’s ever surfed is Las Flores in El Salvador.  He loves music and playing the guitar, and enjoys mountain biking (he used to compete), volleyball, soccer (especially indoor soccer), and dancing.

Want to know even more?  Read the next article, a recipe for Carlos' famous Tres Leches Cake, a dessert which has taken him years to perfect.