About

Hi, this is Kate.

The concept for Pura Vida Board Gear was inspired in 2013 by the desire to create a boardsock that is unique, stylish and “fun to take along for the ride.” Since making the first initial board socks, it’s amazing how much I have learned and grown, the people I have met and the places I’ve been led to. The where, what, when, who and how has always been placed in God’s hands from the beginning. 

Love at first sight

I fell in love with Costa Rica back in ’96 on a surf trip with some family and friends, inspired by my sister Colleen Hanley Prior, a former professional surfer and artist. I knew then what was inevitable: that I would return this beautiful country and immerse myself in the culture. Not long after that, Colleen and I would live here with my Mom who had also fell in love with the Pura Vida country in Central America.

My fluency in Spanish improved from being a part of the community and spending time with native speakers. Often my sister Colleen and I would surf breaks of South and North Jaco and in front of what used to be Disco Central, catching waves with good local friends like Chalo, Neno and Kimo. Lisbeth Vindas was just starting to surf. Gustavo Castillo was king and Alvaro Solano just starting to draw attention as a grom. 

Spanish and Athletic Connections

Back in the States I pursued teacher certification in Spanish, taught middle and high school Spanish for six years and spent time teaching in bilingual schools and surfing California breaks from San Diego to Huntington Beach. Colleen lived in San Clemente at the time and surfed up the ranks in the NSSA contests before turning pro for a while.

I had always been a runner. In High School, I ran Varsity Cross Country and Track and earned a scholarship for both those sports at Fordham University. Once I started teaching High School, I led the Girls Cross Country Team as Head Coach and acted as assistant coach for the Boys and Girls Track Teams. Coaching came naturally to me; the discipline and ethics of being an athlete have given me invaluable experiences that lend themselves to living and inspiring a healthy lifestyle through sport. The values I learned and integrated as an athlete overflowed into the realm of coaching. they continue to motivate me and my endeavors to this day.

Back in the High Life

As fate would have it, after a major life change years later I was drawn back to the place that has always felt like a second home. I had no plan. Soon I was teaching in Jaco and surfing the local breaks again. And while a lot has changed, the consistency and excellence of the surf breaks is the same. Even more than that, it is the simplicity of lifestyle that always pulls me in. The abundant nature, the smiles of passing strangers, the great abyss called Tico Time.

Costa Rica is an exciting place to be for any surfer and nature lover. The surf culture continues to thrive here in Jacó and other popular surf/beach communities. After being here for a year, I had an idea for a board sock design and decided to pursue it one day when I walked into a fabric store on a whim in San Jose. That was in 2013.

Our vibe – more than just board socks

Pura Vida Board Gear strives to offer a product that is functional, unique, made in Costa Rica and designed to enhance the surfing experience. However, the mission encompasses more than just board socks.

Connecting with like-minded people I’ve met through the industry has been the most rewarding part of the journey-, along with getting acquainted with some absolutely incredible and humble surfers. I often feel like I am walking among giants. 

In the past few years, I have gotten to know some of the surfers on Costa Rica’s Adaptive Surf Team. Since then, I have learned more about the different categories of adaptive surfing. As a result of my interest, I have become more involved in the sport as both a volunteer at contents and as a huge fan.

A main focus of mine has always been to provide opportunities for less fortunate youth, and the last few years those efforts have been channeled toward surf lessons for several girls in the Jaco and neighboring communities.

I’m grateful for the love and support of so many organizations, businesses and people that add to the good vibes and stoke of Pura Vida Board Gear. I am still enjoying the ride. Let’s connect and collaborate. 

Stay salty. Be kind. Smile often ~

Much love,

Kate

Owner, Pura Vida Board Gear LLC

puravidaboardgear@gmail.com

Playa Jacó, Costa Rica/Boise Idaho

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