About

Hi, this is Kate.

Pura Vida Board Gear was inspired in 2013 by the desire to create a board sock 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.

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. 

Pursuing my Passions

I’ve always loved sports and my passion for the Spanish language started in the seventh grade. Eventually I pursued teacher certification in Spanish to add to a Masters in Elementary Education in Graduate School. My love for running led to an athletic scholarship to help me pay for school.

My background in teaching and soon coaching has helped shape my path. The discipline and ethics of being both a teacher and athlete have given me invaluable experiences. They lend themselves to living a healthy lifestyle through developing your mind and staying physical fit, continually setting goals and challenging yourself. 

Once I started surfing, I started to favor the unpredictability and challenges of waves over running and it became my favorite pastime.

Back in the Pura Vida

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 like a perfect set of waves. 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. National surf is exploding and Costa Rica has established itself internationally through the successes of its surf teams. Carlos Munoz, Leilani McGonagle and Brisa Hennessey are three role-models that younger surfers look up to.

Our vibe – more than just board socks

Pura Vida Board Gear offers 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 meeting 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 nine different categories of Adaptive Surfing through volunteer opportunities and am a huge fan. Check it out for yourself if you haven’t: there are many opportunities to both participate and volunteer. 

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. Now you know a little about me, I’d enjoy hearing a part of your journey. 

Stay salty. Be kind. Smile often ~

Kate

Owner, Pura Vida Board Gear LLC

Updated 5/17/2025

puravidaboardgear@gmail.com

Playa Jacó, Costa Rica/U.S.A. 

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