Holly and Dr. Tara Ruttenberg dive into the complex realities of surf tourism in Costa Rica, with a focus on Pavones—a surf town at the center of recent government-led demolitions and mega development plans. They unpack how gentrification, foreign investment, and tourism impact local livelihoods, drawing from Tara’s research on surf localism and global development. From grassroots organizing to legal battles, this episode explores the power dynamics shaping surf town development and the critical role of locals in protecting their communities, plus what role foreigners can play in helping support them.

To support the Pavones community in their fight against mega development, donate now via GoFundMe.

Connect with us at https://surfwithamigas.com/ or @surfwithamigas.

Episodes produced and edited by Emma Roggenkamp.