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You gotta have a board that can handle both deep carves and explosive launches. Think a good-performance shortboard with solid rocker to get up and over the lip cleanly. Traction is everything, so a solid pad set-up for those in-air adjustments. Most importantly, it’s about matching your stick to the waves you’re actually surfing. John John’s boards are dialed for North Shore power—trying that on a weak beachbreak won’t get you the same pop, brah.

Yeah, you might see some salty crocs in river mouths and estuaries—so don’t surf near them! Stick to well-known breaks and listen to locals. You’re more likely to see turtles, dolphins, and rays, which is epic. On land, watch for monkeys stealing your snacks and iguanas sunbathing. It’s their home, we’re just visiting. Use common sense, don’t leave food out, and enjoy the fact you’re surfing in a jungle paradise. It’s part of the wild charm that makes Costa Rica so special.

Consistency is about linking turns and flow down the line, not just random maneuvers. Focus on your fundamentals: generate speed by pumping down the line, set your rail on bottom turns, and project toward the next section. Practice connecting a solid bottom turn into a crisp top turn. Watch footage of yourself. It’s about making every wave count, turning a section into a canvas for expression.

If you’re riding a shortboard or a fish, it’s key for control. The kicktail gives you a reference point for your back foot without looking down, helping you pivot and push through turns. For longboarding, it’s more about personal preference for the tail. Get one with a comfortable arch bar and the right amount of foam. It’s like grip tape on a skateboard—essential for performance.