Soaring with the Pura Vida

By: Nick Greece

By KAVU

July 15^th, 2025

My Whimsical Paragliding Adventure in Costa Rica with good friends and great vibes....

If you ever find yourself wondering what it's like to flirt with the clouds while being held up by what is essentially a giant nylon jellyfish, allow me to take you on a little journey—into the sky, over the hills and coastline of Costa Rica, and slightly into my own questionable decision-making process.

We flew into San Jose with throngs of others and quickly made our way to the AVIS desk. From the very first person you encounter in Costa Rica you feel like the locals are glad you made the journey to visit them. Miles of smiles and off we went into the night for a bit of a driving bender of very short distance but relatively substantial time to get to Dominical so we could fly our paragliders the next day.

We poshed it up in Dominical and got used to being under wing again while flying a beautiful coastline from Dominical to Uvita and back. After a few days of this we headed to Rivas for a friendly competition in a very unique place.

The town of Rivas is nestled in the lush embrace of the Talamanca mountains, where everything is either green, greener, or shouting at you in floral neon. We settled into small town life and got up with the sun and took siesta when the rains started in the afternoon every day. I am happiest when time is measured by atmospheric happenings or around the sun’s movement. I assume that is what retirement is like every day;-)

Paragliding in Rivas feels like riding a hammock suspended by invisible strings of wind. Below me, the world looked like a children’s pop-up book: villages folded between rolling hills, pineapple plantations in quilted rows, a few cows living their best lives.

I wave at birds and all my friends who share the sky and the taste of clouds with me.

Some waved back. Others looked offended.

I screamed—not in fear, but in sheer, uncontainable joy. I also might have shouted “KAW KAW!!!” into the void, which I’m confident confused at least one farmer below.

The Rivas flying was great and experiencing a country through the eyes of the local community who shares your passion, ie..the Costa Rica local Pilot community, is a truly special way to travel.

Would I do it again?

Absolutely. Paragliding in Rivas is like pressing your face into the pulse of Costa Rica—and then realizing you are part of it. It’s not just about flight; it’s about freedom, laughter, and trusting the wind.