Entrepreneur Tim Marsh translates his passion for surfing and sustainability into a business model that enriches local communities.
Founder of the first ever Platinum LEED Certified hotel in central America, Tim Marsh, is now spreading his business ethos to new locations. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Marsh adheres to its multiple categories and rigorous metrics in order to provide a truly sustainable surf tourism experience for people of all ages and walks of life.
Having grown up in Hawaii, Marsh has long had an affinity with the environment and the sea. Whilst working in the mortgage business, he founded Safari Surf School in Costa Rica. After eight years, he could quit his unfulfilling day job and focus on Safari Surf full-time. Twenty-two years on from its inception, the sustainable surf holiday has flourished into an immersive, activity-packed cultural experience that stays with people forever.
Before sustainability became a buzzword, Marsh was focused on hiring and training local surf instructors and staff for his company. It was a natural inclination because he understands the value this type of business can contribute to communities. By engaging with local activities, soccer games and restaurants, Safari Surf greatly enriches the local life of the town. This is a quality Marsh is determined to enshrine in any new location, wherever there is great surf, natural beauty and a compatible philosophy.
‘Pura Vida’ is an attitude in Costa Rican culture that embraces the good things in life and advocates a deep appreciation of simplicity. Guests are encouraged to abandon the fiercely productive western lifestyle and see that the world does not collapse when phones are turned off, watches removed and email unchecked. Testimonials show that a glimpse of Pura Vida has changed people’s priorities and attitudes when they return to regular life.
One of only seven ‘Blue Zones’ in the world, the inhabitants of Safari Surf’s location in Costa Rica have an unusually long life expectancy. Marsh recognized the unique appeal of the town and set up a surf holiday that would allow guests to deeply experience the local culture, whether that’s through food, fishing, soccer or music. Local wildlife is also treasured by the business. When building the hotel, they preserved 90% of the trees on site and lights were turned off at night so as not to disturb nocturnal animals.
Living amid the jungle is a privilege that Marsh does not take lightly. Hotel tours are provided if guests would like to learn more about the sustainability model and surrounding flora and fauna. However, the message is inbuilt into the hotel’s ecosystem, and guests are not required to engage with the detail. Instead, they can be found driving four-wheelers along winding tracks, diving in natural waterfalls, learning salsa, practicing yoga or riding horses on the beach. And, of course, surfing.
Each holiday package is customized to suit the person, with surf lessons as much or as little as they like. Surf instructors closely observe the skill level and adapt the course accordingly. Guests range from beginners just wanting to have fun, to serious enthusiasts that are there to improve and enhance their skills. Safari Surf welcomes everyone, whether backpackers, people holidaying solo or families who return every year.
Once Costa Rica was up and running, Marsh looked to recreate the business model elsewhere and bring the same benefits to another coastal town community. Panama was the natural choice when he visited a friend there and found a place that reminded him of a less-developed Costa Rica.
With local activities even more affordable, the Panama location has been a great success and inspired the launch of a new location in Ecuador, opening now. There are also plans afoot to bring the experience to Europe, with a surf school opening in Portugal in 2023.
Superlative customer service sets this surf school apart from others. Marsh ran a painting business for ten years and learned first-hand the value of word of mouth. By tending to guests’ needs and going the extra mile, Safari Surf ensures repeat visitors and glowing reports. The success of this approach is reflected in the sales figures of over £1,000,000 per year.
More important than profit, though, is the authenticity of the experience that Marsh provides. His staff has been with him for decades, a reflection of the committed and open way he runs his business. He is passionate about providing a gateway into genuine Latin culture for guests. This heartfelt community integration and dedication to sustainability is making waves in the surf tourism industry.
To learn more about adventures that await you at Safari Surf School, visit www.safarisurfschool.com
