What’s Pura Vida?
"Pura Vida means embracing a simple, joyful, and laid-back lifestyle that appreciates the beauty and wonders of life in all its forms."
Welcome to Pura Vida Ride
My name is Jake Jacobs and my family initially came to Costa Rica for a three-month vacation, but we ended up staying permanently. It was an exciting opportunity when we opened our first shop in Las Catalinas, which was just a concept at the time.
We partnered with Las Catalinas and became the second structure built in the town, even before the first houses were completed. This year we opened our second location at the new Marina Flamingo where we are proud to offer a world-class retail experience.
Before I opened Pura Vida Ride my background was in running one of the worlds leading skiwear brands, Spyder Active Sports. Over 25 years at Spyder taught me the value of uncompromising high end product and brand.
I approached the opening of Pura Vida Ride with the same high-quality standards in mind. This is reflected in all the brands we carry and our belief in exceptional customer service in both of our locations!
5 Questions With Jake
1. Tell us something we might not know about Pura Vida Ride:
Our paddle board shop in Costa Rica was the first of its kind, and we're proud to have hosted the first paddle board race in the Costa Rica in 2011. We have been hosting SUP races for over a decade since our opening.
2. Favorite thing about Pura Vida Ride in Las Catalinas:
Being able to sit in the rockers at the front of the shop enjoying delicious coffee, muffins, and looking out to the beach. Hanging out here and the vibe of the area contributes to the happiness of others who live in the community and to those on vacation. This space is my happy place!
3. What are your top 3 favorite brands:
Patagonia, Cotopaxi & Yeti from a product excellence point of view!
4. What is your drink of choice when ordering a coffee:
Oat milk cappuccino
5. Why do they call you the muffin man:
We’ve been making muffins here every day since day one. I started baking them at 5 am and bringing them into the shop before it opened everyday when we first opened. Now we can bake the muffins daily in shop since we added our new kitchen, along with freshly baked empanadas!