The Full Story
About
Founded by ocean adventurer Miguel Sanchez, and with the invaluable help of Chalio & Mario, skilled craftsmen with decades of experience building fishing boats in this Pacific coastal town, Outrigger Canoe Costa Rica brings the heart of Playas Del Coco to life through artisanal handcrafted outrigger canoes. Born and raised in the coastal community, our founders seamlessly blend maritime traditions with modern craftsmanship, creating vessels that not only navigate the ocean waters but also embody the spirit of Costa Rica.
Mario Pizarro Alvarado
The best piece of advice I've ever been given is: Be honest and legal. Simple but profound, this advice has guided me to lead a life of integrity and transparency.
If I could invent a holiday, it would definitely involve: Being with my family on the beach or in the mountains. Whether it's the sound of waves or the tranquility of the peaks, family time in nature is unbeatable.
What's the most inspiring part of your job? The creativity and innovation. To think. Every day brings a new challenge and a new opportunity to think outside the box and create something amazing.
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be: Mental power to choose a better life. With this superpower, I'd have the wisdom to make the best decisions for a fulfilling and enriching life.
In another life, I'm pretty sure I was: A traveler discovering new things. The thrill of exploration and the joy of uncovering new places and cultures would have been my life's passion.
Chalio - Isaías Mendoza Mendoza
The best piece of advice I've ever been given is: Don Hans told me that whenever I was going to build any boat, I should do it the best way possible. And with repairs, it's essential to open everything up to see the insides before passing along a quote. This advice taught me the value of thoroughness and excellence in everything I do.
If I could invent a holiday, it would definitely involve: Being in nature, in the mountains, with my family. Imagine a day dedicated to hiking, picnicking under the trees, and breathing in the fresh mountain air with your loved ones. Pure bliss!
What's the most inspiring part of your job? Starting a project and the first steps to making it a reality. There's something magical about seeing an idea take shape and knowing that your hard work is bringing it to life.
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be: Reading people’s minds. Just think about all the secrets you could uncover and the mysteries you could solve with a power like that!
In another life, I'm pretty sure I was: A Guanacaste Tree. Majestic and rooted in the rich soil of Costa Rica, I would have been a silent witness to history and a provider of shade and shelter.
Miguel Sanchez
The best piece of advice I've ever been given is: If you cannot make your life longer, make it wider. This wisdom encourages me to live fully and embrace every opportunity for adventure and learning.
If I could invent a holiday, it would definitely involve: A trip with my family to discover a culture we don’t know, with an epic outdoor adventure accompanied by good food and friends. Picture an exciting journey full of new experiences, delicious meals, and cherished moments with loved ones.
What's the most inspiring part of your job? The creative side of it. Visualizing ideas or things that later become a reality that you can share. It's incredibly satisfying to see a vision come to life and know it will be enjoyed by others.
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be: Fly like a bird and swim like a dolphin. The freedom to soar through the skies and glide through the water would be exhilarating.
In another life, I'm pretty sure I was: A bird or a dolphin. Perhaps both! The best of both worlds, experiencing the heights of the skies and the depths of the oceans.
