The inception of the Costa Rica Adventure Academy, spearheaded by Suresh Krishnan, the proprietor of Desafio Adventure Company, marks a pivotal move to train the upcoming cohort of adventure guides. Focused on leadership, safety, and service, this initiative aims to elevate the adventure industry and foster robust community connections.
In March, a group of seven young Costa Rican men, predominantly from rural regions, completed their training at the Costa Rica Adventure Academy. Four of them, with indigenous BriBri roots from the Caribbean coast, formed the group named Di_Na-Mu, translating to Jaguar in BriBri.
Drawing inspiration from his U.S. military training, Krishnan infused elements of discipline and leadership into the academy’s curriculum. “So much of what I learned in the Army applies to my business,” Krishnan reflected.
Despite Costa Rica’s reputation as a peaceful, military-free country, Krishnan contends that a nation’s military ethos plays a pivotal role in shaping leadership, especially for the youth. “In my experience, we lack a strong culture of leadership in Costa Rica,” notes Suresh.
To impart an intensive leadership course, Krishnan enlisted three seasoned Master Guides, each boasting over 15 years of local and international adventure expertise.
The Adventure Academy’s training objective is to prepare both the mind and body for the challenges of the adventure tourism industry and the unpredictable natural environment. “Our Master Guides leveraged Costa Rica’s natural wonders—rivers, canyons, lakes, and rainforests—as classrooms,” Krishnan explained. The training included a demanding 2-hour rough-water swim in Lake Arenal, followed by an overnight camping experience in the elements.
Participants in the Costa Rica Adventure Academy engaged in self-competitive activities, fostering teamwork and mutual understanding. They acquired skills in raft guiding, tropical waterfall rappelling, and hiking in extreme conditions, complemented by rigorous physical training. Post this one-month training, they showcased their capabilities in the Costa Rica National Rafting Competition, securing an impressive fourth place.
While physical prowess is crucial for adventure guides, Krishnan emphasizes the multifaceted nature of leadership. A leader, in his view, must be an adept listener, a quick thinker, and prioritize safety and customer service. Students were evaluated on problem-solving abilities, adherence to safety protocols, and their capacity to deliver outstanding customer service. “Our focus was solely on enhancing the client experience,” Krishnan affirmed.
Observing the transformation of this group into strong leaders, Krishnan expressed confidence in steering adventure tourism towards enhanced safety, strength, and success. “The Di_Na-Mu graduates from the Costa Rica Adventure Academy are poised to become exceptional leaders.”