Terms & conditions

Release of Liability Agreement

Surf & Shanti — Retreat Agreement

Hosted by Leah Hester / Surf & Shanti · Nosara, Costa Rica · leah@surfandshanti.com

1. Booking and Payments

A non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your space in the retreat.

The remaining balance is due by the date specified at the time of registration.

If payment is not received by the required due date, Surf & Shanti reserves the right to cancel the Participant's reservation and retain the deposit.

2. Cancellation Policy

If the Participant cancels more than two (2) months before the retreat start date, any balance paid beyond the non-refundable deposit is eligible for a full refund.

If the Participant cancels within two (2) months or less of the retreat start date, all payments made are non-refundable.

If Surf & Shanti must cancel the retreat due to circumstances within its reasonable control, all payments made by the Participant will be fully refunded.

In the event that the retreat must be postponed or cancelled due to circumstances outside of Surf & Shanti's reasonable control — including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, country-wide political instability, government restrictions, extreme weather events, or other force majeure circumstances — payments will not be refunded. Instead, the Participant will receive a credit equal to the amount paid, which may be applied toward another Surf & Shanti retreat within one (1) year of the original retreat start date.

3. Assumption of Risk & Liability Waiver

The Participant understands and acknowledges that participation in a Surf & Shanti retreat may include activities such as surfing, swimming, yoga, physical movement, transportation, excursions, hiking, time in or around the ocean, and other recreational or wellness activities that involve inherent risks.

These risks may include, but are not limited to, injury, illness, accidents, ocean conditions, wildlife, environmental hazards, transportation incidents, or other unforeseen circumstances.

The Participant voluntarily chooses to participate in these activities and knowingly assumes all associated risks.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Participant agrees that Surf & Shanti, its owner, facilitators, instructors, contractors, partners, employees, and affiliates shall not be held liable for any injury, illness, accident, loss, theft, damage, or other harm that may occur before, during, or after participation in the retreat.

The Participant is responsible for determining that they are physically and mentally capable of safely participating in the retreat and its activities.

4. Travel, Health & Insurance

The Participant is solely responsible for arranging and maintaining all necessary travel documentation, including a valid passport, visas when required, flights, transportation to and from the retreat destination, and any other personal travel arrangements unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Surf & Shanti strongly recommends that all Participants obtain comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for trip cancellation, medical emergencies, accidents, lost luggage, flight delays, and other unforeseen circumstances.

Surf & Shanti is not responsible for missed or cancelled flights, transportation delays, lost baggage, passport or visa issues, medical expenses, or other travel-related disruptions.

The Participant is responsible for disclosing any relevant medical conditions, injuries, allergies, dietary restrictions, or other circumstances that may reasonably affect their participation or require accommodation.

5. Participant Conduct

Surf & Shanti retreats are intended to provide a safe, respectful, supportive, and inclusive environment for all Participants.

Participants agree to behave respectfully toward other guests, facilitators, staff, local communities, accommodations, and retreat partners.

Surf & Shanti reserves the right to remove any Participant from the retreat whose behavior is considered unsafe, threatening, abusive, excessively disruptive, or significantly detrimental to the experience or wellbeing of the group.

If a Participant is removed for these reasons, no refund will be provided.

6. Photography & Media Release

The Participant understands that photographs, videos, or other media may be captured during the retreat.

Unless the Participant provides written notice to Surf & Shanti before the retreat stating that they do not wish to appear in promotional materials, the Participant grants Surf & Shanti permission to use photographs or video footage in which they appear for marketing, social media, website, advertising, and other promotional purposes. No additional compensation will be owed for the use of such media.

7. Acknowledgment and Signature

By signing and returning this agreement, the Participant confirms that they have read, understood, and voluntarily agreed to all terms and conditions outlined in this Agreement.

Please download the agreement below, sign it, and email it back to leah@surfandshanti.com before your retreat begins.