Travis Bays

Surfing in Uvita

Travis doing some afternoon carving

Travis wears many hats for Bodhi Surf, acting as one of our surf instructors, coordinating daily operations, and leading our business development. However, Travis’ greatest role is guiding Bodhi Surf’s community development efforts.

From the moment one meets Travis, it is evident that he is a man of ideas; always thinking of new projects to take on, connecting with individuals, looking for ways to improve upon things.

If you are wondering, “How does one person manage to be involved in so many aspects and do so much?”, let us know because we often wonder the same thing. But one thing is certain, his tireless work ethic and unmatched energy have given life to Bodhi Surf.

Background

Travis was born and raised in San Diego, California. A beach-lover since the age of 6, Travis was first exposed to the concept of surfing as he experimented riding waves atop his Morey boogie board. An athlete of many sports, including baseball, football, and soccer, he began surfing at the age of 14 while maintaining a balanced interest in all sports.

It was during his college years that Travis became forever linked to surfing. He joined the National Scholastic Surfing Association, began surfing for Don Laughlin Sea Brothers Surf Boards, became a member of the University of San Diego Surf Team, and was an owner/operator of Evening Glass Surf School in Mission Beach.

This is not an exaggeration, he did all this on top of attending classes, double majoring in Economics and Anthropology!

Travis excelled as both, a competitor and surf instructor. His ability to relate his first-hand experience as a competitor to his surf students was key in bringing out the best in his students and keeping surfing fun.

The surfing, coaching, and business experience that Travis accumulated during his college years, he now applies to Bodhi Surf School activities.

Work Experience

In 2004, after a brief stint working for Wells Fargo Financial as a Credit Manager, Travis decided the nine to five desk job was not for him and applied to join the Peace Corps. In 2005 Travis was placed in Bahia Ballena, Costa Rica as a Peace Corps Micro-enterprise Volunteer. With his previous business experience and education, Travis was an ideal candidate for teaching small-business development and guiding local community members in the creation of their own micro-credit bank.

After two years of volunteer service in Bahia Ballena, Travis took on an administrative role for the central offices of Peace Corps Costa Rica coordinating new volunteers.

Once out of the Peace Corps Travis became an independent consultant for FINCA Costa Rica and the CRUSA Foundation, specializing in community economic development and the creation of micro-credit banks in the Osa region.

Travis’ extensive work and time at the community level has given him a local knowledge and understanding of the area that is not easily acquired.

Surfing Experience

Travis began surfing as a teenager, joining the La Jolla Shores Longboard Association and competing at the age of 16. During his competitive years Travis won numerous awards and was rated #3 in California in the College Longboard Division as a member of the University of San Diego Surf Team.

Though Travis was able to compete at a high level, he’s always found surfing to represent more than a physical activity or a past-time. His surfing style and approach towards surfing resembles that of earlier generations, those often considered “soul surfers”.

When Not Working

During the brief periods when Travis is not working on one of his projects he enjoys reading up on community economic development (yes, pretty dry stuff), spending time with his family, traveling, and of course surfing. Some of Travis’ favorite things are:

  • Food: Greek Gyros, Fish Tacos, Pizza, Chips and Herdez Salsa, Oatmeal Cookies
  • Wave: hmmm? Keep that a secret.
  • Surfboard: 9’0” Sea Brothers (oh how I miss her!!!), 6’4” Quad Sea Brothers (it’s like a skateboard!!)
  • Trip: Baja California Trips with the boyz.
  • Way to travel: Low profile – community based. I like to deeply engage with the people and places I visit.

Notable Trainings & Certifications

  • Omar Dengo Foundation: Teaching Computer Basics
  • Rainforest Alliance: Introduction to Best Practices for Sustainable Tourism
  • Peace Corps Costa Rica: Training of Trainers
  • Peace Corps Nicaragua: Project Design and Management; Community Banking; Peer Support Network
  • Peace Corps Washington: Diversity Training and Learning Objectives, Monitoring and Evaluation
  • CPR Today: Comprehensive BLS (Basic Life Saving) Program