This post was written by students: Brendan and Eric.

Today the group split into two groups: surfers and hikers. After consulting with one another, the hikers decided to take a three-hour trek to Sierra Negra. The hike itself was rather easy, and even though it was muddy and slippery, the view from the top made everything worth it! Sierra Negra Volcano is a huge caldera, 8km in diameter, and it was one of the greatest views we have ever seen. We were so high up that we could see all the other volcanoes on the island!

The surfers spent the morning lounging around, waiting until the afternoon surf lesson. We were taught by the biggest surfer dude outside of Los Angeles that any of us had ever seen, and he schooled us in the ways of the waves. Surfing was a little more taxing than we expected and some of us ended up tired and cramped. Brendan happily stepped in for his group mates and joined Tim and Eric for the duration of the lesson. In the end, all of us were able to stand and ride at least one wave!

— Brendan and Eric