In the beautiful seascape of Pavones, Costa Rica—home to the world's second-largest left-hand wave—surf culture meets spirituality through the efforts of a unique group known as Christian Surfers. This international network of missionaries is dedicated not only to catching the perfect swells but also to spreading faith among fellow surfers.
As the sun sets over the horizon, Chandler Brownlee, a 52-year-old former Baptist minister from Florida, finds himself perched on the rocks of a quiet beach, Bible in hand. While the ocean calls to surfers seeking adrenaline, Brownlee seeks something deeper: an opportunity to connect with fellow wave riders who may be open to accepting Jesus Christ.
Brownlee wears many hats; he’s a dedicated father of three, a passionate wildlife conservationist, and has a storied past as a hardcore surfer marked by tattoos. These identities, often seen as contradictions, empower his dual mission of surfing and faith sharing within the Christian Surfers organization.
With the tide settling and surfboards heading ashore, Brownlee encounters three sunburned Canadians relaxing in their rustic RV, embodying the laid-back surfing lifestyle. As they share stories and laughter, the moment reflects the community aspect of both surfing and the faith-based outreach that characterizes Brownlee's work in this picturesque locale.
In Pavones, a place known for attracting surfers from around the world, the blend of faith, fellowship, and wave riding illustrates a unique cultural phenomenon—an intersection where the thrill of the ocean meets the search for spiritual depth.
