Surfing/volunteering in Costa Rica?

Hey all, not sure if this is in the right thread or not, but I am looking at volunteering down in Costa Rica this upcoming summer and wondering if:

A) anyone lives/lived there and can tell me how is it to be there, imersed in the culture and if it is safe

B) is there good surfing there? And if so, shall I expect to book a return ticket? lol

C)have you volunteered there?

I was born and raised in a small Canadian town so the only place I have travelled is to Minnesota and have not yet bared whitness to this unique world we live in. Any info and personal stories of Costa Rica are much appreciated!

 

I Have friends That have lived down there for 20 years. Might be safer then some American Cities.