For decades, the idea of a “gap year” belonged to fresh-faced students taking time off before university. But in 2025, there’s a new wave of travelers swapping desks for destinations, and they’re not in their twenties. Midlife gap years are on the rise, especially among professionals 40 and up who are reevaluating what success, wellness, and purpose really mean. And where are many of them heading?
To the ocean.
At Kalon Surf, we’re seeing more professionals taking extended breaks, one week turning into three, a month-long reset blossoming into a sabbatical. Why? Because surfing offers something few other activities do: a full-body, full-mind reset wrapped in adventure, humility, and freedom.
The New Gap Year: From College Kids to Career Breakers
A decade ago, gap years were largely associated with backpacking post-grads and youthful self-discovery. But a growing number of mid-career professionals, CEOs, founders, consultants, and creatives, are booking long-term retreats to press pause, pivot, or simply breathe. The pandemic, burnout culture, and a shift toward intentional living have all contributed to this rise.
Stat to Know:
According to LinkedIn data, sabbatical mentions rose over 170% in recent years. People aren’t just burning out, they’re opting out, even if temporarily.
Why Surfing Is the Ultimate Midlife Reset
So, why surfing? What draws people with decades of experience, jam-packed calendars, and impressive resumes to the waves?
1. A Break from Control
Professionals often spend years mastering control, in meetings, outcomes, decisions. Surfing forces surrender. You can’t control the ocean. You have to feel, respond, adapt. That kind of daily humility and flow is freeing.
2. Physical Reconnection
Surfing isn’t just a workout, it’s a reawakening. Many midlife guests say they feel stronger, more alive, and more attuned to their bodies after just a week of surf. Bonus: it’s low-impact, high-reward.
3. Mental Clarity
Catching a wave requires complete focus. That kind of presence helps drown out the mental noise of to-do lists and career pressure. Many guests describe the experience as meditative, even transformative.
Why Costa Rica Is the Perfect Setting
Not all destinations are created equal when it comes to long-term travel or sabbatical retreats. Costa Rica checks every box for the midlife adventurer:
- Stable and safe for longer stays
- Warm, consistent surf perfect for all levels
- Wellness-centered culture that promotes healing, nature, and simplicity
- Digital infrastructure for those working remotely or blending work-travel
- No visa needed for stays under 90 days for most nationalities
Add in the natural beauty, biodiversity, and Kalon’s curated luxury experience, and it’s easy to see why many guests extend their stay beyond the initial week.
Who’s Booking Midlife Gap Retreats? Real Guest Profiles
At Kalon Surf, we’ve welcomed professionals of all backgrounds who’ve taken time off to reset:
- Sasha, 48, Startup Founder: Took a 3-week solo retreat after an acquisition and left with a new business idea.
- Ben & Laura, 52 & 49: Traded board meetings for surfboards as a couple’s reset after burnout from law and finance careers.
- Thomas, 57: Retired early and booked a 4-week surf retreat as his first stop in a slow-travel journey around the world.
Each story is different, but the goal is the same: clarity, connection, and a challenge worth waking up for.
How to Plan a Midlife Gap Year (Without Burning Bridges)
Thinking of booking your own midlife reset? Here’s how to make it work:
1. Start with a Test Week
Book a 7-day retreat like Kalon’s all-inclusive surf experience to see how your body and mind respond. It’s the perfect way to test the waters.
2. Use Sabbatical Policies or Remote Flexibility
Many companies now offer formal sabbaticals or flexible work arrangements. Use them. You may be surprised how many leaders respect, and admire, your choice.
3. Budget for Longer-Term Travel
Plan for 2–6 weeks. Factor in retreat costs, insurance, extra excursions, and downtime. Kalon offers concierge-level support to help extend or customize your stay.
4. Set an Intention, Not an Agenda
This isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about restoration and growth. Come with goals, but leave room for what the ocean might teach you.
Beyond the Break: What Guests Take Home
It’s not just about learning to surf. Our 40+ guests often leave with:
- Stronger bodies and healthier routines
- A renewed sense of purpose
- Creative inspiration for work and life
- Deeper personal awareness
- A community of like-minded, adventurous souls
As one guest put it:
“I came for surf and sun. I left with clarity and calm I hadn’t felt in years.”Ready for a midlife refresh? Kalon Surf offers the perfect environment to step back, breathe deep, and rewrite your next chapter. Whether it’s for a week or a month, your retreat starts here. Book your stay now and discover what the ocean has been waiting to show you.
