Ivanka Trump is back on the board, and her years of practice appear to be paying off. The 44-year-old was photographed surfing during a family vacation in Costa Rica on August 23, returning to an activity that has become one of her favorite ways to stay active.
Wearing a fitted white long-sleeve surf top with black high-waisted bottoms, Ivanka took on the waves aboard a bright blue soft-top longboard.
© Backgrid/The Grosby GroupThe latest photos capture the full experience. Ivanka was seen getting to her feet and maintaining her balance as she rode the waves, extending her arms to steady herself and even flashing a shaka gesture while on the board.
Not every attempt went according to plan, though. She also took a tumble into the water before climbing back onto her board and continuing her session. By the time she returned to shore, Ivanka was all smiles.
© Backgrid/The Grosby GroupYears of practice in Costa Rica:
Surfing isn't a new vacation experiment for the former White House advisor. Ivanka has been working on her skills for years, with Costa Rica becoming one of her favorite destinations for the sport.
During a family trip in April 2025, Ivanka took private lessons at Take Off Surf School near Playa Hermosa and Santa Teresa. Jesús Zabala, the owner of the school, told local outlet CR Hoy at the time that Ivanka and her family had been taking lessons with them for more than three years.
© Backgrid/The Grosby Group"She's a good surfer, she has a very good attitude," Zabala said at the time. He also explained that particularly large waves had temporarily kept her out of the water during part of that visit.
Ivanka was later photographed catching waves during the same Costa Rica getaway, and she shared glimpses of the trip herself on social media. Reflecting on the vacation, she wrote about surfing beneath "golden skies" as part of a week devoted to spending time in nature and reconnecting with her family.
© Backgrid/The Grosby GroupHer latest outing offers another look at how the hobby has evolved. Rather than simply posing with a board, Ivanka was photographed standing and riding through the surf, recovering from falls and repeatedly heading back into the waves.
From Miami to Malibu?
The tropical getaway comes during an interesting moment for Ivanka and her husband, Jared Kushner. The couple, who have made South Florida their home in recent years, are reportedly considering spending considerably more time on the opposite coast.
© Alexander TamargoIvanka and Jared were recently spotted in Malibu, where they reportedly toured several luxury properties currently on the market. The outing fueled speculation that the couple could be considering a West Coast home base after years in Miami.
The pair were also photographed enjoying a night out at Nobu Malibu earlier this month, with Ivanka embracing the laid-back California setting in a knotted blue shirt and white floral pants.
© Michael M. SantiagoWhether Malibu ultimately becomes their next home remains to be seen. For now, Ivanka appears perfectly happy sharpening the skills she would certainly be able to put to use on either coast.
