SAFARI SURF SCHOOL STAFF See more pictures of Tim and Tyler Your instructors have over 75 years of surfing experience combined and it shows in their knowledge of the ocean, the environment, surf etiquette, and safety.
Tim & Tyler
Marsh Owners / Instructors: Tim and Tyler Marsh own and operate Safari
Surf School. They
were raised on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, and have been surfing
almost as long as they've been walking. They've spent they're life traveling to
surf waves in Indonesia, Fiji, Tahiti, Australia,
Mainland and Baja, Mexico, and of course - Costa
Rica. They both realized that Costa Rica was home to the good
life - Pura Vida - and an ideal location to eventually set up Safari
Surf School.
Tim lives and works in San Diego, California. He's the
guy who will help you make all your arrangements
and reservations for your Costa Rican
adventure. While Tim visits and instructs at the School as often as possible, Tyler lives in Nosara and
is your prime surf instructor, local guide, dining guru and
all-around point man. Together, they make sure every aspect
of your travels, lodging, surfing and other amenities are all
you expect - and more.
Tim, Tyler and all of our instructors are Red Cross-certified
and trained in Ocean Rescue and first aid.
Tyler Marsh: Proprietor/Lead Surf Instructor ISA Certified Surf Instructor Tyler has been surfing for over 30 years, and has taught thousands of people the art of surfing. Tyler has been living in Nosara for over 13 years and is now considered the unofficial "mayor" of Nosara.
Rolando "Rolo" Lopez: Surf Instructor ISA Certified Surf Instructor Rolando has been with Safari Surf School for the last 8 years and is one of our main instructors. His personality, charm, and professional approach separate him from the average surf instructors of the world. He is amazing with all the guests and a “fan” favorite of many! He was born and raised in Nosara and is a regular ripper in the line up as well. His smile and “pura vida” vibe is infectious! He speaks fluent English.
Owen Stoneman: Surf Instructor ISA Certified Surf Instructor Owen is a professional surf instructor/surf guide with experience teaching surfing at various levels in the UK, Australia, the Canary Islands, Portugal, Ireland, Morocco, Costa Rica, and Panama. He is smart too! Owen has an HND in Surf Science and Technology, a BSC, and a degree with honors in Environmental Resource Management. Owen has been surfing short and long boards for over 15 years and relishes every day he has in the coastal environment he loves… and it shows!
Alonso "Chumino" Aragon: Surf Instructor ISA Certified Surf Instructor Alonso, otherwise known as “Chumino” to his good friends, has been with Safari Surf School for over 5 years and is another one of the top your surfing talents in Nosara. He really enjoys meeting and teaching tourists from all over the world. He has a special place with the kids though… they just love working with Chumino! Alonso is an ISA Certified Level 1 surf instructor.
Pio Ruiz: Surf Instructor ISA Certified Surf Instructor
Pio is a Nosara native and top local surfer who's been instructing with Safari Surf School for more than 10 years. He speaks fluent English, and loves to work with families, especially if he can get one of the kids to be the first to catch a wave! Pio has excellent wave and people skills! His charm and genuine personality is what attracts people to him.
Helvin Rios: Surf Instructor ISA Certified Surf Instructor
Helvin is a Nosara local and one of the best surfers in the water! He has been surfing almost as long as he has been walking. He is passionate about teaching the art of surfing and he enjoys meeting the guests that come to us in Costa Rica from all over the world. His smile and attentive approach to teaching is contagious.
Helvin is an ISA Certified Surf Instructor.
Sonja Marikovics: Operations Manager/Surf Instructor ISA Certified Surf Instructor Sonja comes to Safari Surf School from lovely New York City. She is an "alumni" of Safari Surf School's program and fell in love with the people, the place and the enchanting vibe of Nosara. Sonja keeps Safari Surf School's operations running smoothly in Costa Rica.
Nico Almeida: Surf Instructor ISA Certified Surf Instructor Nico came to us from teaching surfing in Peniche, Portugal. Nico is an International Business and Human Resources graduate. In addition to being an experienced surfing instructor, he is also experienced in teaching english and working in the hospitality and construction industries in the U.S. and Europe.
Ricardo Moraga: Surf Instructor ISA Certified Surf Instructor Ricardo came to Safari Surf School last year from up North in the Playa Grande area. He is a well rounded surfer and a great surf instructor with amazing patience who really loves to teach the sport and art of surfing. His English is exceptional as he has studied in San Jose at the local University.
