As we mentioned in our Sustainability Goals for 2021 post, our local staff are the x-factor of Safari Surf School. As the first school to open up shop in Nosara, back in 1999, Safari Surf has been a trendsetter for similar businesses in Costa Rica. In over 20 years in business in Costa Rica, we’ve learned that no one quite compares to the local community. Our staff has a deep passion for surfing, the ocean, and sharing Costa Rican culture and Pura Vida hospitality with our guests. Since we were the first surf school to open in Nosara, some of our staff members have been with us for decades. Others have come on board a bit later, but either way, our staff is our family. In this week’s Safari Surf Staff Highlight, we introduce one of our surf coaches who is also the assistant manager and head of our women’s retreat, Dani. Dani and I caught up after his morning lesson.
safair surf


Hey Dani, what part of Costa Rica are you from?
“I’m from Cartago, Costa Rica, just south of San José.”
So, being from a land-locked part of the country, when did you start surfing?
I started surfing in Jaco when I was around 20 years old. 8 years ago, I moved to Playa Pelada and really got into surfing.

Very cool. How long have you been a surf instructor at Safari Surf School?
I’ve been working with Safari for just over four years now, coming up on five this fall.
What’s your favorite wave in all of Costa Rica?
That’s hard to say, but I think it would have to be Matapolo near Pavones. Here in Guanacaste, I love surfing Playa Guiones.
What are some of your favorite places to eat around Guiones and Nosara?
I really love the food here. I love the Summer Bowls from Diez Pies, the acai bowls from Go Juice, and the coffee from El Jardin is the best. I also love the poke from the Organic Market, the Falafel Box, and the Italian Ice cream from Seekret Spot.
What do you love about your job?
I think the connection I get to make with students as they progress. I love introducing people to the sport of surfing and watching it become a lifestyle for them.