01 Introduction
Locals Only
Team Costa Rica
Costa Rica
Safari Surf only hires and trains local staff & surf instructors.
As a sustainably conscious business, we feel reinvest in our local community. Additionally, it gives us a lower staff turnover rate. The result is a staff that truly cares about our business and our guests.
Working together for so many years, we’ve created a tight-knit group that has become like a second family. Safari Surf boasts a warm, welcoming feeling that our guests pick up on right away. When you visit, it feels like you’re amongst old friends who want nothing but the best for you. This is the “secret sauce” that sets our Costa Rica surf program and vacation experiences apart from others!
02 Coaches & Guides
Professionals
Team Costa Rica
Costa Rica Surf Coaches & Guides
- Costa Rica -
Roger aka “Pio”
With Safari since 1999
Surfing since 2010
ISA Level 2 Surf Coach & Lifeguard
“When I see guests surfing the real waves on the outside for the first time in their life…the smiles on their faces, it just changes everything for them. It’s like a light comes on for them. I love that aspect about teaching surfing!”
Alonso aka “Chumino”
With Safari since 2008
Surfing since 2010
ISA Level 2 Surf Coach & Lifeguard
“I surf for glory! And of course, I love what I do. I love meeting new people from all over the world and showing them the techniques of surfing. I also love to share my culture too with these guests.”
Erick aka “Salchi”
With Safari since 2008
Surfing since 2015
ISA Level 1 Surf Coach & Lifeguard
“I love surfing because it is therapy. Regardless of my mood, if I had a good or bad day, or if I only caught one wave; it will always make me feel better than before I jumped into the water. Sharing that kind of therapy with people is what it’s all about!”
Daniela aka “Dani”
With Safari since 2017
ISA Level 2 Surf Coach & Lifeguard
Director of Safari Surf Women’s Program
“Sharing my passion for the ocean and my home is so rewarding for me both spiritually and physically. Getting in the ocean and trying to tame her waves is a humbling experience. But at the same time such a rewarding experience for all who enter her grace and beauty. I love empowering women to conquer their fears and push forward with their best selves.”
Milton aka “Pincho”
With Safari since 2020
Surfing since 2010
ISA Level 1 Surf Coach & Lifeguard
“I love surfing and teaching because every day I learn something new about myself, the ocean, or my guests. Sharing my love for surfing and my respect for the ocean with other people is the best job in the world.”
Sam Shook aka "Sammy"
With Safari since 2023
ISA Level 2 Surf Coach & Lifeguard
Inara aka "Che"
With Safari since 2023
ISA Level 2 Surf Coach & Lifeguard
Joel Villalobos
With Safari since 2024,
surfing since 2015
ISA Level 1 & Lifeguard Certification
03 Our Crew
Cast of Characters
Team Costa Rica
Our Costa Rica Surf School
Crew
- Costa Rica -
Jeffrey Baltodano
Surf School General Manager
& Unofficial Mayor of Nosara
“I love my job and I love meeting all the amazing people that come from all over the world to visit us at Safari. People share their stories and their cultures with me, and I learn new things every day. I get to see so many guests come back year after year, so I get to know their whole family and kids and watch them grow …it’s so cool!”
Nico Loayza
Safari Surf Photographer
& Social Media Guru
Ericka Varela
Operations Assistant Manager
Marsi Marsh
Safari Surf School COO
& Travel Agent Extraordinaire
Tim Marsh
Safari Surf School CEO
& Lucky SOB
04 Reviews
What they're saying about Safari Surf?
Team Costa Rica
*****
300+ Reviews on TripAdvisor
and counting ; )
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
Our TripAdvisor’s Certificates Of Excellence