Meet The Team

Corina

Owner & Operations Manager | Switzerland

Corina is our fun-loving, do-it-all girl from Switzerland. She loves people and has a knack for planning mind-blowing events. She is an organizational master who has taken the operations of Rise Up Surf to a whole new level. Originally from the mountains, Corina has had the opportunity to surf in many amazing countries around the world.

Phillip

Founder & Owner | Barbados

The inspiration for Rise Up Surf comes from Phillip’s love for surfing and desire to lead a healthy balanced lifestyle, surrounded by good vibes and positive people. After several years traveling in search of waves and adventure, Phillip made Nicaragua his home. After owning and selling one of Nicaragua’s largest hostels (Bigfoot Hostel in Leon), he decided to leave the bustling city behind and create Rise Up Surf Nicaragua.

Gerritt

Manager & Surf Instructor | Kauai

Aloha, my name is Gerritt, and I hail from the island of Kauai. I like to think of myself as a jack of all trades but the master at none. I work as the manager, surf instructor, and previously as the permaculture gardener here at Riseup.

Francisco

Surf Guide & Instructor | Spain

Francisco is the action man who moved to Nicaragua from Spain, and has called Rise Up home for the past few years. He is an all-round host and surf instructor; making sure guests are always happy whether it be in the bar, surf or simply around the camp.

Charlotte

Head Chef | USA

Charlotte combines the best of Nicaraguan cuisine and her background in plant-based cooking to create plates that are colorful, nourishing and delicious. With a degree in Sustainable Agriculture, Charlotte is deeply inspired by seasonal produce rhythms and is passionate about creating menus that cater to our guests energy levels for full days of surfing, yoga and adventure.

Oscar

Surf Guide & Instructor | Nicaragua

Oscar is truly one of the most talented and fun human beings on the planet. He is an exceptionally passionate and motivated surf instructor and one of the best local surf guides around. When he isn’t surfing, he’s ensuring you are having the best time at the camp or on fun adventures in the region. Check out Oscar and some of the local crew in this Surf video.

Marvin (Chinto)

Surf Guide & Instructor | Nicaragua

Chinto is, hands down, one of the best barrel riders in Nicaragua, if not the world. He is also one of the friendliest guys on the planet. Whether it is in the water or on dry land, Chinto is the guy you always want to have around!

Norvin

Surf Instructor & Guide | Nicaragua

Norvin is a smooth and cool character that will ensure you are surfing the best waves possible while at Rise Up Surf.

Melquing

Surf Guide & Instructor | Nicaragua

Melquing has an out-of-this-world charismatic energy. After only two years working with Rise Up Surf he now speaks perfect English and continually shows our guests a good time.

Matt

Surf Guide & Instructor | United Kingdom

Matt grew up and learned to surf in England before moving to Australia in 2005. He is a high-performance coach who mainly focuses on coaching junior surfers and introducing them to the contest scene. This is Matt’s second season at Rise Up and will be at all the “On The Road” trips in 2019.

Emilie

Yoga Teacher | New Zealand

Emilie is a yoga teacher from New Zealand, dedicated to offering her students holistic practices based on the 8 limbed path of yoga. She teaches a combination of vinyasa, slow flow, hatha, yin, restorative and yoga therapy styles to suit the individual needs of students, and tailor to what they need on any given day. Classes combine asana (movement), pranayama (breath awareness), and meditation.

Vanessa

Bartender | Nicaragua

You’ll always find Vanessa with a smile on her face and she’s always happy to help you. She’s usually behind the bar and always makes sure the coffee pot topped up and the drinks fridge full.