Meet The Team

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.

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.

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.

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

Kim was born in London learned to surf in Cornwall and has coached in England Namibia Australia and now Nicaragua! She’ll answer questions you didn’t know you had whilst keeping you laughing!

Matt is a creative photographer, with a positive and energetic manner, who will capture the memorable surf and adventure shots of your trip to take home for posterity.

My name is Aaron garcia , I’m from Costa Rica, local of cabo matapalo península de osa. I have been working for Rise Up for the last few years while they have been in Costa Rica. I love surfing, it makes me happy when I’m out there, and this is what I like to convey to people when I am teaching them to surf, being happy in the water and enjoying. Pura vida

Lance is from Costa Rica. He’s a local to the southern part of Costa Rica, where he grew up not only to become a passionate surfer but to also become a surf guide who loves to share his passion and knowledge of the sport and help people improve in their surfing. He will be helping with improvement in and out of the water.

From banking in NY to running our marketing, socials and PR Ash brings a fresh perspective and takes on everything with a smile. Ash has a unique perceptive having originally been a guest at Rise Up, she is always looking for ways to spread the story of Rise Up.

Australia is home for Ash but you can’t find her in one place for too long. She is always looking for the next adventure! If you have any questions about Rise Up, want to partner with us or learn more about Ash’s experience hit one of the socials below and she’ll be in touch!

I grew up in Sweden where there isn’t really any surf at all. When I was 18 I moved to Australia and kind of randomly stumbled into surfing and started loving it. I used to run women’s skate and surf programs in New Zealand and recently moved to Nicaragua for its beautiful empty lineups and long lefts 🙂

Jenna is originally from Chicago, but fell in love with the ocean, and now calls Nicaragua home. Uniting the mind, the body, and the breath, she uses yoga as a tool to help strengthen her students’ connection to themselves. Each class you can expect deep stretches, relaxing vibes, and good tunes!

My name is Paige Newman. 

I’m from Aotearoa, New Zealand. I grew up surfing the deep south of Ōtākou. In NZ I had a major impact on our wāhine progression programs and meet ups, surf camps, skate workshops and leading the next generation of female surfers. I have a passion for chasing waves and spending time in and around the water ☀️

Andrea is from Costa Rica and moved from the capital to the south to fall in love with the jungle, the ocean and surfing. She studied human nutrition and is a passionate yoga teacher and a spiritual soul.  Life took her to work in tourism, and she has a lot of experience in hotel management. Now she’s swirling around all over Central America to make sure your Rise Up retreat is an unforgettable experience!