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!

Stef is originally from Canada and now lives in Nicaragua. She has a management and marketing background as well as 10+ years in that field.
She has done a 500H Yoga Teaching Course in India and has travelled around the world to teach and to surf. She’ll keep you zen and will organize your week so you don’t have to worry about a thing!

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 🙂

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!

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 ☀️

Kirra was born and raised in Puerto Escondido, Mexico., likes to be surrounded by waves and hot sauce. Cross stepping and hanging 5 is her specialty but also likes to throw some turns on a shortboard.

My name is cici! I grew up in North Carolina but learned to teach yoga (and to surf) in Bali, Indonesia. I’ve studied and taught for retreats all over the world and now split my time between montana in the summers and nicaragua (and other warm + surf-friendly locations) in the winters. Because I love to surf as well, my classes are always adapted to support (and recover) what we need most out in the water!

Cara is an energetic and fun coach from England. She has been obsessed with the sea since she was little, despite being born in Sheffield (Yorkshire!). Her background is in language teaching. She has developed her surf coaching over the past 3 years in Cornwall, Portugal, and Indonesia, with a strong focus on surf therapy. She will be the one in the water singing and cheering you on all the way.

Born in England, Liam grew up surfing and surf coaching in Cornwall, is currently a beach lifeguard and has 10 years experience surf coaching in Central America. He has worked with Rise Up for three separate seasons. He’s happy to answer any questions with a smile.

Hello my name is Beatriz Barba, born in Spain in 1991, over a decade ago I discovered that photography allowed an excellent way to convey emotions. My work gravitates towards nature and surfing as the main focus although through opening up to various client proposals I have widened my scope to incorporate a wide variety of subjects, I can adapt to the clients projects. I intend to grow and develop professionally as well as on a personal level.

Rooted in Mediterranean culture, this surfer made the decision to venture out and explore the world, seeking to ride diverse waves and enhance his surfing.
With over a decade of coaching experience on the shores of Portugal and Northern Spain, this water enthusiast is here to share the stoke.
His studies in sports science and his background as a waterpolo player ensure that you’ll feel comfortable in the water and will boost your surfing skills.

Chef Bayardo Martinez is a creative and innovative gastronomic professional who has traveled across South America acquiring a great deal of experience and new cooking techniques.

Mitch is a freedom and fun seeker from the far south coast of NSW in Australia.
With years of experience practicing breathwork and surf coaching. Mitch is here to support your disconnection from the busy life and re connect back into nature, with yourself but most of all to enjoy & have a fun.

I started coaching in 2019  in France, Tenerife, Portugal and now Nicaragua (I fell in love with the country 7 years ago on a surf trip).
I changed my career after my master’s degree to pursue this lifestyle and share the stoke with people from all over the world.