The Rise Up Familia
Meet the Team
Owner & Operations Manager | Switzerland
Corina
Owner & Operations Manager | Switzerland
Corina
Corina is our fun-loving, do-it-all Swiss ray of sunshine. She somehow keeps Rise Up running like magic while making it look easy. She teaches and guides breathwork at our retreats and brings a calm, steady presence that everyone feels right away.
She grew up in the quiet countryside surrounded by rolling hills and cows. But living by the ocean is where her heart lies. As she likes to say, “I still have pinch me moments every day”!
Corina loves what she does. Truly. She never takes for granted the chance to weave surfing and breathwork into her day. And she appreciates working with a crew that feels like familia. Guests notice it the moment they meet her. She is warm curious and always ready for a good laugh. And she’s here to remind us all that life really can feel this good… and that you deserve every bit of it.
Founder & Owner | Barbados
Phil
Founder & Owner | Barbados
Phil
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.
Head Surf Coach | Spain
Fran
Head Surf Coach | Spain
Fran
Meet Fran, our head surf coach from Spain. This adventurous spirit is always up for exploring new breaks and sharing his love of surf with others. As a coach, Fran is patient, thorough, and passionate about helping guests catch their dream waves. Once the sun goest down, be prepared for some seriously impressive napkin tricks at the dinner table (if you know, you know !
Head Surf Coach | Nicaragua
Norvin
Head Surf Coach | Nicaragua
Norvin
Meet Norvin, our head surf coach and Nicaraguan local legend. With a calm, patient and humble approach, Norvin has been guiding our guests to catch their dream waves since Rise Up’s early days. When he’s not coaching, you can find him threading barrels at the Boom, his local break.
Videographer | Nicaragua
Yerling
Videographer | Nicaragua
Yerling
Retreat Manager | Canada
Stef
Retreat Manager | Canada
Stef
Stef is our wonderful retreat manager from Canada. With a warm smile and caring nature, Stef ensures your stay is nothing short of magical. This devoted surfer lives for sharing the stoke with guests in the water, creating unforgettable experiences that go beyond just a retreat.
Yoga Instructor | USA
Kathleen
Yoga Instructor | USA
Kathleen
Kathleen is our inspiring yoga instructor from California. With a profound understanding of yoga’s transformative power, Kathleen crafts classes that nurture both body and mind. But be prepared to laugh- Kathleen’s witty humor and playful approach ensure a joyful, smile-filled practice that will leave you feeling uplifted and refreshed!
Surf Coach & Surf Programme Manager | Sweden
Vendela
Surf Programme Manager | Sweden
Vendela
Meet Vendela, our vibrant surf coach and surf program manager. With a contagious enthusiasm, Vendela has a knack for inspiring a love for surfing with her guests. As the mastermind behind Rise Up’s innovative surf coaching methods, Vendela ensures you receive top notch guidance, empowering you to ride the waves of a lifetime!
Surf Coach | Spain
Denis
Yoga Instructor | USA
Cici
Yoga Instructor | USA
Cici
Meet Cici, our nurturing yoga instructor from Montana. With a decade of dedicated yoga study, CIci shares her wisdom with kindness and compassion. Her expertise extends to massage therapy, providing the perfect complement to our surf retreats, ensuring you stay loose, agile and ready to ride the waves!
Operations & Bookings Manager | Costa Rica
Dani
Operations & Bookings Manager | Costa Rica
Dani
Born and raised in Costa Rica, Dani brings her natural warmth and attention to detail to every guest who reaches out to Rise Up. She’s the one guiding guests through the booking process, answering every question along the way, and making sure each person feels seen before they even arrive. When she’s not behind the screen helping guests plan their dream retreat, you’ll find her catching long waves on her log, exploring beach towns, or trying out new cafés.
Surf Coach | Nicaragua
Chepo
Surf Coach | Nicaragua
Chepo
Meet Chepo, our energizer bunny! This dynamo is always fired up and read to go, with a contagious enthusiasm that gets everyone stoked. Chepo lives for helping guests get the waves of their life, and is a total legend at his local break, The Boom, where he’s always chasing the next big barrel!
Surf Coach | Nicaragua
Newman
Surf Coach | Nicaragua
Newman
Newman is our Nicaraguan surf coach with a warm and generous spirit. This kind-hearted and loving guy makes everyone feel welcome and at ease. When he’s not sharing his surfing expertise, Newman loves to bust out his signature dance moves that are guaranteed to get the party started!
Surf Coach | USA
Alek
Surf Coach | USA
Alek
Meet Alek, our skilled surf coach from Texas! As an exceptionally talented longboard, Alek delights in sharing the art of longboarding with his guests. With a vast knowledge of the sport, Alek generously imparts his expertise, guiding his guests to new heights and a deeper appreciation for the surfing life.
Surf Coach | Spain
Manu
Surf Coach | Spain
Manu
Meet Manu, our passionate surf coach hailing from Spain. With a heart of gold and soul of surf, Manu lives to share his knowledge and love of surfing with others. Also a skilled practitioner of mobility and longevity practices, Manu will help you catch your best waves and keep surfing strong for years to come.
Surf Coach | New Zealand
Paige
Surf Coach | New Zealand
Paige
Meet Paige, our awesome surf coach from New Zealand. With a sense of humour that’s second to none, Paige is always bringing stoke and smiles to the lineup. Her deep passion for the ocean shines through as she cheers on and empowers her guests to catch waves and crush goals!
Driver/Filmer | Nicaragua
Elmer
Driver/Filmer | Nicaragua
Elmer
Elmer is our go-to driver, filmer, and overall utility man. Although he’s always there making sure every retreat goes smoothly, it’s his infectious smile and warm Nicaraguan hospitality that truly makes him the heart of our operation
Driver/Filmer | Nicaragua
Javier
Driver/Filmer | Nicaragua
Javier
Javier is the jokester of our crew! As our driver and filmer, he keeps our retreats running smoothly – but its his quick wit and infectious laughter that brings the sunshine to our days.
Driver/Filmer | Nicaragua
Guayoh
Driver/Filmer | Nicaragua
Guayoh
Meet Guayoh, the ultimate triple threat! By day, he’s our driver and filmer, capturing each day’s surf action. By sunset, he transforms into a master mixologist, shaking and stirring the most delicious cocktails. And through it all, his kindness, politeness and helpfulness is what guests truly remember about him!
Photographer | Costa Rica
Felipe
Photographer | Costa Rica
Felipe
Meet Felipe, our talented Costa Rican photographer. With a keen eye for capturing life’s most precious moments, Felipe expertly freezes time in the water. But what shines brightest is his kind heart, beautiful spirit, and radiant smile that makes everyone feel at ease.
Photographer | Spain
Manu
Photographer | Spain
Manu
Meet Manu, our gifted water photographer from Spain! With an uncanny ability to be in the perfect spot at the perfect time, Manu captures the essence of your surfing experiences with an artistic flare. Beyond his impressive skills, he’s a humble and kind-hearted guy who makes everyone around him feel at ease.
Photographer | Spain
Maria
Photographer | Spain
Maria
Maria is our visionary photographer from Spain. With a vibrant creative spirit, Maria skillfully brings her imaginative ideas to life. Her gift lies in drawing out the authentic beauty in others , capturing the essence of her subjects with warmth, energy, and a keen eye for detail.
Chef | Nicaragua
Josue
Chef | Nicaragua
Josue
Bar Tender | Nicaragua
Pepe
Bar Tender | Nicaragua
Pepe
Headchef | Nicaragua
Cristina
Headchef | Nicaragua
Cristina
Yoga Teacher/Surfcoach | Dominican Republic
Cris
Yoga Teacher/Surfcoach | Dominican Republic
Cris
Surfcoach | Costa Rica
Lance
Surfcoach | Costa Rica
Lance
Surfchoach | Costa Rica
Anthony
Surfcoach | Costa Rica
Anthony
