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.

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 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 third season at Rise Up and will be at all the “On The Road” trips in 2019/2020.

Liam is one of our constant smiling surf guides from Cornwall, in the U.K. With excitement and enthusiasm with every surf, following a background of 9 years as a level 2 coach and a surf judge, you are guaranteed to have a great experience.

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!

Having been born and bred alongside the sea in Cornwall, England, Annas love and enthusiasm of all things Ocean shines through in her teaching. Her lifeguarding background and fun-loving nature will ensure you feel safe whilst learning new skills. With a playlist for any mood possible, you may find Anna dancing to herself in and out of the water.

McKinsey aims at cultivating self-awareness and acceptance through the practice of yoga and meditation. Her calm and inviting essence will help awaken the beauty, power and divine love that dwells within.

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’m 30 year old. I been working for rise up the last few years they been in Costa Rica. I love surfing and make me happy when I’m out there ,and this is what I like to convey to people when I am teaching them surfing, being happy in the water and enjoying. Pura vida

Lance is 19 years old and 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 pasión for 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!