The best surfer out there is the one having the most fun. - Phil Edwards
Surfing is the heart of the School of the World. Because of this, we take pride in finding the very best instructors to lead and guide our students. Their goal is the same as ours – to give people from all over the world the confidence and skills needed to fall in love with surfing.
Get to know a little bit about our instructors below!
Anthony “Yogi” , Costa Rican
Yogi has been surfing for nearly half his life. A native of Costa Rica, he has been surrounded by the sport for as long as he can remember. The opportunity to compete, travel and learn from some of the best surfers in the industry sparked Yogi’s desire to share the sport with others. With five years of experience as an instructor, Yogi is ISA (International Surfing Association) certified and is also trained in biomechanics and surf simulations. He uses his training to help students see how different patterns of movement influence your ability to balance, gain speed, and turn while on your board.
When not in the water, Yogi enjoys the people, culture and scenery of Jacó. He loves to cook, utilizing all of the fresh fruits and vegetables that Costa Rica offers, but you can also find him at his favorite restaurant – Soda Garabito! Yogi’s biggest piece of advice to his surf students: Embrace the community that is School of the World! Like anything else, surfing is more fun when you’re doing it with your friends!
Juan, Venezuelan
Throughout his surfing career, Juan has enjoyed surfing competitively. He has placed in national competitions all over the world, including Venezuela and Peru. For the last 10 years, Juan has been sharing his love of surfing with others. He loves teaching at School of the World because of the relaxed environment and the student’s eagerness to learn to surf. Being able to share his favorite passion with people from all over the world is something that he doesn’t take for granted. Juan’s advice on improving your surfing when not in the water is pushups and cardio! Having physical strength and resistance is a key element to being able to maintain composure when out in the surf.
In his free time, Juan enjoys eating pizza at one of Jacó’s many pizza joints, and making surfboards. He’s fallen in love with the art of board making, and has found that it’s a way to express himself creatively when not in the ocean.
Jason, American
Learning to surf at just five years old, Jason could not imagine his life without surfing being at the center of it. His favorite thing about instructing is watching people overcome their fears when in the water. The feeling of catching your first wave is a feeling that he hopes to share with everyone he goes out with. Jason’s number one reminder to his students: relax and have fun!
When Jason’s not surfing or working, he enjoys practicing yoga, mountain biking, paddle boarding and exploring the beautiful landscapes that surround the little city of Jacó. Rain or shine, it’s rare to see Jason without a surfboard under his arm. Fun fact: surfing in the rain is one of his favorite things!
Ready to meet our instructors in person? Book your trip today!
