Our Team
Maykol, a multi-sport enthusiast, discovered his passion for surfing in Santa Teresa and wanted to share that joy with others. He founded Mahalo Surf Club to not only teach surfing but to create unforgettable experiences for travelers. As an ISA-certified coach and licensed ocean lifeguard, Maykol is dedicated to making every session safe and fun. He’s especially passionate about big wave surfing and working with kids, always looking for ways to improve his teaching with each new wave.
Nigel is an experienced surf coach at Mahalo Surf Club, specializing in beginner coaching and working with kids. With a calm and supportive approach, he helps new surfers build confidence and develop their skills in a fun and relaxed environment. Nigel’s dedication to teaching ensures that each session is both enjoyable and effective for those just starting out.
Nigel
Christian, a native Costa Rican, is a dedicated surf coach at Mahalo Surf Club. With a deep connection to the local waves and a passion for surfing, he’s committed to helping surfers of all levels experience the joy of riding the ocean. Christian’s easygoing nature and expert guidance make every session both fun and rewarding.
Christian
Surf Coach
Deivin is a skilled surf coach at Mahalo Surf Club, specializing in beginner and lineup coaching. He has a natural talent for working with kids, creating a fun and safe environment where they can learn the fundamentals of surfing. Deivin’s patient and encouraging style helps young surfers feel confident as they take on the waves.
Deivin
Esteban is a passionate surf coach from Costa Rica, bringing his love for the ocean and fun energy to Mahalo Surf Club. He’s all about helping surfers of all levels catch waves and improve their skills while enjoying the best surf spots on the peninsula. With Esteban, every session is a perfect mix of fun and progression.
Esteban
Sebas oversees visuals and logistics at Mahalo Surf Club, managing drop-in photo sessions to capture spontaneous moments of surfers in action. His work ensures students leave with great memories from their sessions.
Sebas
Local Beaches
PLAYA CARMEN
Playa Carmen is a beach that is accessible year round for beginners, intermediate and advanced surfers. Mostly recommended during low tide for beginners/mid to high tide for intermediates. This beach presents spilling and plunging waves, depending on the size of the swell and time of the day. Generally sandy banks.
beginner
intermediate
advanced
PLAYA HERMOSA
Playa Hermosa is a beach that is accessible year round for beginners, intermediate and advanced surfers. Mostly recommended during low tide for beginners/mid to high tide for intermediates. This beach presents spilling and plunging waves, depending on the size of the swell and time of the day. There are always sandy banks. Also counting with a permanent current that ensures an easier paddle out.
beginner
intermediate
advanced
BANANA BEACH & TROPICO LATINO
This sandy/rocky bottom break changes throughout the year, presenting rocky bottom, powerful currents and waves through the rainy season and a gentler current in the summer season. Nevertheless, always depends on the swell and tide charts. This beach presents numerous types of waves and breaks that could be interesting or helpful to improve wave reading. Available to beginners, intermediates and advanced surfers.
beginner
intermediate
advanced
PLAYA SANTA TERESA
This world famous beach presents a break alike to Playa Carmen and Banana Beach but more powerful. Available for beginners, intermediates and advanced surfers according to the tide and swell. Generally hollower during mid to low tide and slower mid to high tide. Usually crowded because of its amazing waves.
beginner
intermediate
advanced
PLAYA MAR AZUL
This rocky break is a point break generally with left waves and occasionally right waves. It is only available two hours before and two hours after high tide. This beach presents the opportunity for an easy first paddle out and a friendly introduction to the line up. Less dynamic even during big swell days. Recommended for intermediate and advanced surfers.
P.S. longboards advised
intermediate
advanced
ROCAMAR
Close to the world famous beach, Rocamar presents a break alike to Santa Teresa, powerful and dynamic. Available for intermediates and advanced surfers according to the tide and swell. Generally hollower during mid to low tide and slower mid to high tide. It is a heavier and more technical wave, recommended to those who like a dynamic surf with mostly right curling plunging waves.
intermediate
advanced
LAJAS POINT BREAK (Cabuya)
This rocky bottom break is recommended during big swell days and only three hours before and three hours after high tide. Presents one of the longest waves in the country, approximately 300 meters long, typically right waves, and friendliest option for intermediate surfers during heavy surf days.
intermediate
advanced
