Meet Our Instructors: The Team Behind Blue Mystic Surf School

A great surf lesson isn't really about the waves—it's about who's teaching you to read them. In Playa Carmen, Santa Teresa, nestled between the jungle and the Pacific coast, Blue Mystic Surf School is built around a young, local, and genuinely passionate team of instructors who've spent their lives in this water. Here's a closer look at the people behind every lesson.

Why Who Teaches You Matters

Santa Teresa draws surfers of every level—complete beginners trying it for the first time and experienced riders looking to sharpen their technique. What makes a lesson work isn't just wave conditions; it's an instructor who can read those conditions, read you, and adjust on the spot. A patient, locally raised instructor knows exactly which break suits your level that day, how to time your paddle, and how to turn nerves into confidence before you even stand up.

That's the foundation Blue Mystic Surf School is built on: instructors who didn't just learn to surf here—they grew up in these waves.

Alonso Vaz: Surf Coach & Founder

Born on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, Alonso found in surfing a way of life that connects him deeply with nature, discipline, and freedom. After more than a decade riding the waves of Playa Hermosa and Santa Teresa, he founded Blue Mystic Surf School, where he now shares his passion and experience with students from all over the world.

His approach combines technique, awareness, and mindset — helping surfers not only improve their performance but also build a real connection with the ocean through calm and confidence. For Alonso, every wave carries a lesson, and surfing is a lifelong path of growth and self-discovery.

"Keep paddling."

Jerikol García: sport—a Surf Instructor

Born among the waves of Santa Teresa and Playa Hermosa, Jerikol found in surfing much more than a mindset—helping sport—a way to live in harmony with the ocean, the body, and the mind. Every sunrise by the sea is a new opportunity to learn, grow, and share that energy with others.

As an instructor, he combines patience, technique, and good vibes, guiding each student to find their own rhythm on the board. His teaching goes beyond movement—it's about connecting with the ocean, respecting its power, and enjoying every moment in the water.

"Flow with the wave, not against it."

Kendall Lopez: Surf Instructor

A native of Santa Teresa, Kendall found in surfing much more than a sport—it became a way of life and a deep connection with the ocean. Since he first started surfing, the sea has been his favorite place in the world.

With years of experience teaching across the Nicoya Peninsula, he shares his passion with surfers from all over the world, bringing a dynamic, fun, and authentic approach to every session. For Kendall, the most important thing is to keep students focused and guide them step by step, helping each one surf with confidence and truly enjoy the process.

"The sea frees the mind and teaches respect."

Jefferson—Surf

Jefferson: Surf Instructor

From Santa Teresa, Jefferson's passion for surfing changed the way he sees life. From his very first class, he knew he wanted to dedicate himself to sharing the energy of the ocean and helping others experience that same feeling.

As an instructor, he always gives his best—safety comes first, then the joy of helping students stand up with confidence and enjoy every wave. He sees himself as a focused, patient, and committed guide for students at every stage of their surf journey.

"You can do it. No matter how hard it is, you'll make it."

Jorge Espinoza: Surf Instructor

Originally from Montezuma, Costa Rica, Jorge found in surfing a deep connection with the ocean and a way of life that inspires him every day. Positive, relaxed, and energetic, he brings great energy to every session.

His goal as an instructor is to help each student progress, listen, and truly feel the rhythm of the waves. Passionate about improving his own surfing and traveling in search of the perfect wave, Jorge lives surfing as a constant learning journey and a celebration of every moment in the ocean.

"Good vibes, good waves, and pura vida always."

A Local Team, A Personal Approach

What ties this team together isn't just certification—it's that every instructor at Blue Mystic Surf School grew up surfing these exact waters. Santa Teresa and the Nicoya Peninsula aren't just where they teach; it's where they learned, and that local knowledge shapes every lesson, from picking the safest break for the day's conditions to knowing exactly how to help a nervous first-timer relax into their first ride.

Whether you're booking a private lesson or joining a small group session, you're learning from someone who sees surfing as a way of life, not just a job—and that difference shows up in how patient, present, and genuinely invested they are in your progress.

For more on choosing the right lesson format for your trip, see our guide on private vs. group surf lessons: which is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the surf instructors at Blue Mystic Surf School?

Blue Mystic Surf School's team includes founder Alonso Vaz along with instructors Jerikol García, Kendall Lopez, Jefferson, and Jorge Espinoza—all locally raised surfers from Santa Teresa and the surrounding Nicoya Peninsula with years of teaching experience.

Are the instructors local to Santa Teresa?

Yes, every instructor grew up surfing in and around Santa Teresa, Playa Hermosa, or nearby Montezuma, giving them deep, firsthand knowledge of local breaks and conditions.

Can I request a specific instructor for my lesson?

Requests can often be accommodated, especially for private or multi-day bookings—mention your preference when booking, and the school will do its best to match you.

Do the instructors teach both beginners and advanced surfers?

Yes, the team at Blue Mystic Surf School works with surfers at every level, from complete beginners catching their first wave to experienced riders refining technique.

Ready to Learn From Our Team?

The right instructor turns a surf lesson into a genuine skill-building experience, not just a fun photo opportunity. If you're still deciding how to structure your lessons, check out how many surf lessons you need for a surf adventure or explore why small group lessons lead to faster progress.

When you're ready, book your surf lesson easily and learn directly from a local, passionate instructor who knows these waves inside and out.