Our Staff
ANDREA DIAZ
Andrea Diaz learned to surf in Tamarindo on the heels of the boys who were always in the waves. It was this challenge that followed her into professional life when she was forced to compete in the boys' categories. Yet, with a solid and strong style, La Negria, as she is known to friends, became the Costa Rica national surf champion in 1999 and reached 5th place in the Pan-American Surf Games in 2000.
Diaz gained the attention of Roxy with her accomplishments and was added to their team riders. She was one of the first in Central America to be sent around the world for surfing photo shoots. At the same time, she continued with competitions.
It has always been her dream to teach and transmit her love of surfing and the ocean and nature. To wit, she began to prepare herself for the transition from a competitive surfer to an instructor by taking courses in CPR, first aid, and aquatic rescue. She obtained certification from the International Surfing Association (ISA) for surfing instruction.
Utilizing her training, Diaz developed solid programs of surf lessons for men, women, professional athletes, and more. In 2004, she founded Waves Costa Rica in Costa Rica with support from Roxy/Quiksilver, becoming the brand's first school of surf in Latin America.
At present, Andrea has three children, two already are destined to be great surfers.
JUAN JOSÉ RODRÍGUEZ
As Operations Manager of Waves Costa Rica, Juan José Rodríguez does practically everything. He books the surf lessons and trips, is an instructor and guide, journalist, updates Facebook and more. He enjoys the work because it keeps him close to surfing, which he started to do when he was 17 years old and visiting Jaco and Hermosa from his home in San Jose.
Prior to coming aboard at Waves Costa Rica, Rodríguez completed studies of journalism at Universidad Latina o Costa Rica. Afterwards, he worked at Latin America's surf magazine Surfos, where he gained contacts in the area's surf industry.
Rodríguez moved to Tamarindo from San Jose to work for Waves Costa Rica. He brings to the job his vast experience in the surf world.
ISAAC VEGA
As Costa Rica's National Surf Champion in xxx, it makes sense that Isaac Vega should be a surf guide for Waves Costa Rica. He has lived his whole life in this area—he was born in the nearby town of Villareal—and been surfing for 14 years.
Vega has been a team rider for Quiksilver for six years, and he loves to travel, but his heart remains in the waves that break around Tamarindo, Playa Grande, Avellanas, and Negra. No one knows the breaks around here better than Vega.
As a matter of fact, it is his love of surfing that permeates his surf guide philosophy for Waves Costa Rica. "My passion is to transmit what I know about the sport and to get others to experience the same rush," says Vega.
That means when he's out in the waves with our guests, he pays attention to their technique and watches for the details whether the surfer is a beginner or an advanced veteran.
"Andrea Diaz, one of the hottest female surfers in Costa Rica "
--Wahine Magazine
"Among the top 5 girls on the team with most exposure this year"
--Danielle Beck, Roxy Team Manager
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