About Us
Welcome to Sandpiper – Where Passion Meets Performance
At Sandpiper Surf Academy, we take inspiration from the agile, free-spirited sandpiper—a bird that dances with the waves, thrives along the shore, and embodies the harmony of land and sea. Just like these coastal wanderers, we believe surfing is about grace, adaptability, and pure joy in the rhythm of the ocean.
At Sandpiper, we’re more than just a surf academy — we’re a movement dedicated to shaping the next generation of high-performance athletes through long-term development and a deep love for the ocean.
Whether you're catching your first wave or refining advanced techniques, our surf programs are designed for all skill levels — beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Everyone is welcome to join the Sandpiper community and experience the thrill of surfing in a supportive, world-class environment.
As a company 100% committed to the surf industry, our mission is to grow the sport, elevate local talent, and contribute meaningfully to the development of surfing in our country.
Meet The Team
Flaco Naranjo
Head Coach & Co-Founder
Juan Carlos Naranjo built an outstanding career in Costa Rican and international surfing. For over a decade, he competed at the highest level, representing Costa Rica in World Championships, Pan American Games, Central American Games, and the Latin American Circuit. His consistent performance earned him respect and recognition within the surfing community.
After retiring from active competition, Juan Carlos channeled his experience into high-performance coaching. Certified as an ISA Level 2 Coach, he applies a technical, physical, and mental approach grounded in his firsthand experience at elite-level events. He has been part of the coaching staff for the Costa Rican National Surfing Team, successfully leading teams at:
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ISA Junior World Championships El Salvador 2022
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Central American and Caribbean Games El Salvador 2023 (Silver in Women’s Longboard, Bronze in Men’s Longboard)
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Pan American Surfing Games Guatemala 2025 (Silver in Women’s Longboard)
His competitive edge lies in combining deep knowledge of the local environment (wave types, competition criteria, dominant styles), rigorous technical discipline, and a performance-driven mindset. Today, Juan Carlos goes beyond his legacy as a surfer: he is a strategist, mentor, and shaper of new generations, committed to transforming potential into measurable achievements.
Sara Vargas
Co-Founder & Chief of Administration and Marketing
As the co-founder of Sandpiper Surf Academy, Sara Vargas is the driving force behind the company’s administration and marketing strategies. With a solid background in both traditional and digital marketing, as well as communications, she brings a wealth of knowledge to elevate the Sandpiper experience.
Sara holds a diploma in Digital Marketing, Sponsorship, and Communication in Sports from the prestigious Barça Innovation Hub, further refining her expertise in the sports industry.
With her unique skill set, Sara is committed to empowering our high-performance athletes, helping them harness the power of social media to boost their personal brands and secure valuable sponsorships. Through tailored social media management and strategic guidance, she ensures our athletes present a strong, professional image to the world.
Juan Serioli
Head Fitness Coach
Juan Serioli is a Physical Education teacher and a fitness coach specialized in surfing, with extensive experience working with both professional and amateur surfers.
He is the Director of Dharma Entrenamiento and the head fitness coach at Sandpiper Surf Academy—two organizations that work in close partnership to provide a comprehensive approach to surf athlete development. This collaboration brings together Sandpiper’s technical coaching excellence with Dharma’s high-performance physical training.
Juan oversees the physical preparation of our athletes before, during, and after competitions, focusing on peak performance, injury prevention, and effective recovery. His method combines functional training, continuous support, and a deep understanding of the physical demands of competitive surfing.
MISSION & VISION
OUR MISSION
At Sandpiper Surf Academy, our mission is to establish the premier high-performance surf academy in Costa Rica. We are dedicated to fostering the growth of the surf industry by inspiring and training the next generation of professional athletes.
Our approach is built on a foundation of high-quality coaching, deep respect for the ocean, and a passionate love for the sport. We are committed to providing a transformative experience that nurtures personal, physical, and psychological growth while fostering a profound connection with nature.
Through fun, sustainable, and professional learning, we empower our athletes to reach their full potential — both in the water and in life.
OUR VISION
To be a leading force in the development of high-performance athletes in Costa Rica, guiding their growth with discipline, integrity, and excellence.
We promote a responsible and sustainable surf culture that positively impacts our communities and the environment. We aspire to train the next generation of professional surfers who will excel both nationally and internationally, becoming ambassadors for the sport and for ocean stewardship.
our values
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Responsibility
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Integrity
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Quality and Excellence
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Teamwork
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Discipline
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Respect For Nature
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Safety
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Inclusivity
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Passion For Surf
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Fun