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OUR CHAMPS

Sandpiper Surf Academy, where passion meets precision. This is the home of our elite athletes—dedicated surfers who embody the spirit of high-performance training and the pursuit of excellence in every wave.


Whether it's refining technique, mastering competition strategies, or building mental resilience, our athletes are equipped with the tools to excel on the global stage.


In this section, you'll meet the individuals who push boundaries, inspire peers, and represent the pinnacle of surfing talent. Each story is a testament to dedication, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
Join us in celebrating their journeys and the waves they conquer. 

MEET OUR current ATHLETES

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Kenay Ruiz

Kenay Ruiz is an emerging talent in Costa Rica's surfing community. As of 2025, he competes in the Grommets (Sub 14) category, showcasing his skills on the national stage. Kenay's dedication to the sport is evident through his consistent performances and commitment to training.

 

He is part of a group of athletes at Sandpiper Surf Academy who are preparing to elevate Costa Rica's presence in the world of competitive surfing.

Sandpiper Surf Academy
Lucia Cristi

 Lucía Cristi is a talented young surfer from Tamarindo, Costa Rica. In 2025, she achieved notable success in the national surfing scene.

  Notable Results  

  • 2025 Costa Rican National Surf Circuit (Santa Teresa): Lucía secured first place in the Sub 16 (Girls) and first place in the Sub 14 (Grommets) category at Playa Santa Teresa, showcasing her skill and determination.

  • 2025 Costa Rican National Surf Circuit (Jacó): Lucía improved her previous results and clinched the first position in the Sub 16 category, tightening her position in the overall national ranking.

  • Selected to represent Costa Rica in the 2025 South American Surf Championship in Chicama, Peru, as part of the national Junior Women (sub 18) team

  • Currently ranked 2nd position in the Girls Category and 3rd in the Junior division of the National Surf Circuit.

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Simon Roberts

Simon is one of our most dedicated surfers—he hasn’t claimed any trophies yet, but don’t let that fool you. Every time he hits the water, he’s putting in the work: early morning sessions, deliberate paddling practice, and pushing his limits in challenging conditions. His mindset is pure growth: he treats every wipeout as an opportunity to learn, just like breaking down a skill into its smallest parts and mastering each one before moving on.

 

He embraces every session fully, ready to adapt and grow, embodying what we believe at Sandpiper: surfing is a path of passion, resilience, and personal discovery. With his dedication, positive energy, and relentless work ethic, we know it’s only a matter of time before breakthrough moments start to come.

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Simon Ruiz

Simón Ruiz is a rising star in Costa Rica's surfing scene. His dedication to the sport and consistent results make him a promising talent to watch in the competitive surfing arena.

  Notable Results  

  • 2024 Costa Rican National Surf Circuit (Cocles): Simón secured first place in the Boys (Sub 16) category, showcasing his skill and determination.

  • 2024 Costa Rican National Surf Circuit (Guiones): Simón achieved fourth place in the Boys (Sub 16) category, contributing to his overall strong performance in the season.

  • Currently ranked in the 10th position in the Junior Category of the National Surf Circuit.

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Zoe Ruiz

Zoe's dedication to the sport and her impressive results indicate a promising future in competitive surfing.

 

  Notable Results  

  • 2025 Costa Rican National Surf Circuit (Cieneguita): Zoe clinched first place in the Girls Under-16 category, demonstrating her competitive edge.

  • 2025 Costa Rican National Surf Circuit (Santa Teresa): In the Girls Under-16 category, Zoe advanced to the semifinals, finishing fourth.

  • 2025 Copa Havaianas (Jacó): Zoe secured second place in the Grommet Girls category.

  • Selected to represent Costa Rica in the 2025 South American Surf Championship in Chicama, Peru, as part of the national Grommets team.

  • Currently ranked 3rd position in the Girls Category and 2nd position in the Grommets division of the National Surf Circuit.

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BELLA AYRE

Isabella Ayre is a dedicated young surfer from Costa Rica, she has consistently demonstrated her skills in national competitions, particularly in the Junior Female (Under 18) category.

 

  Notable Results  

  • 2025 Costa Rican National Surf Circuit (Jacó): Isabella competed in the Junior Female category, finishing fourth with a score of 5.36 points.

  • Currently ranked on the 4th position in the Open Category and 4th in the Junior division, of the National Surf Circuit

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Chace Quarles

Chace is a talented surfer who has demonstrated outstanding performance in the Costa Rican National Surf Circuit.

 

  Notable Achievements  

  • Ranked 8th in the Junior (Under-18) category: Competing against some of the best young surfers in the country, Chace has secured a spot among the top 10 in this competitive age group.

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Dario Vargas

Dario Vargas Stenberg is a promising young surfer from Costa Rica. As of 2025, he has achieved notable success in the national surfing scene.

 

  Notable Results  

  • 2025 Costa Rican National Surf Circuit (Santa Teresa): Dario secured first place in the Grommets (Sub 14) category with a score of 10.53 points, showcasing his skill and determination.

  • Selected to represent Costa Rica in the 2025 South American Surf Championship in Chicama, Peru, as part of the national Grommets team

  • Currently ranked 5th position in the Grommets Category of the National Surf Circuit.

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Eliott Videau

 Eliott Videau Toyes is a talented young surfer from Costa Rica. As of 2025, he has been making significant strides in the national surfing scene.

  Notable Results  

  • 2025 Costa Rican National Surf Circuit (Santa Teresa): Eliott secured second place in the Sub 16 (Boys) category, showcasing his skill and determination.

  • 2025 Costa Rican National Surf Circuit (Jacó): Eliott competed in the Sub 16 category, finishing fourth with a score of 5.36 points.

  • Currently ranked 4th position in the Boys Category of the National Surf Circuit.

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Ruth Daniel

 Ruth is a dedicated longboard surfer from Costa Rica. As of 2025, she has been actively competing in national events, showcasing her skills and passion for the sport. Her achievements contribute to the growing presence of female surfers in Costa Rica's competitive longboard division.

  Notable Results  

  • 2025 Costa Rican National Surf Circuit (Santa Teresa): Ruth secured third place in the Longboard Women category.

  • 2025 Costa Rican National Surf Circuit (Jacó): Ruth competed in the Longboard Women category, finishing in fourth place.

  • Currently ranked in the 2nd position in the Longboard Women Category and 5th in the Longboard Men division of the National Surf Circuit.

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Valeska Montoya

Valeska Montoya is a promising young surfer from Costa Rica. Her dedication to both her sport and community underscores her potential as a future leader in Costa Rican surfing.

  Notable Results  

  • Currently ranked in the 5th position in the Junior Women Category of the National Surf Circuit.

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Uriya Daniel

Uriya is a true soul surfer whose love for the ocean radiates both in and out of the water. He may not have claimed major titles yet, but his influence goes far beyond medals. With a warm smile, he’s always the first to cheer on teammates, share advice, or give friendly encouragement after a tough set. He embodies the spirit of surfing—connection, camaraderie, and the freedom of the ride.

Though trophies may come later, Uriya is already a champion of what truly matters: spirit, teamwork, and the pure joy of surfing. We’re proud to have him as a cornerstone of Sandpiper Surf Academy’s crew.

At Sandpiper Surf Academy, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of elite surfers. Our donation program is designed to provide financial support to our athletes, enabling them to compete at the highest levels both nationally and internationally.​​​​

Purpose of Your Donation

The funds raised through our donation program are dedicated to covering essential expenses that are vital for our athletes' participation in competitions.

These expenses include:

  • Travel: Transportation costs to and from competition venues.

  • Accommodation: Lodging expenses during events.

  • Meals: Daily food allowances to ensure athletes maintain their energy and focus.

  • Entry Fees: Registration costs for competitions.

 

Impact of Your Support

By alleviating these financial burdens, we allow our athletes to concentrate on their performance and development without the stress of logistical challenges.

Your donation directly contributes to the growth and success of our athletes. It provides them with the opportunity to gain valuable experience, improve their skills, and represent Costa Rica on the global stage. In return, donors receive visibility and recognition within the surfing community.

Join us in empowering our athletes to reach their full potential. Together, we can make waves in the world of competitive surfing.​​​

donations program

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