the local surf experts of dominical beach, costa Rica
Born and raised in Dominical Beach, Debbie Zec founded Dominical Surf School with one simple mission: to share her passion for surfing, the ocean, and the pura vida lifestyle with visitors from around the world.
Debbie began surfing and bodyboarding at a very young age and started working in the surf industry when she was only 14 years old. By the age of 17, she decided to open her own surf school, believing that creating a personalized and professional coaching experience was the best way to help others truly connect with surfing.
Today, after teaching thousands of students from all over the world, Dominical Surf School has become one of the most recognized and trusted surf schools in Costa Rica, known for its local roots, technical coaching, safety standards, and warm community atmosphere.
Competitive Surfing Background
Alongside building the surf school, Debbie also competed nationally and internationally for several years, gaining valuable experience in surf performance, competition training, and coaching techniques that are now applied to all of the school’s surf programs.
Highlights & Achievements
• National Sub-Champion – Female Junior Division (2006, 2007, 2008)
• Costa Rica Top 3 – Open Female Division (2007–2009)
• Central America Top 2 – Playa Venao International, Panama (2009)
• Central America Top 5 Overall – Women’s Division (2009)
• ISA World Surfing Games Competitor representing Costa Rica in Portugal and France
More Than Just Surf Lessons
Over the years, Dominical Surf School has evolved into much more than a surf school. We now offer surf camps, women’s retreats, group experiences, video analysis coaching, and authentic local adventures designed to help travelers experience the real Costa Rica through surfing, nature, culture, and community.
Whether you are stepping on a surfboard for the first time or looking to improve your technique, our mission remains the same: to create unforgettable experiences in the ocean while sharing the beauty of Dominical with every person who visits us.
We are now a Team
Thanks to all your incredible support and for choosing Dominical Surf School, our little local business has grown tremendously over the years. At some point, it became impossible for Debbie to teach everyone herself, and that’s exactly why we’re so proud to introduce you to our amazing team of surf instructors and crew members!
Our instructors are highly qualified surfers, ISA-certified surf coaches (International Surfing Association), and nationally certified lifeguards through the Asociación Nacional de Guardavidas. Beyond certifications and experience, they are passionate ocean lovers dedicated to creating safe, fun, and unforgettable surf experiences for every guest.
Dominical Surf School is based in beautiful Dominical Beach, Costa Rica, where we run our surf lessons, surf camps, and retreats. We also offer surf experiences and coaching trips in different regions of the country upon request.
Over the years, we have collaborated with surf organizations, retreat leaders, and international groups while hosting surf retreats in some truly paradisiac locations around the world. We are always open to meaningful collaborations, partnerships, and creative projects — so if you’re interested in working together, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Support Local, Create Impact!
When you choose Dominical Surf School, you support a locally owned Costa Rican business and help create a positive impact within our community, local economy, and surf culture.
We truly look forward to meeting you and sharing waves together soon.
Pura Vida!
meet the team
Maria Jose Varela
Front Desk Operator and Salsa Master
Majo is full of life, all-around good vibes, and always ready to greet you with a big smile at our front desk. She’ll happily help you with your surf lesson bookings, questions, and anything else you may need during your stay. And if you really pick her brain, you’ll discover she’s also a knowledgeable local tour connoisseur who can help you organize some of the best adventures in town!
Majo is also a huge Latin music and dancing enthusiast, and you might just find her at Fuego on Friday nights absolutely shredding the dance floor.
Martina Galvez
Multifunctional Talent
Martu is simply amazing. She has so many talents we probably couldn’t fit them all here even if we tried! She is one of our surf coaches, water photographers, and ocean-loving souls. Whether she’s helping guests in the water or capturing unforgettable moments behind the camera, Martu brings creativity, kindness, and incredible energy everywhere she goes. Her smile is contagious, and she truly has a heart of gold.
Wouter De Lange
Audiovisuals and Social Media Manager
Wouter is the creative mind behind many of the photos and videos you see on our website and social media. An experienced audiovisual director based between Belgium and Dominical, Costa Rica, he helps bring the spirit of Dominical Surf School to life through storytelling and visuals. From epic surf edits to behind-the-scenes moments, Wouter is always working on the next creative project. And if you’re looking for insider gossip… yes, he’s Debbie’s husband!
Mario Godinez
Surf Coach and Photographer
Mario Godinez is one of the incredible talents that make our team so special. A dedicated athlete and member of the Costa Rican champion American football team, Toros, Mario brings passion, discipline, and energy into everything he does. As one of our surf coaches and in-house photographers, he helps create unforgettable experiences both in and out of the water — capturing memories while helping guests improve their surfing with confidence and fun.
Jose Manuel
Surf Coach
Jose is one of the newest members of our team, and we are so happy to have him with us. He is a patient, knowledgeable, and dedicated, he genuinely enjoys helping others learn and grow in the water. Beyond surfing, Jose is also an electrical engineer and an expert cocktail maker, a combination that perfectly reflects both his sharp mind and fun personality. With his calm energy and passion for teaching, Jose makes every surf session supportive, encouraging, and full of good vibes.
meet Your friends in costa rica!
