Our Tribe
At WOW we love God, we love people, we love creation…and yes, we love to surf; so much so that we decided to bring together our gifts, talents, and abilities to share these ‘first loves’ with others.
We are a tribe, a family working tirelessly to not only offer an epic surf experience for our guests, but also carry a vision for kingdom building to every shore we surf.
Here are a few of the faces you may see around when you visit us…
“Everyone will know you as My followers if you demonstrate your love to others.”
John 13:35
PAO
THE ROCK
A natural leader, passionate and whole-heartedly committed to everything she pursues, Pao brings tons of knowledge and experience to the lineup along with an infectious energy of fearlessness and fun.
Everything that flows from Pao is solid in its foundation and unwavering in truth. If she was a surfboard we’d choose her from our quiver every time, knowing she’s the closest thing to stable ground we could find on open water. A successful business owner, loyal wife, and servant of Christ, Pao will quickly become one of your favorite people to hang out with in and out of the water.
“They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.”
Luke 6:48
HELBERTH
THE CALM
A student once said of Helberth, “He has a special relationship with the ocean. There’s a peace that he draws from its depths that leaves you with no choice but to be perfectly calm out there on the water with him, no matter what’s happening on the waves.”
This pretty much sums up why we love having Helberth as an instructor. You’ll quickly realize that everyone on the beach knows him, yet his humility precedes him. He’s one of the best; dedicated and passionate about sharing his love for the waves with those willing to learn. He’s a man of God; devoted husband, and loving father, we are truly blessed to work with.
“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”
Mark 4:39
HANNAH
THE CURRENT
A modern day nomad, Spirit-filled yoga instructor and aspiring surfer, Hannah is no stranger to “going with the flow” and leading others to do the same. At the end of 2019, she left her stable corporate career to follow a calling from God to travel the world and serve as a vessel for transforming lives through inner healing, movement, breath, and prayer.
Hannah helps to move things along during our camps and retreats. She can often be seen coordinating the flow of activities throughout the day, leading movement and breath workshops at dawn, joining guests for morning and midday surf sessions, and guiding intentional conversation circles and prayer to close the day.
“Training your body is of some value, yes, but don’t sacrifice it at the expense of your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, self-control. May your movement flow from the fruit of the Spirit, which will last forever.”
1 Timothy 4:8
Melissa
THE FIRE
A catalyst that drives vision to reality, Melissa is instrumental in organizing and bringing people together for incredible experiences at WOW. As a motivator, supporter, and nurturer she is bold and passionate in her approach while maintaining a gentle and compassionate spirit.
Melissa brings creative spark to much of the voice and visuals of WOW stemming from her background in public relations, marketing, and advertising. As a loving mother and wife she is light not just to her family, but to all those she encounters.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16
Michael
THE VISION
Founder, director, coordinator are all words one might use to describe Michael and the work he does behind the scenes at WOW. Servant however is the one he would much rather prefer.
A former summer camp counselor turned Central America tour guide; now husband and ‘girl-dad’ to two rising stars, Michael calls Costa Rica his home, bringing an unbridled enthusiasm for nature, a fiery passion for people, and a kingdom seeking heart to the shores of WOW Surf Camp.
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20-21
“Our desire is to come alongside others in their pursuit of God, building one another up in community so that together we might show off the glory of Christ in every area of our lives.”
Let’s talk.
Want to learn more about our mission? Are you interested in partnering or joining our team? We love hearing from people, starting conversations, and making new friends so reach out today!