SURFPRENEURS INTERVIEWS
Discover Real stories from founders riding their own wave
At Surfpreneurs, we connect you with inspiring surf brand owners around the globe through exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories. We regularly spotlight members of our community to spark ideas, share real-world advice, and fuel your entrepreneurial journey.
Browse all blog Interviews below, Or explore by category:
Andrew Roberts left a career in IT to build Padang Padang Surf Camp in Bali. Twenty years later, he shares what he’s learned about hiring, training, customer experience, mistakes, technology, and why bigger was never the goal.
After 18 years working in, managing and owning surf camps, José Paralta knew the booking process for surf camps and retreats needed to be better. Hightide is the platform he built to solve that problem — helping surf camps, yoga retreats and experience-led businesses manage bookings, accommodation, activities, payments and guest communication from one place.
From a simple frustration with conventional sunscreen to a €1m+ global business, Julia Beyer shares how Suntribe grew steadily through sustainable product design, patient problem-solving and a commitment to natural mineral sunscreen for surfers and outdoor lifestyles.
After struggling to find the right surf camps for his own trips, Matthieu Baillargé spent more than a decade building Luwatu — a global surf camp directory focused on transparency, lower booking fees, and helping surfers discover better surf experiences.
There’s a certain kind of founder who doesn’t just want to build a business, they want to build a life around the ocean, creativity, freedom, and meaningful work.
That’s exactly what drove Dasi, founder of Coastal Strategy Studio, to carve out her own path as a fractional CMO and brand strategist working with surf, ocean-inspired, and lifestyle brands globally.
This story traces Jessica’s journey from anxiety and grief to creating Wildheart Surf, a heart-led business combining yoga, surfing, and holistic healing to help women reconnect with themselves. Her path highlights how following passion, staying true to oneself, and embracing patience can turn fear into flow—both in life and in business.
Daniel shares his journey from the African wilderness to the ocean, where surfing and breathwork became central to his life. He explains how this passion inspired ventures like Surf4Earth, Surf Apnea workshops, Tidal Trip, and Nala Boards. His story shows how nature, breath, and purpose can empower both surfers and wellness enthusiasts.
Cold-water waves, warm community energy, and a mission to rewrite lineup culture. In this interview, Melissa from Bitches ’n Barrels shares how a jokingly named group chat evolved into one of the most inclusive surf communities on Canada’s West Coast. From volunteer-powered growth to creating safe entry points for beginners, her story offers practical lessons for surf entrepreneurs looking to build culture, connection, and lasting momentum.
Born in Lisbon in 2016, Surfpreneurs started in the space between surf sessions, co-working, strong Portuguese coffee, and pastel de nata. Founders James and Peter connected over waves, business ideas, and the joy of sharing insights, sparking a community where surf lovers and entrepreneurs could grow together. After a pause during COVID-19, the community has relaunched with renewed energy, guided by collaboration, stoke, and a shared mission: to connect, inspire, and support anyone in the surf and lifestyle industries. Surfpreneurs isn’t just about business—it’s about people, passion, and the waves we ride together.
In this Surfpreneurs interview, co-founder James shares his journey of building a global community for surf entrepreneurs, the lessons he’s learned from the surf business world, and how he balances life, work, and waves.
When Zac took over Alta Surf Co., he saw more than just a surf hardware brand — he saw the chance to evolve a local New Zealand company into a modern surf business rooted in community, sustainability, and performance. In this interview, Zac shares how he’s bridging tradition and innovation while carving a space for Alta Surf Co. in a market dominated by global surf giants.
From surf instructor to founder, Surfpreneurs member João shares his journey of building MAR Surf School in Portugal — the challenges, balance, and lessons learned.
In this Surfpreneurs member interview, we talk with Josh, creator of Bazza Koala — a surfing children’s book character inspiring kids to face challenges, build resilience, and grow through adventure.
In 2011, after a year of personal upheaval and tough decisions, Ross took a leap that would change his life. He quit his job, left the UK, and flew to Bali to train as a surf coach. What started as a no-brainer escape from a long, dark winter became the foundation for what is now Surf Academy UK — a business that blends surf coaching, fitness, video analysis, retreats, and recovery into one holistic approach.
We sat down with Surfpreneurs member Kieran Sammon, founder of EXIT Watersports, to talk about how a simple frustration with wetsuit hangers grew into a global brand creating clever, durable gear for surfers, kiteboarders, and wingfoilers.
In this inspiring interview, pro surfer turned coach Marina Rezende shares the story behind Surf Like A Girl, her surf coaching project dedicated to empowering women in the lineup. From overcoming the challenges of leaving the WSL tour to building a community rooted in confidence, sisterhood, and technical surf progression, Marina opens up about her journey. Discover how Surf Like A Girl is helping women of all levels step into their power — both in and out of the water.
In this interview, Belgian illustrator and surfer Jovi shares the story of Raised By Summer, his creative studio dedicated to surf-inspired branding and illustration. He talks about discovering surfing in India, finding his unique artistic style, and building a business that connects deeply with ocean-minded brands worldwide.
Discover how Inner Ocean Coaching blends surfing, psychology, and breathwork to guide you back to your essence. Learn about the transformative power of surf therapy, emotional healing, and ocean retreats.
Kim is the founder of Fearless Surfer. As surf mental coach she helps especially women to overcome their fears of surfing. Topics addressed in her coaching and retreat programs are the fear of high waves, building confidence in the (often times male-dominated line up), calming techniques and building a community of like-minded surfer women!
My name is Lena, I was born in Germany but spent a lot of time by the sea in order to pursue my passion of surfing until I finally moved to Portugal in 2019. There I found myself living a dream of surf, yoga and social connections. I wanted to make it possible for more people to make experiences like this and created my holistic retreat brand called Higher Frequency Retreats.
My name is Roxana Turnbo , born in Miami Beach, Florida in 1984 and now have lived in Wahiawa, Hawaii for almost five years. It’s here in Hawaii where I’ve given birth to the start of my dreams. One of them being; I own Surfer Girl Hawaii a company that offers Handmade fashion designed by me, Waterproof Cosmetics, and organic skincare for surfers and women that lead an active lifestyle.
Hey, I am Dave from the UK. I have a background in interior and brand design and have been living in Ericeira for the last two years. A lot of my recent experience in the UK was working with co-work spaces, for clients, and for myself.
I'm currently working mostly on the Azores Atlantic Surfers project, taking more photos than ever and learning more every day, about the island, the people, the ocean, and everything around me.
Surfer turned entrepreneur Lac Campbell has made his mark on surf tourism businesses and surf brands across the globe. His Company, ‘The Surfing Copywriter,’ tackles websites, blog articles, press releases, scripts, and newsletters.
Claire Rivero, ex analog nomad. I launched The Point SurfClub in September 2020 as a non-profit to support the surfing community here in Tenerife.
As an ex-HR director and recruiter who had worked to encourage the growth of the remote working community, I decided to make this a meeting and networking and coworking space too.
A Week Awake is an experience for all women to connect, recharge, and empower themselves in a magical paradise, in Santa Teresa - Costa Rica, where the jungle meets the sea.
They believe that by spending a week with them, the guests will go back home with new tools to keep this energy throughout their daily life. “You will feel empowered, recharged and with a strong desire for more adventure!”.
Léo and I created Wyve, formerly known as HEXA Surfboards, in 2019. With a “Direct-To-Consumer” supply chain, integrating all the steps of the value chain of the manufacturing of a surfboard. Wyve wants to lead boardsports towards technical and environmental excellence.
I'm Brett, owner of SeaGods Australia. We are an ocean clothing Brand based out of Western Australia. Growing up on the ocean I have always had a deep connection and respect for the seas. My wife and I decided to start up a clothing brand aimed at all ocean lovers.
We are ELAMIGO, a growing surf/beach inspired fashion brand. Our sole aim is to produce some really decent quality clothing that is easy going and laidback, yet is still stylish, meaning that it can be worn both on the beach and on the street.
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From volunteering in the Philippines to building Wander Desk, Pierre and Filipa have shaped their agency around the ocean businesses they love. They share practical lessons on customer experience, clearer websites and knowing when paid ads make sense.