Blessings on Blessings: 3 Years of Gratitude for Our Guides & Travelers

When it comes to work, finding the right job–you know, one that you don’t hate–it can be quite the tricky endeavor. Beyond earning a living wage, a challenge all in itself, you have to factor in all sorts of things like commute time  (ideally, none), workplace environment, and work/life balance. Does the job leave you fulfilled? Do you feel respected and valued? Do you, I daresay, ever have any fun?

On the surface, being a surf guide seems like the ultimate gig but there is certainly more than meets the eye. For a deep dive on some of the less-than-stellar details check out this piece on Stab Premium– moral of the story, it’s great but it isn’t all just tubes in tropical paradise, it can be quite the grind. 

Well, how about the pay? Of the 4 guides interviewed for Stab, most of them barely got paid, they worked in exchange for food and board. Sometimes, depending on the camp, they got a small salary. On the flip side of that spectrum, there are a lucky few who can make $1k or more a day guiding the elite…but that’s not every day. They often still teach surf lessons or run surf schools in between their high-paying gigs. 

Our Approach

Here at Thermal, our guides set their own rates and this keeps them happy to welcome our guests. Over the years, the feedback from both sides has been overwhelmingly positive and that is at the core of why we do, what we do.

A key to this success has been our relationships with our guides, something that goes back to my first meeting with Pablo years ago. Essentially, like all good relationships, it comes down to trust.We listen to each of our guides and develop ways to best work with them–this means that they have their protocols and their rules. They call the shots and we provide the backup.

For example, our customer experience team handles all pre-booking inquiries and communication and remains available until the end of each trip in case either our guide or customer needs support. The goal is to streamline operations for the guides and set up our customers for the best possible experience. 

Our approach is unique because even though there may be multiple options for guides in a given area, we take great care in recruiting who we think will be the overall best candidate to be a Thermal guide. Oftentimes, these individuals have other sources of clients and can get quite busy during peak season in their zones and we want to make sure they are always stoked to receive a Thermal guest. This means paying premium rates in exchange for securing a premium service. 

Blowing Up The Spot? Nope. 

When it comes to critiques, the most common refrain concerning surf travel is “blowing up the spot”. This is something we have kept in mind since before we launched our guided surf adventures. As surfers, the last thing we wanted was to add the strain of our favorite spots and so our approach developed around small groups led by esteemed local guides. The guides know which spots are best left to locals, or to very advanced surfers, and which spots are just straight up off limits. Inversely, they also know where to position beginners when surfing the local point break (hint, its way inside).  Since they live and work in these coastal communities, their reputations are on the line and they respect the ways of each spot while keeping their guests safe and stoked. 

Sure, we sell surf trips but we do so in a way that we feel good about. Think of it this way, if some group plans a trip on their own, skips the guide, and just books whatever looks best on airbnb, there’s no way of knowing whether they will be adhering to the local etiquette or supporting the local economy.

In most places renting a 4x4 vehicle will run you between $120 and $200 a day and that’s money that could be going to a guide, not a giant rental car company.

As Pablo says, “We are guides, not Gods”. What he means is that even the best guides can’t control the waves, and even the best travel company can’t guarantee that every trip will be a success. Thankfully, a vast majority of Thermal trips have gone very well and we have been able to make a positive impact in our guides lives. 

Blessings on Blessings

We’ve been in business for just over 3 years and we are so grateful for the relationships we have developed with our amazing guide community as well as each and every traveler who has trusted us to plan their dream surf trip.

We know better than most that the travel and tourism industry isn’t easy, contrary to what some may think, it definitely isn’t just one big vacation. While some of our guides have done well with us, some of our guides have not received that many travelers but that doesn’t mean they’re not incredible, more that the travel time to some locations–like Africa, Tahiti, or Bali–means that we don’t get as many requests as we do for our trips in nearby places like Mexico, Costa Rica, Barbados, or the Dominican Republic. To share some of the stoke, here are things we have heard from a few of our guides in gratitude for the opportunity to work with Thermal.

Guide: Pablo Narvaez

Location: Oaxaca

Background: With over 30 years of experience, Pablo has done it all. From negotiations with the WSL for the events in Barra de La Cruz, to less cool gigs like 20 years ago when he took groups from the all-inclusive hotels to see some sights. He says these were his least favorite, “they barely wanted to get out of the van”. To Thermal surf trips, which he says are his favorite because, “everyone is so stoked on the waves and experience, it makes it easy”. To bird watching groups in the offseason, he says these are his 2nd favorite, though he jokes, “the bird watchers are very easygoing, most of them are older too so we don’t have to get up so early…I may like them better than the surfers” he says with a wink. Before he got with Thermal he had taken a break from guiding after losing his home and restaurant in a wildfire and he had to work other jobs away from the coast. Since he returned to guiding, things have been on the up.

“I know my culture really well, and I do a lot of conservation programs here in Oaxaca and the guests have really enjoyed that. So, on top of the surf, I started sharing with them what we have here in Oaxaca, who we really are, and people really enjoy that. I am so happy to go back to surfing and guiding again, man. I feel so blessed having that type of job. Now, I have my restaurant open again in Barra and I have built a guest house next door. It’s been great to be back in the mix with surfers. You know what else is crazy? I just became an “official tour guide” with recognition from the Federal Government of Mexico. After countless jobs, classes, certifications, workshops, they finally recognize me, I think Thermal helped with that…either that or they were just too lazy for a few years (laughs).”

Guide: Tavo Rio 

Location: Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Background:  Ever since he was a baby, Tavo was at home on the beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula. As a young child, his mom would pull him out of school some days so could get a dose of good ol’ vitamin sea. He came of age alongside the emergence of Santa Teresa as one of the premier destinations in Costa Rica, a country renowned for its wave rich coastlines and natural beauty. Naturally, he became a surf instructor around the age of 18 and it was only a few years later that he became a much sought-after surf guide. We caught wind of him last year and things have been great since. 

“Last year was a great year for me man, honestly the best one yet. It was hard work, to be real, the season here gets crazy mae (dude). No complaints though, I met so many amazing people and saw so many of them get stoked when we would surf. It’s been a blessing, honestly. With the help of Thermal I was able to finish building my house and now I am saving up to travel later this year. I want to go to Tahiti and surf Teahupo’o with Tereva! That’s the dream…”

Guide: Maykol Espinoza

Location: Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

Background: As a young man, Mayköl found a new home in Matapalo and began an apprenticeship with an American biologist who offered nature tours through the rainforest. He got to know the plants and animals of the forest, and the waves of the peninsula, like the back of his hand. Years later, his skills earned him all sorts of clients in both nature tours and surf guiding so it was only natural to offer them both together. With his Thermal trips, each guest is encouraged to participate in a nature tour to learn more about the beauty and wealth of Costa Rica. 

“I strongly believe that if someone is to come and visit Costa Rica they should take the time to connect with the nature and culture of our beautiful country, what better way to do so than with a Tico guide. There are many excellent options to go with local guides, nothing against the foreigners who work here too, but it’s best to go with a local. Working with Thermal has been very organic because they understand what I do and support me by helping share my story and the story of the biodiversity of the Osa Peninsula. Of course, everyone wants to get good waves but we have much more to offer than just that. Anyone that travels with me will see what Pura Vida is really about.”

Guide: Allan Landgren

Location: Cabarete, Dominican Republic

Background: Before moving to the DR over 20 years ago, Allan had a long history in the California surf industry. Once he visited the Caribbean isle, he knew it was time for a change. He quickly met his wife and developed a way to foster the local surf community through tourism and non-profit work through his church. We caught up with him a few years ago and, as of last year, his DR trip became one of our best-sellers.

"The surf tourism here on the DR has gone through multiple ups and downs since I have been here. There was a time when things were pretty busy and the work was good. Then it slowed down considerably and then COVID hit so yeah it was quiet for awhile. Last year was a great year with Thermal, over 80% of my customers came through you and it's been so good to host people and show them around the DR. Lots of new friends and great memories!"

Guide: Suri Berrera

Location: La Libertad, El Salvador

Background: As someone who attributes surfing to having saved her life, Suri is always stoked to get in the water and share the waves of El Sal. In addition to guiding visiting guests, she runs a nonprofit called Hijas Del Mar (Daughters of the Sea) to empower young women from the community.

"Every day that I get to wake up and get into the ocean is a blessing. Whether I am by myself, or leading a group, it gives me so much peace and happiness. If I can tell the world one thing it's to come visit El Salvador and let me show you what it's all about. If you've been here then you already know, so come on back and let's surf again!"