SURF SCHOOL BY HIGHLIFE
Welcome to Surf School by Highlife Mexico, founded by two determined women who, later joined by another capable partner, created this humble surf haven. Originating in Cancun, our community flourished for three successful years before finding a new home on Cozumel Island.
With a passion for sports and nature, we’ve crafted a surf experience that goes beyond lessons. Our skilled team of instructors is dedicated to turning each session into an unforgettable adventure. Join us on the shores of Cozumel for a unique surfing journey that celebrates the spirit of the ocean and the joy of riding the waves. Welcome to our wave-riding family!
MEET THE HIGHLIFE FAMILY
These are the members of the Highlife Mexico family.
Camila
Kayak Expert and Surf Instructor
Camila is part of the lagoon, as much as the fish and birds. She first fell in love with water sports at 15, teaching windsurfing, and from that moment, her path was clear. Now, as the only female ISA-certified surf instructor in the Mexican Caribbean, she’s a true expert, seamlessly mastering surfing and kayaking.
Camila is deeply passionate about teaching and has an incredible empathy that brings people closer to the beauty of these sports. She carries with her the knowledge of the first explorers who crossed these waters and has been part of remarkable events like Global Greenpeace, El Cruce, Limpiezas con Corazón de Mar, and Wetlands Workshop.
When she’s not guiding others, you’ll find her carving waves on her surfboard, paddling the lagoon, or cruising along on her longboard. Camila’s greatest joy is sharing these waters with you, connecting you to the soul of the sea, and showing you places that leave you in awe.
Whether in the ocean or lagoon, Camila’s warmth and passion make every adventure an unforgettable experience.
Juan Carlos "Jr"
Paddle Board Expert
Junior, or “Jr” as we call him, is our youngest surf instructor. Beyond his love for surfing and bodyboarding, he’s just graduated from nursing school, where he developed a passion for helping others, especially in the health field.
With a background in state competitions, where he’s earned first place in bodyboarding twice, Junior is constantly connected to the ocean. He also works as a certified lifeguard and is part of an underwater rescue team with Civil Protection, always ready to lend a hand.
As an instructor, Junior is incredibly empathetic and has a special talent for teaching young surfers and boogie boarders. He loves working with kids and those who feel a bit nervous, helping them overcome their fears and discover the joy of surfing. With Jr, you’re in the hands of someone passionate, caring, and dedicated to making your experience on the water truly unforgettable!
Sabrina
Paddle Board Expert
Born in Mexico City, Sabrina, or “Sab,” is deeply in love with the Mexican Caribbean. She enjoys kayaking, paddleboarding, relaxing on the beach, and connecting with people from around the world.
Sab is a passionate business developer, social media manager, and also manages sales and strategic alliances. As a pioneering adventurer on the Nichupté Lagoon, she helped map out the first kayaking routes and actively participates in significant events and competitions. Her dedication to preserving our ecosystem drives her to organize numerous activism events that promote lagoon conservation and environmental awareness.
In addition to her work, Sab co-manages a hostel in Cozumel called Casa Samay, where she shares her love for local culture and the environment with guests. She is also passionate about photography and creates content for Highlife, the surf school, and other events that fill her heart.
When she’s not kayaking or handling Highlife’s administration, you’ll find her practicing archery or spending quality time with her dogs and family. Sab’s genuine passion for sharing and teaching about our incredible ecosystem ensures that everyone who joins her discovers and learns to respect its beauty.
Dylan
Kayak Expert and Surf Instructor
Cool Gibraltarian guy, kayak instructor, surf instructor, professional LEGO builder and car enthusiast, Dylan is the perfect guy to explore the Nichupte Lagoon with.
Dylan is a volunteer in the Highlife Mexico family, and works in exchange for accommodation in Cancun! He has his own room and access to all facilities. If you want to join our family just like Dylan, make sure you contact us about our volunteer exchange program.
Gabriela
Paddle Board Expert
PADI Scuba Instructor, with 15 years diving in the Cancun area and 10 years teaching and sharing this wonderful activity with many people from different countries, she spent her career teaching in renowned schools in the area, which has given her a lot of experience teaching, exploring, and knowing the reefs and best diving spots! She makes at least one trip a year to places she hasn’t been! Her plan is to travel more! Although she will always return to Cancun, which has become her home.
Jhared
Paddle Board Expert
Born in San Luis Potosí but local to Cancun by heart, former professional soccer player who fell in love with water sports and decided that this is what truly makes him happy.
Jhared use to think that the ocean and the beach was top best but when he saw and kayaked in the lagoon, he understood his time belong to it, now, he’s one of our professional kayaking guides, with such passion and heart, he will make you fall in love with the lagoon just as he became.
Jackie
Kayak Expert and Surf Instructor
In addition to her deep connection with nature and passion for activism, Jackie is also a surf instructor.ñ and a kayak guide. Committed to the highest standards, she continuously learns and grows with each step, working alongside the team to bring her dedication and energy to every lesson. Her passion for surfing complements her desire to share unforgettable and enriching experiences.
Every tour or class with Jackie is much more than just an activity; it’s an invitation to discover the natural and cultural beauty of the region while fostering a deep respect and love for the environment. Her ability to connect with others and her passionate spirit make every moment with her truly unique, leaving you with a sense of peace, love, and connection to nature.
Judson
Paddle Board Expert
Passionate about martial arts, he practiced Japanese Goju Ryu Karate for 17 years, where the nickname of Joko comes from “Joko Geri = side kick”.
Storyteller at heart, inveterate traveler and creator of a television concept called “Jokotorreando” taking us all to a journey through the lens of his camera to a whole new generation of travel roads, reaching remote destinations full of magic and history, encouraging people to travel and inviting us to experience at first-hand the great opportunity to regain our ability of amusement.
Steph
Paddle Board Expert
Born in Guadalajara, has lived in Cancun for 17 years and loves everything related to the ocean, nutrition & traveling.
Steph is a yogui practitioner for more than 13 years, she teaches SUP yoga (paddle board yoga), ashtanga vinyasa & Rocket yoga.
She is currently studying her 2nd degree in clinic nutrition.
In her free time she loves to skate, be with her dog, friends & family.
Miranda
Diving instructor y surf instructor
Miranda, known as “Miri,” is passionate about the sea and the underwater world. As the owner of her own dive company, Miri has dedicated years to coral restoration projects, using her love for the ocean to make a positive impact on marine conservation. Her commitment to environmental activism has led her to work on reef restoration initiatives, where diving becomes a mission to protect biodiversity.
Recently, Miri discovered a new passion: surfing. Her tireless spirit drove her to train and perfect her skills, becoming an instructor under the highest standards. Now, as the co-owner of Highlife Mexico Surf School, she is dedicated to sharing her love for the ocean both below and above the waves, offering visitors to Cozumel unforgettable experiences that blend fun, safety, and a connection with nature. With a deep devotion to her work, Miri strives each day to create transformative adventures and unique moments for those who share her passion for the sea.
Axel
Surf instructor
Axel is a dedicated surf instructor who upholds the highest standards, bringing his passion for teaching to people of all ages. Alongside his skills on the waves, Axel is also a talented graphic designer and a true-hearted activist, committed to making Cozumel a better place for everyone. His love for the ocean and the community shines through in everything he does, whether he’s guiding a beginner through their first surf lesson or engaging in initiatives to protect and uplift the island. With Axel, every lesson is not only about learning to surf but also about connecting with nature and contributing to a shared vision for a brighter future.
MEET THE FAMILY
Camila
Kayak Expert and Surf Instructor
Camila is part of the lagoon like the fish and the birds. She discovered her love for water sports at the age of 15 when she started giving windsurfing lessons, since then she knew what she wanted to do for the rest of her life and became an expert, mastering kayaking and surfing.
She learned ancestral knowledge from the first explorers who traveled the lagoon and has been part of important events such as Global Green Peace, El Cruce, Limpiezas con Corazón de Mar, Wetlands Workshop, etc.
When he’s not paddling a kayak, he’s riding a surfboard or enjoying herself on her longboard.
Whether in the ocean or in the lagoon, Camila is the perfect person to go on an adventure.
Juan Carlos "Jr"
Paddle Board Expert
Junior is our youngest surf instructor and he’s in love with bodyboarding and surfing! He has competed in state events, earning 1st place in bodyboarding on two occasions.
When junior is not in a board he’s also inside of the water, working as a certified lifeguard along with civil protection (government entity) and helping as part of an underwater rescue team.
He’s a passionate instructor who loves to teach and work specially with kids and nervous people to help them become great surfers! So we’re sure you’re in the best hands while learning with him!
Sabrina
Paddle Board Expert
Born in Mexico City, has lived 13 Years in Cancun and is absolutely in love with the Mexican Caribbean, loves to kayak, paddle board, lay on the beach and talk to people from all over the world.
Sab is a pioneer adventurer on the Nichupte Lagoon, she helped map the routes for the first kayaking tours, participates in multiple important events and competitions and constantly creates events that promote the conservation of the lagoon.
When she is not kayaking or doing Highlife Administration jobs, you will find her shooting arrows or having a relaxing time with her dogs and family.
GALLERY
