Sonny
Owner & Surf Instructor
Andrea “Sonny” Sonato, Italian, founder, manager and Surf Coach. Certified ISA2, FISW2, ILS.
Our longboard specialist and surf historian. Former professional longboarder who found his passion in surf coaching and has been teaching all over the world, from the beginner surfer to young professional surfers. As surf coach and manager of the surf lodge Sonny is here to make sure you will have the best surf holiday with us here in Santa Cruz.
Bernardo
Owner & Surf Instructor
Bernardo Monteiro, Portuguese, founder, manager and surf coach. Certified FPS & ILS.
The local knowledge in the house, as a former bodyboard professional he grew up with the Portuguese west coast as his playground and knows every bay of the coastline. From long experience as a surf coach all over Europe teaching all levels of surfers Bernardo has now decided to stay in Santa Cruz to guide you to the best wave of the day for you. Passionate Portugeuse who loves to make sure you see the best part of his country.
Carola
Co-Manager & Yoga Instructor
Carola, co-manager, Italian, together with Basti takes care of the facility and also works as a cook and yoga teacher. She also visited the lodge as a guest in 2021, returned as teamer and cook in 2022 and has been running the lodge since this year. A tireless girl, she will organize your arrival and, together with Basti, will be your point of reference throughout your stay.
Basti
Surf instructor
Basti is the new co-manager of the lodge, half Italian and half Dutch, he met our lodge as a guest in 2018 and continued, also in 2018, his stay as a teamer. In 2019 he returned to the team as a surf assistant and since 2021 he has been part of the team as a coach. As of 2023, he was promoted to facility manager. With his friendly spirit and attention to guests’ needs, he will ensure that you have a carefree holiday.
Claudia
Booking Manager
Claudia, from Italy is our booking manager speaking fluently English, Italian, German, Portuguese and Spanish will make sure your booking and all the information process will be on point for your holiday.
Jonas
Surf Instructor
Jonas, from Belgium is an avid surfer and skater, always keen to teach you surfing and pushing you to the next level thanks to his surf experience gathered with surf trips all over the world. Jonas has been teaching in multiple locations and camps and will make sure you will get the wave of your life.
Mike
Photographer & Media
Mike, from Austria is our social media manager and photographer is always ready to capture with his beloved camera your best waves and any sunset or natural picture that our amazing coastline provide daily!
Vroni
House Teamer
Veronica, from Austria, is our star teamer. She has also been our guest and, like all of us, has fallen in love with Santa Cruz. Friendly and cheerful, she will welcome you with a smile, come surfing with you and will always be available for anything.
Denis
Surf Instructor
Denis, Italian, is the team’s young gun, talented surfer and experienced coach is always ready to help, with the utmost attention, both in the surfhouse and on the beach.