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SOUL SURFERS ACADEMY

Surf development for every level.

Soul Surfers Academy is a surf development academy in Cabarete for every level, offering high-quality coaching at a fair price.

Our programs

Each program builds on the previous one. Not sure where you fit? We assess your level first.

Strong fundamentals and confidence in the ocean.

Ideal for first-time, beginner and intermediate surfers.

Surf Program

Progress Program

Surf coaching plus complementary training to progress faster.

Ideal for independent surfers committed to progression.

Advanced Program

Refined technique and consistency in a wide range of conditions.

Ideal for advanced and highly committed surfers.

Performance Program

Individual high-performance coaching for competitive goals.

Ideal for competitive and national team athletes.

VISITING CABARETE?

Private, semi-private and group surf lessons

1.5-hour lessons with board and leash included, plus physical training. No long-term commitment.

The Soul Surfers Method

Great surfers are developed through more than time in the water. Eight disciplines work together in one system.

Surf Coaching

Technique, ocean knowledge and confident decisions in the water.

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Physical Conditioning

Strength, mobility and endurance built for surfing.

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Surfskate

Train the movement on land, take it to the ocean.

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Water Training

Breath control, water safety and paddling power.

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Video Analysis

See your surfing and progress faster.

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Competition Coaching

Strategy and mindset to perform in a heat.

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Nutrition

Fuel for performance, recovery and long-term health.

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Mental Performance

Focus, confidence and resilience under pressure.

Our athletes

From first waves to national teams. These surfers train with us every week.

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Nina Smicicklas

German Junior National Team

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Carlos Sanchez

Dominican Junior National Team

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Leoni Perthold

Dominican National Team

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Adolfo Mena

Dominican Junior National Team

Dominican National Team

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Alfred Cruz

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Argentinian

Benjamin Knudsen

Swiss Junior National Team

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Kai Duminy

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Dominican / Argentinian

Valentin Zimbello

Our coaches

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Emanuel Knudsen

FOUNDER & HEAD COACH

Master's in Sports Psychology and Sports Coaching · ISA Level 3 Judge · Strength & Conditioning Coach · 16+ years coaching in Cabarete

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Leoni Perthold

CO-FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ISA Level 2 Instructor · ISA Level 1 Judge · Lifeguard Instructor ·  Bronze medalist in SUP Surf Central American and Caribbean Games 2026 · Dominican National Surf Team

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Benjamin Knudsen

SURF INSTRUCTOR

ISA Level 1 Instructor Coach · Certified in rescue, first aid and CPR

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CAMPS 2027 · EL TUNCO, EL SALVADOR

Take your surfing to the next level.

Junior Camp: June 6–13 · Performance Camps: July 4–11, August 1–8 · Surf Retreats: June 20–27, July 18–25, August 22–29. Only 8 surfers per camp.

Why Soul Surfers

A complete system

Not just lessons: a structured, long-term pathway.

Personalized plan

We assess your level, set goals and track your progress.

A coaching team

Certified coaches with competitive experience.

Fair price

High-quality coaching without a high-performance price tag.

Ready to progress?

Part of every booking supports Soul Surfers Foundation.

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