Gibran Garcia

Gibran surfing in Costa Rica

Gibran is the surf bum at Bodhi Surf School. Not a day goes by without him catching some waves, and if it were possible he’d just live in the ocean. Aside from logging substantial water time, Gibran’s role at Bodhi Surf is to do a little of everything, from business development to ding repair. But by far his favorite tasks are leading groups and giving surf lessons.

If you come to Bahia Ballena – Uvita on one a surfing vacation, and are looking to maximize your time in the water, you can be sure that Gibran will be ready to accompany you on all your sessions.

His diverse interests and experience as an eco-tourism consultant, small-business manager, tour guide, and internet marketer contribute to the Bodhi Surf team’s holistic approach.

Background

Born in San Blas, Nayarit, Mexico, Gibran began riding the perfect waves of Matanchen Bay before he could even walk. First, while still in his mother’s stomach, and then in his father’s arms. At the age of three he was riding a softboard and by the age of five he was riding his first real surfboard.

Shortly thereafter, he moved to San Diego where he attended elementary school, and later enrolled at The Bishop’s School in La Jolla, California. During his high school years, Gibran did most of his surfing on his holiday trips to San Blas, where he would also took time to work as a surf instructor, participate as a member of the San Blas Surf Club, volunteer as a lifeguard, compete in local and national surf competitions, and take surf trips up and down the Pacific coast of Mexico.

Upon graduating from the University of San Diego with a degree in Business Administration, Gibran worked for the National Parks service in Chiapas, Mexico as the eco-tourism project manager. But after being away from the ocean for two years, Gibran felt the need to return home to San Blas where he helped manage his father’s business – El Original Pan de Platano de Juan Bananas, and made surfing a daily part of his life, for good.

In 2007 Gibran returned to San Diego to be with his future wife, Adrianne, while she attended school. This time around he had no choice but to brave the “cold” waters of California if he wanted to continue surfing.

Surfing Experience

Surfing was the first sport Gibran learned and has become a necessary part of his everyday life.

Gibran has competed on and off in both the U.S. and in Mexico since the age of 10. Over the years he’s participated in surf competitions from Baja California, Mexico to Ventura, California, made the state and national teams in Mexico, and placed top five on the WSA circuit.

Though he enjoys the competition, Gibran gets the most satisfaction from free-surfing. His love for travel and surfing make for a great combination, always giving him a reason to seek out his next adventure.

Down Time

When Gibran isn’t working or surfing he enjoys traveling (but again that typically involves surfing), snowboarding, rock climbing or any other physical activity. The more time he can spend outdoors, the happier he is. Some of Gibran’s favorite things:

• Food: Sushi
• Wave: Right point-break in Latin America with 2 people out
• Surfboard: 5’10” Mex Uno Quad
• Way to travel: 1956 Ford Short-bus
• Baked good: Banana bread