I’m a certified yoga instructor from Switzerland who fell in love with surfing and the feeling of freedom it brings. Both yoga and surf have guided me to live with more presence, purpose and Joy — and now, I’m here to guide others through the same journey.

Hey there, I ‘m Tamara!

A woman with curly brown hair wearing an orange tank top and jewelry standing on the beach with the ocean waves in the background.

Back home, I had everything I was supposed to want, but deep down, I felt completely lost.

Woman sitting on a wooden platform in a lush tropical rainforest, smiling with greenery and tall trees surrounding her.
A woman in a dark blue dress and sunglasses stands in front of a large colonial-style stone church with ornate carvings. Tall cactus plants and agave plants are in the foreground, and the sky is partly cloudy.

For many years, I worked in the business world within the health sector in Switzerland. It was the field that matched my interest in people, their stories, and what connects us. But over time, the expectations and routines became too structured, too demanding. I felt disconnected from myself and from the joy of simply being.

I started questioning my direction and wondering what truly made me happy. Guided by intuition and the wish to rediscover what truly matters, I decided to take a break and travel through Central America, letting curiosity lead me instead of schedules. That journey changed everything. It opened my eyes to a simpler way of living, one that’s more real, grounded, and connected to the moment. I met people who showed me new perspectives and ways of life, and I began to see the world and myself, in a completely different way.

A group of 14 friends, including men, women, and children, are smiling and posing on a beach with palm trees. Some are sitting, others standing, and one man is holding a surfboard overhead. There is a white truck in the background and a sky with some clouds.

Guanico — a hidden jungle village in Panama where, for the first time, I felt truly connected.

I stayed for almost a year, surrounded by people who live simply and fully — locals who may not have much, yet carry a deep sense of presence and gratitude in their everyday lives. I also met likeminded people who had escaped the “hamster wheel” back in Europe, searching for a deeper purpose and a more meaningful way of living. Among them were Lorenzo and Jiani, owner of El Ranchito Surfcamp, who welcomed me into their home. Working alongside them, I saw what it means to live with passion — to build something you truly love and share it with others. Their way of life inspired me deeply, and in that time I started to build my own dreams.

A woman riding a brown horse on a lush green hillside with a scenic view of fields, trees, and the ocean in the background.

Before coming to Guanico, surfing was just something I did for fun — I barely knew what it truly meant. That changed when I met Lorenzo, the surf coach at El Ranchito Surfcamp, who became not only my teacher but also a huge inspiration. His passion and deep connection with the ocean inspired me and taught me that surfing isn’t about fighting or controlling the waves, but about flowing with them — just like in life. Through his guidance, I began to understand the rhythm and power of the sea — its repetition, its patience, and its balance.

Lorenzo didn’t just surf with me; he pushed me beyond my limits. He taught me to face my fears, to step out of my comfort zone, and to wait for the right wave instead of chasing every one. Surfing with him became more than a sport — it became a metaphor for life. To trust, to try, to fall, and to rise again. Through every session, I learned that patience and courage are what carry you not only through the ocean, but through everything that truly matters in life.

Now, surfing is so much more than a hobby — it’s part of who I am. It grounds me, challenges me, and keeps me connected to nature and myself. Surfing has become my compass, and wherever life leads me, I find my way back to the ocean.

A woman standing next to an open car trunk, smiling, holding a striped bag, wearing a sleeveless top, shorts, and sandals, in a rural outdoor setting with greenery and trees in the background.

Surf. Courage. Patience

It was Itacaré, Bahia that instantly captured my heart. Surrounded by nature and endless waves, I felt a deep sense of connection from the very first day: the place, the people, and to myself. Life felt simple and full at the same time. I knew Switzerland would no longer be the place for me, so I decided to move here and start a new chapter — one where I could surf every day and let this new passion guide the way I wanted to live.

It was also in Bahia where my yoga practice truly deepened. Yoga had always been part of my life, but there it became something more essential — a way to connect, to listen, and to find balance within. I began to embrace the spiritual side of myself and my practice. After surfing, I used yoga to stretch, breathe, and reconnect with my body. It helped me slow down, reflect, and find calm after the intensity of the waves. I realized that surfing and yoga belong together — one gives me courage and strength, the other brings me balance and patience. Doing both keeps me grounded and reminds me that when you’re true to yourself, the right things come naturally. Both teach presence, discipline, and surrender. You have to stay consistent, to let go of control, and to trust the flow.

That realization made me want to go further. I completed my Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training in Brazil and later continued my studies in India, exploring Hatha and Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. It wasn’t just about deepening my practice — it was about learning to trust myself, live with intention, and help others find that same connection between movement, breath, and life.

Three women enjoying dinner at a restaurant table with a hanging lamp above them, smiling and engaging in conversation.

This is the place where I belong — where I finally found what I was searching for all along.

Group of women in athletic wear standing inside a thatched-roof structure, smiling with arms around each other.

I’m turning my passion into Purpose

Several women sitting cross-legged on rocks near a body of water, meditating with their eyes closed, surrounded by trees under a cloudy sky.

Through my journey of travel, I found myself and my passion — surf and yoga. It was Guanico’s magic, with its waves, calmness, and simple way of life, that changed everything. This place opened my eyes even more, teaching me to slow down, trust the process, and move with life instead of fighting against it. Combined with yoga, that energy deepened my connection to my body and mind, reminding me to be present and mindful in every moment.

I know many people go through moments in life where they feel lost, unsure about what truly makes them happy, or too comfortable in a life that no longer inspires them. Sometimes motivation fades, and it’s hard to see what comes next. Through Surf and Yoga, I want to guide and support others through their own turning points — to help them rediscover themselves and find the courage to live with purpose and intention.

That’s why I created my retreat at El Ranchito Surfcamp in Guanico — a place where you can experience the same magic, reconnect with yourself, and feel what truly matters. At my Surf and Yoga retreat, you’ll learn to surf with Lorenzo, whose deep love for the ocean and patient guidance will help you find confidence in the waves. You’ll also meet Jiani, whose motivation and strong work ethic show that dreams can become reality. Together, we hope to inspire you to believe in yourself, follow your passion, and take the steps toward the life you truly want.