Rise Up Surf Tours Nicaragua || About the awesome team you will meet

Phillip Southan

Owner/ Guide

Born and raised on the Island of Barbados. Phillip has grown up closely connected ocean and to this day this connection remains. The urge for travel and adventure led Phillip to leave the rock and pursue studies in the UK. Ten years later Phillip has worked, lived, surfed and traveled in countries all over the world, from France to Fiji. In 2005 Phillip first visited Nicaragua and fell in love with warm people, amazing surf and overall great vibe. Today Nicaragua is his home and with the help of some amazing people Phillip created Green Pathways and Rise Up to share the beauty of Nicaragua and its outstanding surf with the world. His knowledge and experience of Nicaragua and its waves is second to non assuring you will not only be surfing the best waves but you will also truly connect with Nicaragua and its people

Gemma Cope

Cofounder/ Operations Manager

Gemma is from the UK. Living with orangutans in Indonesia and working with local tribes in the Amazon are just a few of the incredible experiences that have shaped her love and incredible passion for wildlife and travel. Like many, Nicaragua stole her heart and consequently she made it her home in 2007. Her love of Nicaragua and desire to make a true difference in the lives and environment of people led her to co-found Green Pathways with Phillip. Together they work hard to make the dream a reality.

Ben Naillon

Ben is from North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; not exactly the best place in the world for surf… However, he developed a passion for the sport in his early teens and began traveling the east coast hunting waves with friends. Ben originally came to Nicaragua in 2010 on a 2 week surf vacation and immediately fell in love with the country. After finishing university, he moved down to work as a surf guide in Puerto Sandino for 7 months. Ben brought his southern hospitality to the Rise Up surf team in early January 2012 and works super hard to ensure our guests have the vacation of their lives and score some epic surf! He’s always stoked to go surf and can't wait for the amazing year ahead!

Gareth Williams

Hailing from the small islands Antigua and Barbuda Gareth has always been happiest in the ocean. He is always ready to find that next amazing barrel or hike in to the unknown. He has always loved being around people and makes sure that everyone is comfortable and in a state of mind so that they can relax and enjoy themselves to the max. Some come and join him in paradise!