About Us
Creating safe, inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ surfers worldwide
We bring together LGBTQ+ folks from all over the world for surfing adventures and retreats. From Morocco to Panama, our retreats feature daily professional coaching or beginner lessons, board rentals, accommodations, yoga and meditation classes, surf theory, photos to take home, and video analysis.
Professional Coaching
Expert surf instructors providing personalized lessons for all skill levels.
Yoga & Meditation
Daily wellness sessions to enhance your mind-body connection.
Photos & Videos
Professional surf photography to capture your memorable moments.
LGBTQ+ Safe Space
A welcoming community where everyone can be their authentic self.
Our Story
Rainbow Surf Retreats was born from a simple idea: everyone deserves to experience the joy of surfing in a safe, welcoming environment.
Founded by passionate surfers and allies, we've been creating unforgettable LGBTQ+ surf experiences since 2015. What started as small gatherings has grown into a global community of wave riders who share more than just a love for the ocean.
We believe that surfing is for everyone, and our retreats are designed to be inclusive spaces where you can learn, grow, and connect with like-minded individuals from around the world.
Meet the Team
Steven
Co-founder & Head Honcho
Steven, co-founder and head honcho of Rainbow Surf Retreats, was an international DJ from the gay circuit. Now living in the Canary Islands, Spain, he enjoys surfing most days. His passion for the sport began during his midlife crisis and has since become all-consuming. Steven is the ultimate surf guide, taking us to his favourite spots worldwide. From the Philippines and Morocco to Sri Lanka, the Maldives, secret Indonesian and Balinese spots, France, Portugal, Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua, he's got it covered. He's also a meditation leader, sharing his knowledge and seeing people's smiles and progress in the water.
Rich
Co-founder
Rich, co-founder of Rainbow Surf Retreats, hosts our annual surf retreat in Panama. Living in Vancouver, Canada, he first honed his surfing skills on an LGBTQ-friendly safari in Costa Rica in 2015. Now he enjoys escaping to Mexico and Central America's warm waters every year to relax on the beach and catch some waves. A longboard enthusiast, Rich is working on perfecting his elegant dismounts. In January 2020, he founded @Surfergays on Instagram to connect and celebrate LGBTQ surfers.
Harry
Surf Coach
Harry, our in-house surf coach, joins most retreats. Originally from England, he now lives in the Canary Islands, Spain. Passionate about teaching, he runs his surf progression school Santosha Surf and works with para / additional needs surfers, which truly fills his heart. While we always collaborate with local surf schools, his expertise lies in theory, technique and dry-land training. For all things surf, turn to Harry.
Michael
Co-host Indonesia
Michael, our co-host for our Indonesia trips, hails from Perth, Australia. (Aussies certainly know how to make things more enjoyable) He joined the Rainbow Surf Retreats family after a scouting trip with Steven in Bali. Michael is a DJ and runs a successful media company called Pineapple Fingers. Whenever time and waves permit he's surfing right in front of his own door. He's very involved in the local queer surf community and the rest of the Rainbow crew is delighted to have him on board.
See Us in Action
Watch our retreat highlights and feel the energy of Rainbow Surf Retreats
Ready to Join Our Community?
Discover our upcoming retreats and find your perfect surf adventure. Whether you're a beginner or experienced surfer, there's a place for you.