Vanessa has been teaching yoga classes for over a decade and practicing yoga for more than 20 years. She studied under the guidance of Yogi Vishvketu in the style of Akhanda yoga in Canada. Akhanda yoga is intended to offer holistic, integrated yoga. It is balance in a sequencing of asana, pranayama, relaxation, and meditation. This integral approach is intended to give students access to more diverse teaching and techniques that yoga has to offer.

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In 2012 she began teaching Yoga Teacher Trainings in the style of Ashtanga Vinyasa Flow and Hatha. She has her level 2 Reiki, she is a certified Thai Massage Therapist.  Vanessa has been studying Ayurveda for 12 years she is a practitioner as well as teaches certified courses.  More recently she has completed a Masters Program in Pranayama with over 200 hrs of study, Yoga Nidra and Meditation Faciliator.  Her practise includes more than 10000 hours teaching students from around the world.  An accomplished surfer, Vanessa incorporates many poses and pranayama for surfers that focus on improving balance and toning the body and lungs. She integrates philosophical teachings with a balanced asana and pranayama class allowing students to take their practice to a deeper level.

Ryan grew up snowboarding and skateboarding; it was only natural for him to take to surfing. It has been said Ryan is more comfortable on a board then on the ground. He has taught snowboarding for years and found the transition to teaching surf a smooth one. He has a natural ability of understanding the technique of surfing and explaining it to others.   As much as he loves to be out in the surf, he finds so much satisfaction is teaching others. 

Ryan loves to be outside, whether surfing, skating, playing with his two children, fixing surf boards or working in the garden, if you pass by Otra Ola you will most likely see him.  Ryan speaks both English and Spanish fluently.  Whether you are looking for a surf class or just someone to surf with Ryan is always eager to get into the water. 

Francisco is originally from Ecuador but moved to Canada when he was 10 years old. He spend many years travelling living in various places to one day return to where it all began. Fran not only teaches yoga but he is living it.  Whether you see him in class, around town or in the water on his paddle board you will always find him with a big smile and he always has time to say hello.  

Hi I’m Camilo from Uruguay! I’ve been living and surfing in Ayampe for 6 years. I love the

lifestyle in this beautiful town. For me, the simplicity and nature are very important to be in

balance. When I’m not surfing, normally I’m playing guitar or cooking. I love to meet people

from all around the world and try to share my passion for surf and the experience to flow with the waves! I hope we can have fun together!!

Margarita was born and raised in the beautiful province of Manabi. She trained for her teaching degree at " Eugenio Espejo" Chone, Manabi Institute of Education.  She originally taught education to children but soon realized it was not her calling. Once she began teaching Spanish Classes at Otra Ola in July of 2011, she realized the satisfaction of seeing the progression of her students she knew this is what she wanted to do.

 Along with teaching her students Spanish she loves learning about different cultures and ways of life. Although she has never left Ecuador Margarita feels like she has traveled all over the world.

When Margarita is not teaching she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She feels so blessed to call Ecuador her home.  Every opportunity she has, Margarita is by the sea, she finds it so relaxing.

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mateo has been surfing since the age of 16. Learning to surf in Miramar, a surf town south of the province, he has been in constant movement ever since, searching for waves in countries like Perú, Brasil, Costa Rica and Chile. This tracking of waves, made him arrive to Ecuador, where he found the perfect balance between nature, surfing, and quiet living. 
Mateo is also a very talented musician. He has been playing in bands since age of 6, recording numerous albums with different bands in genres like funk, progressive rock, blues and electronic music. In 2014, he arrives to Ayampe where he would settle and meet Camilo, having unique chemestry  together, developing a broderhood that would make them create a band called Flacoman, with which they play constantly in festivals and tours across the country. A couple of years later arriving Ayampe, Mateo joins the Otra Ola crew, and together with Camilo and Ryan they create The Surf Office, as the surfing headquarters for Otra Ola’s surf lessons. With 15+ years surfing, and 9 years living in Ayampe, Mateo is eager to share his knowledge with visitors that want to connect with the ocean, as well as being very experienced in understanding local conditions to provide a safe surf practice. Since 2021 Mateo forms part of Ayampe lifeguards team, participating in numerous rescues and beach preventions. Welcome to Ayampe, welcome to Otra Ola, let’s surf!