Meet the Swell team: Neno
Meet the Swell team: Neno
The next few weeks the blog posting will focus on different staff members at Swell. The first staff member we focus on is Juan Alberto Mejia Castillo, better known by 100’s of swell clients as Neno.
If you look around the Swell website you’ll find lots of photos of the smiling Dominican. Why? Because Neno is one of our top staff members: teaches people to surf, hangs around dinners and is always up for a pool table challenge ( be carefull he is good)
Neno has been with Swell 4 plus years and is one of the most experienced surf instructors in the Dominican Republic. With his ever present big smile, big enthusiasm (and equally awesome big hair) he is one of the most popular staff members of Swell.
Full Name:
Juan Alberto Mejia Castillo
Nick Name:
Neno
Position at Swell:
Surf Instructor
Nationality:
Dominican
Age:
26
How long have you worked for Swell?
4 Years
Languages:
Spanish, English and a little bit of swedish
Favourite music:
electronic
Favorite drink:
mojito
Hobbies:
surf and road trips
Favorite surfboard:
long board
Favorite surf spot:
mañanero
The best part about working for Swell is:
meeting new people and the vibe
The part I don’t like is:
the cat (jk)
One day I would like to
travel
I am really good at
socializing
But not very good at
writing
What would you like to see changed in the world?
eliminate corruption
When people come to Swell and the Dominican Republic they should definitely
visit playa grande
Tell us about yourself
Since I was a child I was always interested in computer science! I have two younger siblings the youngest is 21 and the oldest is 24. The youngest lives here in cabarete and the eldest lives with my parents in nagua, in the countryside, when i started working i was pretty young with the age of ten as a gardener, that was my first serious job and then after that i started working other stuff like carpentry, constuction and security. Security was my last job before i started working for swell surf camp and here i am!!
Photo of neno surfing at Encuentro
Interested in being taught the sport of Surfing? have a look at our learn to surf holiday packages, contact Clare and off you go on a unique surf holiday to the dominican republic.
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WHERE IS SWELL LOCATED?
Swell Surf camp is located on the North coast of the Dominican Republic, right in the center of the cool surfer town of Cabarete. With 3 international airports to choose from it's also one of the easiest places to get to for a quick surf getaway. Puerto Plata Airport is only 25 minutes away from Swell. On the' getting here' page you'll find the different options of getting to us.
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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A 1 WEEK LEARN TO SURF HOLIDAY
Dreaming of catching your first wave but wondering if surf lessons are really for you? At Swell Surf Camp, our lessons are designed specifically for beginners, and we mean absolute beginners, particularly those between 40 and 55 from cities like New York, Boston, or Toronto. You’ll never feel rushed, lost, or out of place. Our expert instructors genuinely love teaching, and their approach is as much about encouragement as it is about skill-building. Every instructor carefully tunes each lesson to fit one person, you, so you always get personalized support, whether you’re working on basic paddling, learning to pop up, or building confidence in the water.
The journey at Swell Surf Camp is about progression, not perfection. You’ll start with the very basics, practicing on the sand before moving into gentle ocean waves with your instructor right beside you. Throughout every lesson, our focus is on clear communication, safety, and keeping things fun. As you progress, our instructors give you feedback in real-time, helping you celebrate small wins and guiding your next steps. You’ll learn solid surfing foundations, water safety, and even the unwritten rules of surf culture. By the end of your stay, you’ll be amazed at your own growth and how natural surfing feels. Don’t wait to discover how transformative a single lesson can be, book your surf adventure at Swell Surf Camp and let your surfing journey begin!
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WHAT SPORTS DOES SWELL OFFER?
It's not only surfing that's on offer at Swell, we also offer learn to wingfoil and learn to kitesurf packages.
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ABOUT SWELL SURF CAMP
Swell was founded in 2009 by Jeroen and Clare Mutsaars, who built the camp from scratch after searching the globe for the ideal adult learn-to-surf destination. Since opening, our ISA-certified surf instructors have taught over 9,000 guests from more than 40 countries how to surf — making Swell one of the longest-running and most reviewed adult surf camps in the Caribbean.
We have been featured in Frommer's, Lonely Planet, Condé Nast Traveler, Outside Magazine, and Men's Journal, and carry a 4.9-star rating across 321 verified guest reviews on Google and Tripadvisor.
“Think of Swell as the anti-surf camp. There’s plenty of surfing, of course, but the similarities to other surf camps end there. For starters, the rooms are stylish — more boutique surf retreat than reggae-loving surfer digs. Then there are the legendary breakfasts (omelets, pancakes and crepes, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and fruit bowls). Structured surf lessons take place each morning. An instructor alongside you and the head surf coach watching from shallow water, ready to offer learn to surf tips between riding waves. If you are serious about learning to surf, then Swell should be on top of your destination list. Highly recommended! ”
Reference Source:
[Frommer’s Travel Guides]
Designed with the discerning surfer in mind, Swell is far from a crash pad. The spare clean lines, plush bedding, modern photographs and funky furniture say ‘boutique surf retreat’. The pool, ping-pong and foosball tables and social vibe suggest otherwise. A huge wood communal table is the center of the hanging-out action, after all the surfing is done. Highly recommended!
Reference Source:
[Lonely Planet]