THE SWELL TEAM
Meet the team
Let us introuduce you to the people who work at Swell, and who will make sure you get the surf holiday you are looking for.
THE MANAGER
Haudy
My name is Haudy Prisila
I am 42 years old & 
Graduate of Tourism, Hospitality and Marketing
I am originally from Chile, my hometown is Valparaiso (one of the most beautiful cities of my country recognized in the whole world for its hills, streets of many colors, historic elevators that show the city in its fullness!
I arrived in the Dominican Republic in 2001 (I was really here for 1 year but … until today I found my home here … My home and my work … my little paradise !!
Arrive at Swell Surf Camp in 2012
I love Cabarete, to live here, I love to walk on the beach of cabarete,
I think it’s a gift every day … normally in my free time I go to the gym and also go out or cook with friends, I love listening to Latin music> my favorites without a doubt Sosa Stereo !!
What other say about Haudy:
” Awesome cook, will look after you very well when you are at Swell”
The Surf Instructors
Neno
My name is Juan Alberto Mejía, but everyone calls me Neno. I am 27 years old.
I was born in Nagua but I grew up in Cabarete. I have two younger brothers who currently live with my parents in Nagua and I really like to visit them and have a good time with them. It’s really pretty where I’m from, but there’s is not a lot to do in the countryside and the surf spot is far, so that’s why I prefer Cabarete.
My favorite song is Criminals by No Sleep & XUITCASECITY.
What others say about Neno:
“Epitomizes the Dominican spirit; Friendly , Helpfull and always up for a good time!”
The owners
Clare
I’m from the south of England and I’m 54 years old. I’ve got two ‘boys’ who are now 21 and 18 and even though i’m tall, they both tower over me 6’5″ and 6’6″ – it’s like having your own personal minders!
With a musical family, I grew up playing guitar and worked as a professional singer for a few years before turning to property development. I was late to get involved in watersports and started kitesurfing at 39 years old and surfing at 52! (it’s never too late!). Jeroen and I met whilst kitesurfing in the Dominican Republic and have been together since 2006. We built Swell because Jeroen has taken me to some pretty dreadful surf camps / hotels and resorts over the years and I wanted to do something for the long-suffering surf wives! I’m a terrible dancer and I’m passionate about dogs and have to be preventing from rescuing more than we can handle. Favorite song; Don’t Give Up (Peter Gabriel/Kate Bush).
What others say about Clare:
“Meticulous about booking details, faster on the email than an F1 Pit stop “
Jeroen
I’m from Holland and I’m 44 years old.
I’ve grown up with a passion for windsurfing, snow sports, and sailing at an early age since every holiday and weekend was spent on the sail boat with my parents and brother.
Windsurfing brought me to Cabarete in 2004 and that’s also when I ‘swapped’ windsurfing for kitesurfing for a few years.
I still love to Windsurf when the wind is over 20 knots and the waves are solid at Cabarete reef, but my main passion is surfing.
Another passion of mine is photography, and most pictures on the Swell website are ‘mine’.
I divide my time between the UK, Bali and 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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ABOUT SWELL SURF CAMP
Founded in the winter of 2009, Swell Surf Camp emerged from Jeroen and Clare Mutsaars vision. They lived in the Dominican Republic for eight years and spotted a gap in the surf camp market for higher quality accommodations combined with an engaging social atmosphere. Their extensive travel and stay experiences across different countries like Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Peru, Hawaii, Indonesia and various European nations fueled their passion to elevate the surfing retreat experience.
Swell Surf Camp is renowned as the world’s first luxury surf camp tailored specifically for beginners. The founders collaborated with a notable Swiss architect to design facilities that blend comfort with style. This innovative approach ensures every guest enjoys superior lodging and amenities. Since its inception, Swell has taught over 9,000 people how to surf with an emphasis on safety, fun, and structure.
Our achievements speak volumes. Swell has collected numerous accolades and maintains hundreds of stellar reviews from guests globally. Recognized repeatedly as the leading destination for luxury surf vacations, our commitment to excellence keeps us at the forefront of the industry.
Beyond surfing, Swell offers a diverse range of activities including kitesurfing, wingfoiling, and yoga classes. Guests can also enjoy horse riding both on scenic beaches and mountain trails—plus exciting adventure-filled excursions like canyoning.
A crucial element of any vacation is food, and here at Swell we excel. We provide delicious home-cooked meals daily. For evenings out, guests find themselves just minutes away from an array of dining options that promise satisfying culinary adventures.
For those who prioritize upscale amenities and wellness in a unique setting built around learning surf skills amid profound natural beauty, Swell should be on the top of your surf destination list
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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.
“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]