THE INTERVIEW with DEBBIE ZEC, founder of Dominical Surf School & Surf Muse
- karenleehall
- Jan 12
- 5 min read
by Karen Lee Hall. Photos provided by Debbie Zec
VP: Before we get into all things surfing, please tell me a bit about yourself. Where are you from and how long have you been surfing? When did you start your surfing school?
DEBBIE: I’m Debbie Zec Jimenez, blessed to be born and raised right here in Dominical Beach, a place I absolutely love! I’m the founder of Dominical Surf School and Surf Muse. I’ve been in the ocean since I was a kid, first bodyboarding and then surfing. I started teaching and competing around 14, and after working for a few surf companies, I decided at 17 to start my own school so I could share my passion my own way and keep chasing competitions at the time.
VP: I have never surfed, myself, and I feel like a good avatar for anyone who wants to learn. My first question is: what is the most important physical quality I would need to be able to learn to surf? I feel like I would need a really strong core.
DEBBIE: That’s right you need to have a strong core, but more than a strong core you need a really strong mind hehehe. The physical part is absolutely important, but your mindset is the most important. If you think you can do it, you will! Your body will get in shape with practice and time!
VP: On average, how quickly can a beginner expect to be able to get upright on their Board?
DEBBIE: The ride is quite short. It can be just a few seconds to almost a minute depending on the location, the waves they are surfing and their level of skill.
VP: Once I get the hang of it – surfing - , what is the best way to improve?
DEBBIE: Repetition, repetition, repetition! The more time spent in the water the better, you have to get the body used to it but also your mind, you need to create muscle memory so the moves become automatic!
VP: I’ve seen surfers and they are all wearing long sleeves, why is that?
DEBBIE: Not all do, some like to tan! But what we wear are rashguards, it’s a lycra shirt that has sunblocking qualities, like a 50 spf factor and it also protects from getting rashed from the wax of the board. When people are learning we always suggest using it.
VP: What is the best time of day to go out surfing, and why?
DEBBIE: It’s all about the tides, the tide is our boss. Tides change everyday about 45 min later per day. Some days the surf is best in the morning, but some other days it will be best at midday. This can be a long explanation but I will try to make it simple, in Dominical for example, you want to surf about 1.5hrs after low tide for Beginners, this way they have plenty of space to surf longer rides, if a beginner goes to the white water on high tide they have shorter rides, and they get smashed against the shore, this is not ideal. For intermediate and advanced surfers we normally go all the way out the back, to what we call “the line up” where the waves form, and we catch them before they break, for this we normally get more favorable conditions after mid tide going into high tide.
VP: Are some waves better than others for surfing? How does a surfer decide when the waves are right? What do they look for?
DEBBIE: Beginners and Advanced surfers search very different things. For example beginners need calmer waves, less current, long white waters or very small green waves. An advanced surfer instead is looking for bigger waves, that have barrels, or that have open faces so they can perform maneuvers on the wave.
This can be a bit counterproductive for a beginner when they are on vacation for example, they see all the good surfers paddling out and they get excited thinking is a good time to go surf, they just go to a shop, ask for a board and try to do the same thing themselves, risking their bodies and others around them. Normally beginner surfers need to understand that they are not at the same level and that the conditions that can be great for an advanced surfer will not necessarily be great for them. Best to always ask the lifeguards or the surf shops when is the best time to go, again time changes everyday.
VP: Are rip tides problematic for surfers? How easily can a rip tide be spotted? What is the best practice when you do spot a rip tide?
DEBBIE: Uh this is a good one! Rip tides are the friends of an advanced surfer because we can get to the line up much faster, but to a beginner or inexperienced surfer this can be problematic if unaware. This is why they should always ask advice first if they do not know how to recognize a current. In our lessons we always teach this in their very first class. Recognizing a current is fundamental for every aspiring surfer! How to recognize a current? Observation, take a moment to look at the waves, pat attention if the water is going into a specific direction, check for a difference in the color of the water, normally where there is a current water looks murkier sometimes brownish color, also the waves don’t move in a straight line forward they can get across and sideways. If a surfer or swimmer is ever caught in a rip current the most important thing is to “never to panic”, just float calmly and ask for help. Always try to swim sideways and never against the current.
VP: What is one thing expert surfers know that beginners should learn?
DEBBIE: Etiquette! That’s a big one. Surf etiquette is super important, and it comes with time, experience, and a genuine interest in understanding the sport. Just like any other sport, there are rules in the water that help keep everyone safe while having fun.
I would also say, have fun! Don’t take it too seriously and don’t be so hard on yourself. Surfing has a huge learning curve, and even after years, you never stop learning. Surfing it’s therapy, it’s connection with God and nature, it’s your “me time.” Once you’re out there, you disconnect from the noise of daily life and make space to play.
Beginners often want to progress fast, but surfing takes patience and practice. Celebrate the small wins, enjoy the ride, apologize if you make a mistake in the water, and stay open to learning. A good attitude in and out of the water goes a long way!
+506 7099-6826 / + 506 8853-4860
Find us next to Restaurante El Coco. At Dominical Beach, Costa Rica
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