Shelter family
A team that knows what they’re doing and, above all, loves doing it.
At Shelter we are united by our passion for surfing and we feel very fortunate to have made our passion our profession.
At Shelter, we’ve turned our passion into our profession. Professional surfers and lifelong wave riders come together as part of this big family we call Shelter.
At Shelter, we make surfing accessible to everyone—whether you’re chasing competition goals or just looking to have a blast. From kids to adults, men and women, beginners to pros, and even individuals with diverse abilities, we believe everyone should have the chance to enjoy the thrill of surfing as much as we do every session.
Meet the Shelter Family
Aritz Aranburu
Founder
Como auténtico nativo de Zarautz, pasaba los veranos en la playa jugando con las olas. I had a clear idea of the gift for my third …
Oihana Iribar
Director of Shelter Surf
My life, both personally and professionally, has always been connected to the sea...
The daughter and granddaughter of a fisherman, our family cannery has been my university. And from one family to another, that of Shelter. I feel fortunate to lead, together with Aritz, this project with a social soul, which seeks to improve people’s lives by bringing the benefits of the sea and surfing closer together. Because surfing is a sport, it’s enjoyment, and it’s therapy; it is for me, and I love seeing it also for many of the people who make up the Shelter community.
Indar Unanue
Head Coach
I've always grown up by the ocean and have been surfing since I was 12. Throughout my…
I have dedicated to competing on the WQS circuit, documenting my travels around the world in magazines and videos as a free surfer and catching big waves, which is where I have stood out the most as a surfer.
Today I am a surf coach, I like to teach the next generations the values of this sport, help them to improve their technique and to compete.
Unai Zabala
Gym Manager
"Orio fellow for Zarautz people and Zarautz fellow for Orio people. I’ve always been closely connected to sports...
ever since I picked up a cork at age 5. Later, I made the leap to triathlon, without neglecting surfing and making the most of every free minute I had. Given my connection with the sea, it’s a pleasure to be part of Shelter and share its values. It fulfills me to be able to help people achieve their goals through work and strength training. For me, it’s priceless.
Irati Larrañaga
Responsible for Shelter Surf Eskola
Since I was little, I’ve always been close to the sea in one way or another. I’ve always admired surfing, and not having pursued it ...
in that world, I was a small thorn in my side. Since becoming part of the Shelter family, in addition to rekindling my relationship with the sport, I’ve been able to meet some great surfing enthusiasts.
Rudy Palmboom
Monitor
My name is Rudy Palmboom and I am from South Africa. I started surfing at age 5, and immediately ...
fell in love with the ocean. From a very young age, I dreamed of becoming a professional surfer, and I achieved it. I surfed for several years in the WSL WQS, after winning the WSL Africa Pro Junior Circuit in 2007.
Since then, I’ve become even more passionate about the sport, exploring different aspects of it, such as longboarding and using alternative equipment. Surfing has taken me to many magnificent places, like Zarautz, and I love sharing my knowledge and passion for the sport with others!
Andoni Dominguez
Monitor
I’m passionate about both the mountains and the sea, always enjoying these two wonders that nature gives us...
I love traveling and having experiences so I can keep learning and continue developing so I can teach what I love most.
I consider myself fortunate to be able to dedicate myself to what I’m passionate about, and I try to share all my knowledge to help people and make surfing as enjoyable as possible.
Gaizka San Miguel
Sports Monitor and Coordinator
I’ve lived near the sea since I was a child, and I’ve always had the desire to share all the knowledge I’ve gained there ...
and make it possible for everyone to enjoy the sea and the waves.
After my experience in soccer, I turned my hobby into a career three years ago as part of the Shelter family. Improving every day and learning from other instructors, colleagues, and students, I strive to make the surfing experience as meaningful as possible. There’s no better place to learn about surfing and its values!
Markel Miranda
Monitor
Surfing is much more than a sport to me; it’s a way of life. I want to share my knowledge ...
and my hope is for those who want to get started in the world of surfing, to teach them to enjoy surfing as I have since I was little.
Iker Amatriain
Monitor
I’ve been surfing my whole life. Until I was 20, I competed around the world, and now what I love most is ...
to share my passion and teaching it. I believe working at Shelter, with its team and its values, makes this the perfect place for both me, as an instructor, and for students who want to learn to surf.
Endika Miranda
Monitor
Since I was a child, surfing has held a special place in my life. I started catching waves at the beach in my hometown...
and over the years, I’ve learned and improved, always surrounded by friends and a good atmosphere. Now, as a surf instructor, I have the opportunity to share my knowledge and experiences with others, and that motivates me greatly. In my classes, I like to work in a friendly environment, with the aim of sharing my passion for surfing with my students.
Sugar Beobide
Monitor
Living in a town like Zarautz, it's hard not to love the sea. Surfing offers us tranquility, a chance to disconnect, the...
opportunity to discover ourselves and, above all, unforgettable moments. Working in a family like Shelter gives me the opportunity to share all of this with others.
Mikel Juaristi
Monitor
I am a surf instructor and physiotherapist, and I’ve been surfing in Zarautz my whole life. For the past 5 years, I’ve been a surf instructor in ...
Shelter and I chose this place because of its great teamwork and the values it conveys.
There’s no greater satisfaction than seeing someone you’ve been riding stand up on a board for the first time. See you on the water!
Unai Eizagirre
Monitor
I’m Unai, from Zarautz. Zarautz has many things, but the one that fills me the most is the sea...
Surfing has given me so many things, and they’ve all been good. That’s why I feel compelled to share it with everyone who comes to Shelter, so we can all enjoy this sport together, as much as I do.
Iker Lopetegi
Monitor
am someone passionate about the sea and the freedom I feel when riding the waves...
My dedication to surfing reflects my perseverance and love of nature. I’m always in search of the perfect wave, overcoming every challenge with enthusiasm and courage.
Jon Azkue
Monitor
I’ve been surfing since I was a child, and it’s a sport I’ve always loved. After many years as a student ...
at Shelter, I now work as an instructor while I continue my studies. Surfing has always given me a good feeling, and one of my favorite things is watching my students learn and enjoy this sport.
Mikele Beato
Monitor
Surfing was my first sport, and more than just a sport, it became a way of life from day ...
one. No other sport gives me the freedom and joy I feel after surfing.
I started at Shelter Surf as a student and now, as an instructor, I try to transmit the same values I learned.
Maite Fdez. De Casadevante
Monitor
Shelter family for many years, first as a student and now as an instructor...
I’ve always felt a strong connection to the ocean, so I try to practice sports that keep us united: spearfishing, swimming, and especially surfing. The latter has become a way of life. My passion now is traveling, not just to surf, but to discover new ways of understanding life.
All paths have led me to being a Shelter instructor. Now I share my daily life with colleagues who are both incredible surfers and people. Just like the word Shelter suggests, I feel it’s a refuge open to anyone who wants to grow and enjoy themselves.
Maialen Iñarrairaegui
Monitor
For me, surfing is about connecting with the sea, letting go of all my stress, and having fun with friends.
Every wave is a challenge that shows us respect and strength, and the Shelter school has allowed me to share these emotions, overcoming each challenge, because it is a family that spreads the passion of surfing.
Louis Borra
Monitor
Whenever I surf, I can enjoy the ocean in its purest form...
but innocent. Simply staying in the now with Mother Nature. Being a surf coach isn’t just about teaching people how to surf; it’s about sharing my passion and enthusiasm with them. So they can learn to enjoy the ocean themselves.