The surfing world is mourning the loss of Kurt Van Dyke, a California-born wave rider whose life ended violently in Costa Rica over the weekend.
Per the San Francisco Chronicle, authorities in Costa Rica confirmed that the legendary surfer, 66, was discovered dead inside his residence in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on Saturday morning, February 14, after reports of a disturbance around 10:50 a.m. local time.
Investigators say the scene pointed to a home invasion that turned deadly. According to early findings, Van Dyke suffered both stab wounds and signs of asphyxiation. His body was later sent for autopsy as officials continue to piece together what happened.
Law enforcement believes two armed suspects entered the home while Van Dyke and a woman were inside. The woman, identified in reports as his girlfriend, told investigators she was restrained during the incident and assaulted before the suspects fled with valuables and a vehicle. She survived with minor injuries. Surveillance footage reportedly captured the suspects leaving the property.
The identities of the two men arrested in connection with Kurt Van Dyke’s killing have not been publicly released as the investigation remains ongoing.
Van Dyke’s death has shaken both locals and the international surfing community. A longtime resident of Costa Rica, he had built a life in the Caribbean coastal town after relocating there in the 1980s. He owned and operated a budget-friendly hotel that became a staple for visiting surfers chasing the powerful Salsa Brava waves.
Born into a deeply rooted surf family in Santa Cruz, California, Van Dyke was surrounded by the sport from the start. His father, Gene Van Dyke, helped shape Northern California’s early surf culture, while his mother, Betty Van Dyke, was among the women pushing boundaries in the lineup during the mid-20th century.
Friends and family remember Kurt Van Dyke as more than just a skilled surfer. His brother, Peter, described him as “a very benevolent, giving person who would help just about anybody,” adding, “Kurt would never hurt anybody, and he was always there when you needed him.”
Tributes have continued to surface online, with fellow surfers sharing memories of his time in the water and his impact on the local scene. One friend wrote that Van Dyke would be remembered for “doing what he loved,” while others credited him with helping shape Costa Rica’s surf culture.
Local tourism officials acknowledged the tragedy, noting that violent incidents in the region are uncommon. “This shocks and saddens us because the Caribbean has been so peaceful,” said Roger Sams of the Southern Caribbean Chamber of Tourism and Commerce.