this is us
ABOUT US
our team
PETAR PAVLOVIC
Head IKO Instructor
The one and only Petar Pavlovic, head instructor, and owner of the school, is a Level 3 IKO instructor. Additionally, he was an IKO Trainer Instructor, meaning he taught instructors how to teach kitesurfing. A freestyle champion and big air prodigy, Petar still holds the height record of Naxos with his 22m jump.
Petar will teach you new moves, including toeside and jumping techniques, and help correct any bad habits. Passionate and dedicated, he strives to make every student a truly independent kitesurfer, regardless of their level. He loves challenges and is committed to teaching his passion.
Through his YouTube channel, Petar covers all the basics and safety aspects of kitesurfing to assist everyone interested in the sport. Support him on Patreon and receive online coaching now!
PETAR PAVLOVIC
Head IKO Instructor
The one and only Petar Pavlovic, head instructor, and owner of the school, is a Level 3 IKO instructor. Additionally, he was an IKO Trainer Instructor, meaning he taught instructors how to teach kitesurfing. A freestyle champion and big air prodigy, Petar still holds the height record of Naxos with his 22m jump.
Petar will teach you new moves, including toeside and jumping techniques, and help correct any bad habits. Passionate and dedicated, he strives to make every student a truly independent kitesurfer, regardless of their level. He loves challenges and is committed to teaching his passion.
Through his YouTube channel, Petar covers all the basics and safety aspects of kitesurfing to assist everyone interested in the sport. Support him on Patreon and receive online coaching now!
Jade Günthardt
Manager / Real estate
After more than a decade in the fashion industry, notably at Vogue Paris, she discovered her passion for kitesurfing and the profound connection it offers to nature. A true animal lover, she is always on a mission to rescue any dog that crosses her path.
As a sports enthusiast, she is never far from her RSQ1 machine and puts her trust in the NTS method and mentor Jacek Bator. Today, she channels her expertise into travel, crafting exceptional experiences for her clients.
Alongside her role as a real estate agent, trust her to design your next adventure with care and insight.
YAN SIMOEN CARLOS
alias “Popo”
IKO INSTRUCTOR
Popo, born and raised in Las Terrenas, is a true pioneer of kitesurfing in Las Terrenas. He was among the first to test the earliest kites ever invented by the Legaignoux brothers. Teaching since 2000, he is an exceptional instructor, mastering every aspect of kitesurfing, whether it’s with a foil, twin tip board, or a surf. It’s an honour to have him in our team. Book a lesson with Popo in Spanish or French, and you won’t regret it ! His patience and winsdom speak for themselves.
YAN SIMOEN CARLOS
alias “Popo”
IKO INSTRUCTOR
Popo, born and raised in Las Terrenas, is a true pioneer of kitesurfing in Las Terrenas. He was among the first to test the earliest kites ever invented by the Legaignoux brothers. Teaching since 2000, he is an exceptional instructor, mastering every aspect of kitesurfing, whether it’s with a foil, twin tip board, or a surf. It’s an honour to have him in our team. Book a lesson with Popo in Spanish or French, and you won’t regret it ! His patience and winsdom speak for themselves.
Stan Mignon
Administrator / IKO instructor
Stan is one of the visionary creators of Estilo de Vida. A true kitesurfing enthusiast, he has chosen Las Terrenas as his home. As the founder of several watersport companies, Stan has worked closely with the Ministry of Tourism, overseeing all permits and licenses. Thanks to his dedication and efforts, Estilo de Vida operates as a fully legal school, equipped with all necessary permits and licenses for every discipline it offers. His passion and commitment have been instrumental in establishing a thriving watersports community in Las Terrenas.
LUIS DANIEL
BAUTISTA
ALIAS “LUIS LA LEYENDA”
IKO INSTRUCTOR
If you’re looking for a true artist of the freestyle discipline, look no further. it’s no wonder we call him La Leyenda ! Born and raised in Las Terrenas, the sea has no secret for him. Follow him for the best downwinders you are safe with him ! Treasure to us all, Estilo de Vida wouldn’t be the same without him – he’s got the moves ! Join him for a lesson !
LUIS DANIEL
BAUTISTA
ALIAS “LUIS LA LEYENDA”
IKO INSTRUCTOR
If you’re looking for a true artist of the freestyle discipline, look no further. it’s no wonder we call him La Leyenda ! Born and raised in Las Terrenas, the sea has no secret for him. Follow him for the best downwinders you are safe with him ! Treasure to us all, Estilo de Vida wouldn’t be the same without him – he’s got the moves ! Join him for a lesson !
YORDI MONEGRO
TEAM RIDER
Our team rider Yordi, trained by Leif himself, is a true master of the air! Come meet him in Portillo and witness his incredible moves. We love watching him push his limits on the water as he trains for future competitions.
« Hi, my name is Yordi Monegro. My kiteboarding journey began when I was really young because all the boys in my village were getting into it. I started kitesurfing back in 2015 at just 7 years old, all thanks to Leif Leriche and the crew. Being the youngest on the team was pretty cool, and I learned so much from everyone. Even crazier for my young age, I managed to encourage other kids to give kitesurfing a try, helping them overcome their fear of deep water. And big thanks to Kinito Azor and Luis Daniel Bautista for teaching me crazy tricks I never thought would be possible. ».
ESTILO DE VIDA
our history
Lies the story of « Pura Vida », the very first kitesurfing school established in 1995 by Leif Leriche, a legendary figure in the local kite scene. Leif, has trained most of the riders in the area, shaping the kitesurfing community with his passion and vision.
our inspiration
As time went on, Leif joined forces with his friends Stan, Kinito, and the young Dominican kitesurfing prodigy, Luis Daniel Bautista, to create Estilo de Vida. Together, they continued to inspire and teach others, sharing their love for kitesurfing and fostering a vibrant community of riders in Las Terrenas. Additionally, in order to help and train local young kitesurfers for the profession, Estilo de Vida became the first IKO-certified school to organize Instructor courses in Las Terrenas.
our inspiration
As time went on, Leif joined forces with his friends Stan, Kinito, and the young Dominican kitesurfing prodigy, Luis Daniel Bautista, to create Estilo de Vida. Together, they continued to inspire and teach others, sharing their love for kitesurfing and fostering a vibrant community of riders in Las Terrenas. Additionally, in order to help and train local young kitesurfers for the profession, Estilo de Vida became the first IKO-certified school to organize Instructor courses in Las Terrenas.
worked closely with the Ministry of Tourism
In addition, those passionate kitesurfers amongst others formed a non-profit organisation to promote and develop kitesurfing in Las Terrenas. They worked closely with the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic to create official kitesurfing teaching licenses, permitting this school to be legal and insured, further establishing Las Terrenas as a premier destination for kitesurfing enthusiasts.
the spirit of community and passion
From its humble beginnings to its present-day reputation, the story of Estilo de Vida reflects the spirit of community and passion that defines kitesurfing in Las Terrenas.
After spending a month exploring this incredible coast, including Cabarete, we fell in love with Las Terrenas, more especially Portillo. Inspired by the legacy of Estilo de Vida and its founders, we decided to acquire the school, along with all its licenses and permits. Our journey began in April 2023. Stay Tuned !
the spirit of community and passion
From its humble beginnings to its present-day reputation, the story of Estilo de Vida reflects the spirit of community and passion that defines kitesurfing in Las Terrenas.
After spending a month exploring this incredible coast, including Cabarete, we fell in love with Las Terrenas, more especially Portillo. Inspired by the legacy of Estilo de Vida and its founders, we decided to acquire the school, along with all its licenses and permits. Our journey began in April 2023. Stay Tuned !
Kitesurf Experience
Kitesurfing experience
Petar Pavlovic and Jade Günthardt teamed up with Perfect Match GMBH, a sports event agency, to offer you the ultimate kitesurfing adventures and expertise.
Petar’s trajectory
Petar’s journey began in 2008 when he tried kitesurfing for the first time, eventually rising to become a professional Croatian kitesurfer and an IKO Trainer Instructor. Despite facing a setback due to a knee injury after achieving the title of Croatian Freestyle Champion in 2013, Petar’s passion for the sport remained unwavering.
Petar’s trajectory
Petar’s journey began in 2008 when he tried kitesurfing for the first time, eventually rising to become a professional Croatian kitesurfer and an IKO Trainer Instructor. Despite facing a setback due to a knee injury after achieving the title of Croatian Freestyle Champion in 2013, Petar’s passion for the sport remained unwavering.
share their wealth of knowledge
Since 2012, Petar has dedicated himself to sharing his wealth of knowledge as an instructor, guiding over 10000 students through more than 5000 hours of lessons across the globe. From Cabo Verde Egypt, Vietnam to Brazil, his expertise has impacted the lives of kitesurfing enthusiasts worldwide.
What you should know
Petar’s experience extends beyond teaching, as he has managed kitesurf schools in Vietnam and Greece and even established his own school in his hometown in Croatia.
Petar’s experience
Petar’s experience extends beyond teaching, as he has managed kitesurf schools in Vietnam and Greece and even established his own school in his hometown in Croatia.
content creation
Teaming up with a dedicated crew, Petar has led the creation of over 30 tutorials using state-of-the-art equipment, aiming to provide comprehensive guidance for kitesurfers of all levels. His YouTube channel serves as a beacon of knowledge, offering insights and tips to ensure a safe and smooth progression for every kitesurfer.
Together with Estilo de Vida, Petar, and our passionate team, we are committed to crafting an unforgettable kitesurfing adventure that transcends boundaries and unlocks the full potential of this exhilarating sport. Join us in Las Terrenas to experience the thrill and explore the endless possibilities of kitesurfing!
LICENSED SCHOOL
WE ACCEPT
WE SPEAK 5 LANGUAGES