...born out of a deep passion for surfing, community, and the lifestyle that goes with it.
The Meaning of Olo Alaia
"Olo Alaia" is a name deeply rooted in Polynesian surf culture, honoring the origins of wave riding and craftsmanship. The Alaia was a thin, finless wooden board requiring great skill, while the Olo was a longer, more buoyant board, often associated with chiefs. These boards were traditionally carved from native woods like wiliwili, koa, and breadfruit, chosen for their buoyancy and strength.
By combining these names, Olo Alaia pays tribute to the rich Polynesian heritage of surfing, where riding waves was an art form deeply tied to nature and culture. This spirit of tradition, craftsmanship, and ocean connection reflects the essence of Olo Alaia in Nosara.
Our Story
Founded by Robbie Vickers and Nella Ramirez Peralta in 2016, Olo Alaia Surf & Brew was born out of a deep passion for surfing, community, and the lifestyle that goes with it. With a vision to create a space in Playa Guiones that celebrated the vibrant surf culture while providing a welcoming environment for locals and visitors alike, Robbie and Nella created Olo Alaia with their love for surfing, coffee, craft beer, Costa Rica, and the Nosara community. From meticulously curating an exceptional selection of surfboards, gear, and brands, and sourcing high-quality, Costa Rican coffee, their vision quickly became a cornerstone of the Guiones surfing community.
Olo Alaia is now owned and operated by brothers Kyle and Max. Drawn to the vibrant surf culture and local community, they connected with the shop’s founders, Robbie and Nella. Bringing fresh energy and ideas, while preserving its unique spirit, they took ownership of Olo Alaia in November 2023. Today, they continue to honor its legacy, working closely with Robbie and Nella, infusing the shop with their love for surfing and passion for great coffee.
Olo Alaia remains true to what it’s always been—a surf and coffee shop that’s about more than boards and beans. It’s about the breaks, the people who ride them, and the coffee that fuels their days. It’s a place where anyone, from anywhere, can find a home. We keep our standards high, our roots deep, and our eyes fixed on what matters: the surf, the earth, and the people who make it all worth it.
