My wife and I had the pleasure of going on a ten-day surf trip recently with Derek acting as our host and surf guide. I was blown away by how much he knew about the area, the surf breaks, and the people. Immediately he had us feeling at home and at ease on our trip. Everything went off without a hitch, always on time, knowledgeable, and well organized it was a refreshing change from some of my prior experiences. Derek’s talent was not just about surfing, as he entertained us on the boat and in the bar after dinner with great music on his guitar. I can honestly say that this was the best surf trip we have been on thanks to Derek ”

Stuart and Jeanie Schlesinger- Northern California/ Nicaragua

“Derek Thomas’ service was faultless. He provided excellent information on all the breaks we surfed, especially when it was the first time out. He then surprised us with some excellent chilled live music as we kicked back at the resort bar in the evening. A very talented and spiritual surfer and musician. It was a pleasure to spend time with Derek and the crew..”

John Finaly - CEO, World Surfaris

“Derek has an undeniable love for people, the water, music, and sharing his passions. He’s always professional, upbeat, and willing to share his knowledge and expertise. His guided Breathwork & Meditation courses are unique, powerful and something to be experienced. He has a knack for guiding others, keeping them comfortable in new surf breaks, and helping them get as many good waves as possible.

A humble, soulful, and knowledgable host and guide, we were happy to have his energy on our family surf holiday, After epic surf sessions, we often gathered to chill and relax, sharing stories from the day and listening to him perform live many an evening.

Derek knows how to keep the good and fun vibes going! Over the years our family has become quite close with Derek, our kids as well and we’ve taken a handful of holidays with him in tow.

Eddie & Jen Delaney - Austin, TX/Costa Rica

"Just dropping you a note from both of us to thank you for an unforgettable family surf holiday. From the moment you collected us at the airport, it was bound to be a fabulous time. I’m sure you thought we were a pretty challenging group when we arrived but in your subtle way, you managed to put us all in our boxes!

Thanks for your attention to detail and way of making everything hassle-free, it was really appreciated. A holiday to remember in the right way. Please stay in touch and you are welcome to stay with us if you’re ever in Cape Town. 

Martine and Nick 

“I've had the random good fortune of being hosted by Derek during two of my surf vacations. As is easy with Derek's nature, we have now become close friends and have continued discussing and sharing books, music, and more personal experiences.

As a surfer, Derek is highly experienced and truly “rips”, as a host & guide he has always been very knowledgeable of the locations we have visited and highly attuned to where the best waves will be located in terms of tides, directions of wind,s and crowds. My surfing personally has improved thanks to Dere’ks attention and guidance. His musical talent brings the perfect end to your day. I have to thank Derek personally for the spiritual guidance he has shared with me. A most soulful human.”

Alex Illing -Portugal

During a recent surf holiday experience up in the Telo Islands, Indonesia I had the pleasure to meet & be treated to the unparalleled services of Derek Thomas. I found Derek to be a true professional, having confidence in his knowledge of the ocean & how to provide our group with exactly what our needs were. Nathan Hodge- former WSA tour surfer.

Nathan Hodge- former WSA tour surfer.

"Derek has a unique ability to eloquently blend science and spirituality while addressing the connection between our physiology and emotions. "I’ve found his guided Breathwork & Meditation Workshops to act as a catalyst for deep transformative experiences to begin unfolding for our clients here at the Arizona Relationship Institute." 

“Dr. Lisa Gold owner/founder of The Arizona Relationship Institute"

”Derek Thomas was the main point of contact for clients from airport pick up to drop off aboard our family-owned luxury yacht. Being a guide on an exclusive yacht charter and having multiple groups with high expectations on the same boat can be very challenging and demanding. Everything from organizing daily activities and guest relations to safety briefings, assessing client surf levels bringing them to the various surf breaks, and keeping the energy flowing between sessions.

Derek does it with a smile and sincerity that shows how much he enjoys it as well as cares about each guest’s experience. He also performed music a few nights a week for the guests on our top deck lounge. Singing and playing with his acoustic guitar and harmonica he added something to the experience that was very special, relaxing, and fun.”

Gaëlle Mesnard - Operation Manager Ocean Divine Safari Yacht- Maldives  

“ Derek has an infectious energy and uncanny way of making clients feel comfortable, focusing on both their safety and enjoyment. His passion for surfing, decades of experience, and ability to connect with high-end clientele both young and old set him apart from all the others. With over 25 years of ocean activity experience alongside multiple certifications in Breathwork, Meditation, Yoga, Contrast Exposure, etc. he brings a deep presence into every moment shared.

Doug Oyen - Chief Adventure Officer, La Vida Laguna

“I have been interested in and practiced different pranayama techniques for about 10 years. What I experienced with Derek and his Conscious Breath Workshop was really an eye-opener into how much deeper into practice I can delve. He holds a solid space with excellent guiding which allowed me to feel very comfortable and completely let go. I’d encourage bringing the techniques he teaches into your day-to-day.”

Chris Harrison

"Being a yoga and wellness facilitator myself, I acknowledge the tremendous value in Derek's conscious breath workshops. Derek’s guidance holds the space for others to dive deeper into these doorways of consciousness while making it easily digestible for all involved. If given this opportunity I highly encourage you to give it a go”

Kim Rangimarie Tasker- Certified Yoga Director/Facilitator

“We spent ten days with Derek acting as our host concerning himself with every detail of our experience. He worked so hard for us in aspects of our trip too numerous to mention and he did it with soul and grace. It was an expensive holiday by our standards and it more than met our high expectations. I know I speak on behalf of all of us when I say that he has a unique kind soul and as a bonus, he is a very good musician. We loved listening to him playing guitar and singing. Couldn’t recommend him more highly.”  

Andrew and Penny Knight

I had the pleasure of meeting & being treated to unparalleled service by Derek during a recent surf holiday experience. I found Derek to be a relational professional & had confidence in his knowledge of the ocean & how to provide his clients with exactly what their needs were. 

Nathan Hedge - WSA circuit pro