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Kurt Van Dyke (pictured) in Costa Rica. Photo: Facebook
Kurt Van Dyke (pictured) in Costa Rica. Photo: Facebook

Kurt Van Dyke, from surfing’s legendary Van Dyke family, stabbed to death in Costa Rica

"Kurt would never hurt anybody, and he was always there when you needed him."

A horror story emerging from Costa Rica, this morning, with the San Francisco Chronicle reporting the grisly murder of Kurt Van Dyke. The 66-year-old, who hails from the legendary Van Dyke family us Santa Cruz way, had opened a hostel in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, there on Costa Rica’s Caribbean side, and was a well-loved fixture in town.

He was also a notable ripper in the area, dubbed “The King” according to the New York Post.

Authorities have shared that, at some point this past Saturday, intruders broke into Van Dyke’s Costa Rican apartment, which he shared with his 31-year-old girlfriend, and bound the two of them with zip ties, assaulted Van Dyke, then robbed them, including taking one of the vehicles.

The girlfriend survived while Van Dyke was found lifeless under a bed with a sheet over his head and multiple stab wounds.

Kurt’s brother, Peter Van Dyke, told the Chronicle, “My brother was a very benevolent, giving person who would help just about anybody. Kurt would never hurt anybody, and he was always there when you needed him. Everyone that he met knew this about him.”

Roger Sams, president of the Southern Caribbean Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, told Surfer Magazine, “We have the Police delegation in Playa Negra, the cantonal, which is the most modern in the country. We are working hand in hand on security issues. It shocks us and hurts us, because the Caribbean has been very calm.”

Attempting to tamp down fear, Sams concluded, “There have been no cases of violence reported like this against tourists. In recent months there has been no violence or assaults. This is an isolated case, he is the owner of a hotel, not a tourist, it has not to do with tourists and the people who come to visit us.”


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Snowbored

I was in Puerto Viejo in 1996. Seemed like a Cracky-Tweaky backwater then. I almost got mugged heading back to Kurt’s hotel from the bar but could run faster than the crackheads.

Salsa Brava was so sketchy but very consistent.
Rainy weather . Muddy water.

Black Rubber

It was below the drug checkpoint at that point and so far out there that the govt didn’t care. It was a wild place in those days. And that wave…

nyc surfing golden boy

maybe his chick was in on it?

JIMBO

What a massive bunch of TOOLS! How is it possible that so many douchebags all found each other? This guy was a incredibly kind person and an absolute charger. But you keep whining about your politics and stroking each other off. At least this garbage website provides a safe space for dumdums. Get fucked:)

BograilCutback

Godstruth your honesty is a light unto the nations holy shit hahahah

notsurfingtoday

Haha good on ya – brazilians are big fitness freaks, having a look at the carnival parades all string bikinis ropey arms n legs and whatnot. Too much glitter though, that thing is just nasty.

NEGATRON

What a fucking self obsessed, pussy whipped, wanna be poofter, soft cock, embarrassing mentally fragile cunt “men” are becoming these days ay. Honestly it’s beyond embarrassing.

@TheRealJackMeoff

Happened to me a couple times.
Disqus is pretty dodgy.

@TheRealJackMeoff

You know you can just log out and see everything right?
But trust me, you’re not missing anything.

Craven Morehead

Searching for Captain Zero was a true story

Hippy

Alan is a Dbag

Barnycle

A complete nut. He used to spend time in my neck of the woods. Before my time, but I got some of the stories.

I followed his online blogs/videos after I finished Zero. The man is out there. (Although I lean towards “his” theory about Kennedy that he talked about in a video; killed because he was going to get out of Vietnam).

he Had two books optioned by Hollywood. One by Cusack and one by Sean Penn. Luckily neither were made. Doubt they would have been any good.

Hippy

Met him in Michoa

Avoided him in Michoa

Barnycle

And a fun book too.

Hippy is right. Alan is a genuine nut.

Mason’s Hoe

God damn man

snapper

Just updated my passport and I don’t know why…

Occys pool plug

Can people keep dropping the best surf spots, ive sharpened my pencil again, jotting down notes for a trip. Any sand bottom point breaks? Or a frame reefs?

@TheRealJackMeoff

Sure why not.
Try the beachbreak by the pier at Puntarenas, and maybe go for a jump off the bridge on your way in.
You can thank me later!

Hippy

Dont forget to buy some chicken parts

@TheRealJackMeoff

No need if you are jumping in for a swim…

Barrelled

Except they don’t live there.
Edit: oops, responded to the wrong post.

@TheRealJackMeoff

Like the other 95% of surfers there.

Hippy

been blown out a long time now and full chick scene

Just youtube and you’ll be blown away

@TheRealJackMeoff

Yeah saw that last time around.
Had more fun doing mountain stuff with the kids.
Fuck me food is expensive there…

Mapski

Also RIP Col. Kilgore(“Charlie don’t surf!), Robert Duvall.

Barnycle

“Look at those A-frames.”

justiceminister

Can’t beat the sound of napalm in the morning. Smells like victory. Time to go surf.

notsurfingtoday

Dont know the legendary family but 66yo /31 yo girlfriend, running a surf hostel in the tropics , does fit the legendary stereotype.

Horror story though.

Sellme fitzgobbins

Terrible story.
have to ask who are the legendary Van dyke family ? The guy from Mary poppins?

Capt Sensible

Come on man i expected someone that mentions his north shore conections so much to know that Fred Van D was one of the OG north shore hell men

Hippy

OG

TF

Caribbean side of CR has always had some bad people. Unfortunately, pacific side of CR is getting worse (compared to what it was 25-30 years ago). Only move is to buy a parcel at the ranch, though you might get held up by a Malloy brother with a Patagonia branded beef stick.

Barrelled

Malloy’s don’t live there.

Mike

They boat in.

Mike

Beef stick and coming for you with a broken off 805 beer bottle😅

Barnycle

RIP, lad. What a sad way to go.

I could live in Costa Rica tomorrow if I had to, but not on the Caribbean side. They have a dark history of exploitation there that has guided the economy and the society. And then this has gotten worse with the spread of the narco economy and even MUCH worse since millions of Venezuelans left their country and settled throughout the region, at the very bottom of the economic ladder and willing to make a living any way they could. Further affecting the employment and economy of the area.

I’ve stayed in Van Dyke’s hostel in 2020 and it was a very simple, but pleasant spot. Admittedly, it was an unusual time, during the pandemic, so nothing was normal.

Anywhere but the Caribbean side, as naturally beautiful as it is. The Pacific side is also suffering from all the narco shit. Not near as bad as what has happened in Ecuador, but still much worse than what should have been.

Derek Hynd's Missing Fins

New President going to be able to make a difference?

Barnycle

I highly doubt it. But, as always, it’s possible.

Things will likely get worse. Nothing short of the decriminalisation and regulation of cannabis and cocaine, to take the money out of the black market, will help. Seeing how fast Ecuador went from a relatively stable country to a narco hellhole is a sober reminder of how fast things can get bad. Of course, that’s an extreme example; but one we could never have expected.

Also, Costa Rica would need Venezuela and Nicaragua to stabilise their social situations so that many of their immigrants can head back to their countries. And for a certain country to lay off of Panama and Colombia so that those countries can continue to improve their social situations without the usual “regional” interference.

Not looking good, but we can hope for the best.

Chief Hot stuff

Was his dad a Dick?

@TheRealJackMeoff

Way too soon bro….

@TheRealJackMeoff

And if you are wondering when is the right time, it’s never….

Chief Hot stuff

So not the actor?

@TheRealJackMeoff

Refer to Matt Warshaws encyclopedia

Derek Hynd's Missing Fins

Sucks. Heading to Pacific side in 2 weeks–will be looking over my shoulder a bit more. Fuck rapists, pedophiles, thieves, and murderers. So basically, fuck MAGA.

Hippy

remember fins…. what is the opposite of Antifa?

“So you’re pro fascism?” is a great way to follow a MAGAT talking shit about the mythical antifa

Don’t you love how Qanon has quietly exited the conversation?

Chief Hot stuff

Antifacts

Derek Hynd's Missing Fins

You still looking for lizard people?

Hippy

I love the argument AGAINST antifa.

They literally paint themselves into a corner.

John Smith

What, that they are violent anarchists?

Name something whatever you want, actions speak louder than words.

Hippy

They, are fascists.

Derek Hynd's Missing Fins

Only political party with voters who fail at paint by numbers.

Dogsnuts

Artifacts.
Xox

Brutus

tacofacts!

Otto

For a smart guy, you sure say some stupid shit here.

Hippy

There he is!

Yo, why hasn’t the DOJ investigated anyone involved with Eppy? Why did they give Maxwell preferred treatment?

Otto

Why do you think the DOJ hasn’t investigated anyone involved with Epstein? I’d reckon investigations have occurred, and there isn’t enough there to prosecute.

Hippy

She’s spent her time redacting and obstructing.

If she had been prosecuting, they would be grand standing like always.

Now, why did Blanche move Ghislaine?

Otto

Once she agreed to speak, she is at risk, as prisoner culture doesn’t take kindly to a prisoner that speaks with prosecutors.

Hippy

She’d be safe in solitary.

She is now eyeing a pardon….. how’s that? But you can’t criticize that, wonder if you’re game planning that eventuality?

Dogsnuts

You reckon? If the unredacted files were released we would know.
Xox

Otto

Ro Khanna went on the House floor and named six men he said were implicated in criminal activity associated with Epstein. Turned out their photos and names were used in a photo lineup and none of them had any connection to Epstein.
Perhaps consider that there good reasons behind the redactions.

Brutus

perhaps we should wait for the final dump of 2.5 m unreleased documents so we have the full picture….and as if the DOJ will prosecute donny…..remenber when he said he could murder someone in central park and get away with it?

Derek Hynd's Missing Fins

Lost me at “for a smart guy.”

Otto

You’re too smart to be lost.

c4

Hey Otto since you’re a hunter I thought you might be interested in this pic. Big kitty left a present out on the street this morning. Pic is clear if you click on it . https://uploads.disquscdn.c…

@TheRealJackMeoff

At least it’s been fed.

c4

Chewed right through the ribs.

@TheRealJackMeoff

Big cats are no joke.

Otto

While I’d much rather encounter neither, I think I’d prefer a grizzly over a big cat. At least I might stand a chance seeing it coming.

Hippy

I encountered a cat once….. station 10. Fish and Game saved my ass, lion ran across the sand, across the lot, through 6 lanes of dawn PCH and escaped to your hood.

Otto

HB women can be a handful.

Hippy

OB getting feral?

c4

In my neighborhood.

Hippy

You moved?

c4

Marin. I don’t live in SF

Hippy

Thought you lived on Noriega, my bad.

c4

City is too foggy.

Hippy

dang, could have used you in Mill Valley last June.

MILF Valley

Dogsnuts

You literally support a pedo regime.
Xox

Hippy

Convicted Felon too awaiting sentencing

Grifter of the highest order, professional liar, civil judgement for sexual harassment, failure of many businesses, the list goes on and on, yet people defend him

Dogsnuts

Shits pants on live television.
Xox

Hippy

before he fell asleep

Imagine campaigning against Biden and your argument is he is too old? The hypocrisies never sleep

Otto

I never supported Biden. I don’t know what you’re thinking.

Dogsnuts

The whole bunch, burn them all. Your argument holds no water.
Xox

Brutus

as republican Tomas Massie says ( after seeing the files) he has called the current administration…” The Epstein Administration!” …..so if you say Biden and a GOP congressman says trump….hmmmmm

Mike

Contant Trolling like a kook

Mike

Amazing brain rott from the anti MAGA old fart surfer community. Description of the clowns that just rant about MAGA even if the article is about a shark attack: they hated Reagan, went to some stupid coastal college(studied communications or something more stupid) which their parents paid for, and now they’re butt hurt someone is going to deport their gardener. They’ll have to mow their own lawn and wifey will have to clean her house unless you can bribe the kids to do it. STFU

Hippy

On my radar too…. had two plans that are falling apart and your plan is my plan C.

Com Turren

plan C is fucking MAGA?

Hippy

Central Costa Rica

You wanna go?

still empty unlike the Guanacaste

Barnycle

Go south mate, where there will still be rainfall in 10-15 years. Guanacaste will have to pipe water from the interior.

Dan Mann has settled on the Pacific coast in a sick, little spot with a decent wave. But as dry as a desert in the dry season. It’s fine for now, but they’ll have their problems if the dry seasons continue to get worse.

My prediction is that in a couple of decades they’ll be building a large pipeline to pipe water to tamarindo / the coast from the arenal and the interior lake/mountains. A simple project, but very expensive.

Hippy

As much as I care about the locals and water, I just hole up at a motel with a great kitchen and I can walk to B+ beach break with no one for miles. Shoulder season, high volume surfing. Fill the tank.

Derek Hynd's Missing Fins

My first time to region. Will be Playa Pelada based. Able to find some fun beachies?

Hippy

Ostional is very fun and has some grunt. Camaronal to the south is called “heavy”, I dunno…. good and bigger than Guiones, how bout that? You single, head to Guiones or take class at the Nosara Yoga Institute. Owwweeeee….. if my Mrs found out I went there on a boys trip I would be interrogated.

Bit North of Ostional is Marbella, where HB bought the mountain that was never developed. Marbella is a good wave though.

You can get deep sea panga’s out of Pelada and get yourself a Wahoo!!!!

Good trip, just busy so look around. All the VALs go to the same few spots and don’t like heavy water

@surfads

I lived and worked in Guiones for a bit. Full VAL town and wave but super consistent, and some good waves in the area. Had some great uncrowded surfs at Ostional. Negra was always a favourite too.

Sad to hear about this. Caribbean side always a lot dodgier tho we had two robberies while we were there. They’d at least wait until you had left the house tho

@surfads

Pelada itself has a really fun right rock shelf out front but needs big swell and high tide. Also very localised. Rivermouth just north gets waves but also has crocodiles. And as hippy said Ostional is a heavier less crowded version of Guiones but a bit less consistent and harder to get to. You will likely Just walk over the headland to surf guiones everyday.

Barrelled

Go to Bocas in Panama. It’s all you just described.

@TheRealJackMeoff

And just as pricy…

Barnycle

Crowds can be mental in the Bocas, though. Have to try and get away from the top spots, and might end up surfing some rubbish.

NEGATRON

Went to Bocas in 98. So quiet, heard its nuts now.

Hippy

full scene

Barrelled

Still uncrowded spots to be had if you have access to boats.

Barrelled

Unless you go to middle Africa or have a trans PAC boat, pretty much everywhere is nuts now.

@TheRealJackMeoff

Lot’s of places still left.

NEGATRON

Surfed a bombie last night with just one other fella until he broke his board. Then I was wishing for a crowd 🤪

RQ.

the live stream of Maunga was a scary thing yesterday.

NEGATRON

Was certainly alive!

Black Rubber

Me too. Was kind of mind blowing at that point.

Hippy

cooked now

Com Turren

tell me the dates and the booking agent—will they at least ransom me?

Hippy

booking agent?

Find a week with high tides in the morning and go

Rocks local

high going low til the exits completely disappear

Brutus

I think mad fucking maga will come out in the next dump of the epstein files……and as Republican Congressman Massie is quoted….” the current white house administration…to be called the epstein administration….yep named by one of their own!

You’ll def be looking over your shoulder at all the endless hot chicks, and getting robbed every time you go out to eat.
San Jose is no worse than Compton or Oakland….

Whitefolkswithdreadsarefunny

There’s way more crime in Costa Rica than all the hotel/hostel/airbnb owners will admit to. Same with Nica. Fortunately it’s mostly just property crime. That’s why our family prefers the safer beaches of southern and central Mexico. That and the local cuisine is exponentially better. Gallo pinto anyone?

Mike

I can’t wait for Trump to win his third term😂

k54

He’s still got 3 years left…

toofattosurf

my money is on vance for the back end, just sayin’…


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