Kurt Van Dyke girlfriend Arroyo — two words now tied to a devastating story out of Costa Rica that has shaken the global surfing community and touched hearts from Santa Cruz to the Caribbean coast. Over the weekend, 66-year-old American surfing icon Kurt Van Dyke was killed in a violent home invasion at his residence in the Hone Creek area of Cahuita, Limón province, while his 31-year-old partner, known as Arroyo, survived the attack after being restrained and robbed.
If you’re seeking insight into one of the most talked-about incidents involving an internationally known surf figure and the woman reported to have been with him, keep reading for a detailed, factual account of developments.
Take a moment to share your thoughts on this heartbreaking event and how it’s impacting the communities of surfing and Costa Rica.
In the early hours of Saturday morning, Costa Rican authorities responded to an urgent report from the residence Van Dyke shared with Arroyo. According to preliminary statements from the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ), at least two masked men armed with weapons forced their way inside. The couple was home at the time.
Shortly after, officers discovered Kurt Van Dyke’s lifeless body beneath a bed in the home. He had suffered multiple stab wounds and signs of asphyxiation, and a knife was reportedly found nearby. Arroyo — who was in the shower when the intruders entered — was found bound with zip ties but is understood not to have suffered life-threatening injuries.
Responders rushed to the scene after someone phoned in about the intruders, and Arroyo, despite being restrained, was able to provide details about the attack. Detectives have said the suspects took several valuables and drove off in a 2013 Hyundai Elantra that belonged to the couple, according to security footage collected from the property perimeter.
The OIJ continues to investigate the case, and no arrests have yet been reported.
Who Was Kurt Van Dyke? From California Surf Roots to Costa Rica Icon
Kurt Van Dyke was a beloved figure in both California and Costa Rica. A native of Santa Cruz, California, he belonged to a storied surfing family deeply rooted in the sport’s culture on the U.S. West Coast. His father was an early surfing pioneer, and his mother was recognized for advancing women’s participation in surf competition during earlier decades.
Van Dyke moved to Costa Rica in the early 1980s. Over four decades, he became a fixture of the Caribbean surf scene, especially at Salsa Brava — one of the most challenging and revered breaks in the region. Surfers from around the world came to test their skills there, and Van Dyke earned respect for mastering those powerful waves.
More than a surfer, Van Dyke was a community builder. He operated Hotel Puerto Viejo, a well-known hostel-style lodging in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca that attracted international travelers and served as a hub for the surfing community. Locals and visitors alike remember him as generous and welcoming, someone who helped foster Costa Rica’s reputation as a friendly destination for travelers and wave riders alike.
Details From the Night: What Authorities Are Piecing Together
Although the investigation is still underway, several verified elements of the case have emerged:
- Assailants entered the home while Arroyo was showering. The sudden intrusion caught the couple off guard, and the suspects quickly seized control of the situation.
- Arroyo was restrained with zip ties and assaulted. She was found bound and shaken but remains alive and able to speak about what happened.
- Items and the couple’s vehicle were taken. The intruders fled with belongings, including the 2013 Hyundai Elantra captured leaving the scene on tape.
- Van Dyke was found under a bed. His body presented clear signs of violent injury, prompting the homicide investigation.
- No suspects have been publicly identified or arrested. Local officials continue to urge anyone with information to come forward.
Costa Rica’s Limón province, particularly Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and surrounding coastal towns, is typically known for its laid-back atmosphere and vibrant surf culture. Authorities and tourism leaders have stressed that recent months had been peaceful, and the incident is described by some officials as atypical for the region.
Reactions from Community, Family, and Surfing World
The news has reverberated across oceans. Friends, family, and fellow surfers have expressed sorrow and disbelief at Van Dyke’s death. On social media, tributes highlighted his influence on the surfing community and the warmth he brought to those around him.
Peter Van Dyke, Kurt’s brother, described him as a giving person who helped anyone in need and whose presence would be deeply missed. Meanwhile, local tourism leaders have shared that they are working with law enforcement to support the ongoing investigation and to emphasize that this remains an isolated incident distinct from broader safety conditions for visitors.
Arroyo’s survival and cooperation with authorities are pivotal as the case unfolds. While the full motive remains under examination, robbery appears to be a central element of the attack, though investigators have not ruled out additional factors as they review evidence and interview potential witnesses.
What’s Next: Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
Costa Rican prosecutors and law enforcement continue working on the Van Dyke case. Officials have released few public details beyond initial findings, and they have not announced any arrests. Authorities are reviewing surveillance video, seeking additional leads, and coordinating with community members to gather information.
The local surf and tourism communities have been deeply affected by the incident. Many are calling for increased vigilance and greater dialogue about safety, while others emphasize the enduring legacy Van Dyke leaves behind as both a surfer and an ambassador for Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.
We want to hear from you — share your thoughts or memories of Kurt Van Dyke and how this story resonates with you.