Kurt Van Dyke: A Surfing Legend Lost in Costa Rica

The surfing community is mourning the loss of Kurt Van Dyke, a 66-year-old American surfer, who was found dead in his apartment in Cahuita, Costa Rica, on Saturday. The incident, believed to be a robbery gone wrong, has sent shockwaves through the Caribbean coastal town and the wider surfing world.

Details of the Tragic Incident

According to the Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ), authorities were alerted to the scene around 10:50 a.m. after receiving reports of a deceased man. OIJ spokesman Carlos Valverde confirmed the death at the apartment located in the municipality of Talamanca, approximately 105 miles east of San Jose.

Preliminary investigations suggest that Van Dyke was with a woman when two armed men entered the apartment. The suspects allegedly threatened them with a firearm, holding them captive while stealing valuables. Sadly, Kurt Van Dyke succumbed to his injuries at the scene. “He was asphyxiated and had several stab wounds,” stated the OIJ spokesperson. The woman present during the incident sustained minor, non-life-threatening injuries.

A Legacy in Surfing

Originally from Santa Cruz, California, Kurt Van Dyke was a well-respected figure in the international surfing community. He wasn’t just a competitor; he was a passionate advocate for the sport, particularly in the Caribbean region. His influence helped to nurture and grow the surfing scene in the area.

Van Dyke came from a prominent surfing family. His mother, Betty Van Dyke, was a pioneer in women’s surfing, and his stepfather, Gene Van Dyke, was also a renowned surfer in Northern California. The Associated Press reported on Betty Van Dyke’s legacy in a 2021 obituary.

Tributes Pour In

Kurt’s brother, Peter Van Dyke, shared his grief with the San Francisco Chronicle, describing his brother as “a very benevolent, giving person who would help just about anybody.” He added, “Kurt would never hurt anybody, and he was always there when you needed him. Everyone that he met knew this about him.”

Raw Surf, a leading global platform for surf culture, also expressed their condolences. In an Instagram post, they stated, “Our hearts go out to Kurt’s family and the Costa Rican surfing community for this unimaginable loss.”

The OIJ has stated that the investigation is ongoing, aiming to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident and bring those responsible to justice. The body has been taken to the forensic morgue to determine the exact cause of death.

Kurt Van Dyke’s passing is a profound loss for the surfing community and all who knew him. His kindness, generosity, and passion for the sport will be deeply missed.