Improve your foiling skills in paradise! Join us in Montanita Ecuador May 23-30, 2026 for a foil drive / tow / prone foil camp with Ecuador Foil, KT Foiling & Julia Castro. Learn More On this episode, Robert Ross (owner of Ecuador Foil and the ME Hotel & Villas - Montañita Estates) joins Luc Moore (host of the Foil Life Podcast) to share his journey from LA surfer to building a thriving life and foiling paradise in Montañita, Ecuador, where he's lived for over 15 years. Robert recounts his surf travels across Central and South America (including epic pre-internet Nicaragua missions and VW bus adventures to Costa Rica), how the 2008 financial crisis ironically set him up financially via Green Dot's prepaid debit card success, and why he chose Montañita in 2011 as his new home—describing it as feeling like "Costa Rica in 1999" with lively vibes, chaos he embraced, and unbeatable year-round foiling conditions. They dive deep into Ecuador as a hidden gem for prone, tow foiling, and winging: glassy protected coves, soft reef waves reminiscent of Trestles, no crowds or surfer competition, warm 80°F+ water, consistent Pacific swells (north and south), and spots accessible by boat or short drives. Episode Highlights: - Robert's path to foiling: From addicted surfer to kitesurfing in windy northern Peru (Mancora vibes), then kite foiling, prone, tow, and now winging—plus his excitement for upcoming parawing adventures- Montañita's setup: A vibrant surf town (bamboo bars, hammocks, piña coladas, lively nightlife with thousands on weekends) built around a main point break; his boutique hotel (15 condos, 15 rooms, pools, restaurant, gym on 2.5 acres overlooking town) doubles as base for foiling—gear stored in his boat, family-friendly with safe pools and nearby activities- World-class foiling paradise: Year-round waves (340+ foilable days), easy-learning "laboratory" reef for beginners (whitewater push like longboarding, straight takeoffs, reforms for pumping/connecting 10-20 waves), hidden offshore reefs for advanced riders, tow spots, and a protected glassy cove; seasonal wind spot 2 hours north (June-Dec thermals 14-18 knots, perfect for winging on left points with 5m wings/65L boards)- Operations and guiding: Customized tours via Ecuador Foil—airport pickups from Guayaquil/Quito, guided transfers to secret spots (tides are extreme, so local knowledge essential), prone lessons with top local instructor Mentol (anti-motor, drops double overhead like surfing), tow sessions with Robert/crew, rentals (Code, Axis Surge/Code 810x/A10x, various wings/boards for ~80kg riders), ~$125/day for 2-3 hours including guide/transport- Multi-discipline flexibility: Combine prone/tow in glassy Montañita with winging/downwind up the coast; intermediate/advanced wing tours; no full beginner wing lessons (recommends local schools for big boards), but epic for those with experience; family perks (non-foilers enjoy beaches, restaurants, snorkeling/scuba to islands, Galapagos trips nearby)- Why Ecuador stands out: Safer/more tropical/family-oriented than remote Peru spots like Chicama (better for non-riders/spouses/kids); no crowds, warm water, variety (prone, tow, wing, potential downwind/parawing); Robert's global foiling travels (Peru, Brazil, DR, Philippines, Australia, CA, Vietnam) always lead him back missing home's accessibility and consistency- Future stoke: Conquering a Chicama-length right point (tow-required, big south swells), more winging videos, group clinics (Luc eyeing a trip!), and sharing uncrowded perfection If you're chasing uncrowded warm-water wave foiling, easy prone entry, tow freedom, seasonal winging, or a laid-back tropical escape with family vibes and no crowds—this chat is packed with real inspiration, insider tips, and serious envy-worthy conditions. Check out Ecuador Foil at www.ecuadorfoil.com (tours, lessons, details), the ME Hotel & Villas at www.montanitaestates.com, reach Robert via Instagram @ecuadorfoil, or @robertxross1, YouTube @ecuadorfoil for prone/tow footage, or WhatsApp (linked on IG). Highly recommended for off-the-beaten-path foiling adventures! Listen now and start planning your Ecuador foil escape—warm waves and empty reefs are waiting! 🏄♂️🌴⚡