California Surfing 'King' Kurt Van Dyke Found Slain in Costa Rica

Van Dyke, 66, appeared to be the victim of a home invasion, local police said.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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California surfing legend Kurt Van Dyke was found stabbed and strangled to death in his Costa Rica home, and police are searching for at least two men in connection to the killing. Van Dyke, 66, was with his girlfriend when the intruders barged into his residence in the city of Limon, where he owned a hostel for surfers. The robbers fled with valuables and the girlfriend's car after the attack.

Why it matters

Van Dyke was a well-known figure in the Northern California surfing community, coming from a pioneering surfing family. His death has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit surfing world, with his brother describing him as a 'very benevolent, giving person' who was beloved by all who knew him.

The details

Van Dyke's body showed signs of strangulation and stab wounds, and he was found with a sheet covering his head. The girlfriend, who was in the shower when the robbers broke in, escaped without serious injuries but was restrained with zip ties. The robbers fled with some valuables and the girlfriend's 2013 Hyundai Elantra.

  • Van Dyke was found lifeless and stuffed under a bed on Saturday at his apartment in the city of Limon.

The players

Kurt Van Dyke

A 66-year-old California surfing legend who owned a hostel for surfers in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica.

Peter Van Dyke

Kurt Van Dyke's brother, who described him as a 'very benevolent, giving person' who was beloved by the surfing community.

Gene Van Dyke

Kurt Van Dyke's father, who helped popularize surfing in Northern California.

Betty Ann Van Dyke

Kurt Van Dyke's mother, who was part of a 'pioneer group of early modern day female surfers.'

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Peter Van Dyke, Kurt Van Dyke's brother (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

Police in Costa Rica are continuing to search for the two suspects who fled the scene after the attack on Kurt Van Dyke.

The takeaway

The tragic death of surfing legend Kurt Van Dyke has left the tight-knit Northern California surfing community in shock, mourning the loss of a beloved figure known for his generosity and kindness. His family's pioneering role in the sport underscores the deep roots of surfing culture in the region.