5 Questions You Should Ask Before Booking A Beginner Surf Camp in Nicaragua
Nicaragua, a Central American paradise, beckons with its volcanic peaks, lush rainforests, and of course, world-class waves. But for aspiring surfers, the prospect of catching their first wave in Nicaragua can be both thrilling and daunting. This guide empowers you to navigate the world of Nicaraguan surf camps with confidence by outlining the 5 essential questions to ask before booking your next surf camp adventure. By considering these key factors, you’ll feel confident that you can make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
Am I Choosing a Beginner-Friendly Surf Camp?
This might seem obvious, but it’s crucial! Not all surf camps cater to first-timers. Look for camps specializing in beginner instruction with qualified instructors certified in teaching surf fundamentals. Here’s what to consider:
- Experience Level: Does the camp cater specifically to beginners?
- Do they teach you in the whiter water? This is kind of a controversial topic, but something to consider. If you only learn in the white water, are you really learning to surf?
- Student-to-Instructor Ratio: Smaller class sizes (ideally 3-4 students per instructor) ensure personalized attention and faster learning.
- Surf Break Selection: Does the camp utilize beaches with gentle, rolling waves suitable for beginners? Examples include El Transito and Playa Colorado. Not all waves are made equal, and just because one season is good for advanced surfers, it doesn’t mean its a good season for beginners.
Pro Tip: Look for camps that offer video analysis of your surfing technique and theory related surf classes that teach you more than how to stand on a surfboard.
Common Beginner Mistakes: Avoid the temptation to choose a camp solely based on price. While budget is important, prioritize quality instruction and a safe learning environment. Rushing into lessons before understanding the basics can lead to frustration and hinder your progress. It is recommended to to take a surf lesson at location near you, before attending a surf camp.
Safety First: Inquire about the camp’s safety record and emergency procedures. Knowing the camp prioritizes safety and has qualified personnel on hand for emergencies will give you peace of mind while you learn.
What Amenities and Services Are Important to Me?
- Surf camps in Nicaragua offer a variety of amenities and services. Consider what’s essential for you to create a memorable and comfortable experience. Here are some key factors
Accommodation: Do you prefer dorm-style rooms for a social atmosphere, or private bungalows for more privacy? Some camps offer all-inclusive packages with meals included. Consider your travel style and budget when choosing your accommodation option.
Food and Drinks: Are healthy and delicious meals provided, or will you need to dine out? Dietary restrictions should be considered. Opt for camps with menus catering to various dietary needs, especially if you have specific allergies or follow a particular diet. In all of our surf camp experiences, the best ones where when we ate all of our meals together, it created a more connected atmosphere and reduced the risk of getting sick
Activities: Does the camp offer additional activities beyond surfing, like yoga, SUP boarding, or cultural excursions? Consider activities that complement your surfing experience and allow for relaxation and recovery. Yoga sessions, recovery centers, theory classes and most importantly, video reviews can all enhance your surf progress.
Equipment Rentals: Does the camp provide surfboards, rashguards, and wetsuits for rent, or do you need to bring your own? High-quality, beginner-friendly boards are crucial for a smooth learning experience. However, it’s recommended to bring your own surfing attire, like wetsuits, rash-guards etc. The size of the garment really matters, making it uncomfortable if you end up with used wetsuits and rash-guards.
Pro Tip: If you’re traveling light, consider a camp offering board rentals. Look for camps with high-quality, beginner-friendly boards (think soft-top longboards) to maximize your learning experience.
- Benefits of Healthy Meals: Surfing requires a lot of energy! Choose a camp that offers nutritious and delicious meals to fuel your body throughout the day from a clean kitchen. Proper nutrition prepared in a dirty kitchen could spoil your whole trip.
- Proximity to Surf: This is a factor that a lot of people don’t consider. Do you have to get in a hot car and drive 30 minutes, or can you just grab your board and walk down the beach. Some beginner surf camps in Nicaragua offer accommodation right on the beach.
Does the Camp Location Suit My Needs and Preferences?
Nicaragua boasts a diverse coastline with varying surf conditions. Choosing the right location at the right time can significantly impact your experience. Here are some factors to consider:
Surf Conditions: For beginners, gentle, consistent waves are ideal. Popular options include San Juan del Sur or Playa Maderas and El Transito.
Atmosphere: Do you prefer a lively, bustling beach town like Popoyo, or a more secluded and peaceful environment like El Transito? Consider if nearby restaurants, shops, and nightlife are important to you. San Juan del Sur offers a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of restaurants and nightlife, while El Transito offers a serene, relaxed environment. Remember though, where there is civilization, there is also other people, which can quickly crowd the line up. So, more night life equals less space for you to learn to surf.
Ease of Access: How easy is it to reach the camp? Consider flight options and transfer times from airports. Some camps offer airport transfers for added convenience. Easier access can save you travel time and allow you to maximize your time surfing. Our camp offers a free shuttle service, we’ll pick you up from the airport.
Additional Considerations: Think about proximity to cultural attractions or the language spoken in the area. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases can enhance your experience when interacting with locals.
Pro Tip: As a beginner, your goal is to visit places out of season, as this offers you smaller gentler waves. Most recommendations on when to go where, are catered towards advanced surfers, who are looking for consistently bigger waves for their surf trip. Which may not be the best time for you to learn to surf there.
Popular Beginner Surf Spots in Nicaragua:
- El Transito: Known for its long, rolling waves, relaxed atmosphere and low crowds, El Transito is a haven for beginners and intermediate surfers
- Playa Long Beach: Consistent waves and a beautiful setting make Long Beach another excellent choice for learning to surf.
- Playa Santana: Offering long rides and gentle waves, Santana is perfect for beginners looking to practice their pop-up and balance.
- Playa Ostional: Combine learning to surf with the chance to witness the awe-inspiring phenomenon of the arribada (mass sea turtle nesting).
Pro Tip: Research the peak surf season in Nicaragua (typically April to September), however this is definitely not the peak season for beginner and intermediate surfers. It’s better to book a beginner surf retreat out of season, when the waves are smaller.
What's Included in the Package Price?
Surf camp prices can vary depending on factors like location, amenities, and inclusions. Carefully assess what’s included in the package price to avoid hidden costs. Here’s a breakdown:
- Accommodation: Is accommodation included in the package price? If not, factor in additional lodging costs.
- Meals: Are meals included? If not, will there be nearby restaurants or a camp kitchen for self-catering?
- Lessons: Are surf lessons included in the package price? How many hours of instruction are offered daily?
- Equipment Rentals: Are surfboard rentals included, or are they an extra cost?
- Drinks, excursions, airport transfers, and more..
Additional Inclusions: Some camps may offer extras like airport transfers, surfboard insurance, or cultural excursions. Consider these additional options when comparing camp packages.
Pro Tip: Just because a camp advertises that it’s all inclusive, it doesn’t actually mean it’s all inclusive. It’s important to consider what is included in your package.
Add-on Services: Many camps offer add ons like massage’s and excursions to offer a more unique experience. These can be a great way to personalize your experience and enhance your learning or relaxation. We include everything mentioned above in our surf retreat experiences at no extra cost.
Pro Tip: Compare prices of different camps, and remember that sometimes all inclusive, isn’t actually all inclusive. Some camps say they are all inclusive but have extra charges like meals out, airport transfers, drinks, excursion etc. So, you may want to read the fine print if you are on a tight budget. Just because one camp is cheaper than the other, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your trip will end up being overall cheaper.
Choosing the right surf camp in Nicaragua is the first step to an unforgettable surfing adventure. By considering these essential questions, you can find a camp that caters to your needs and sets you up for success on the waves. Now, book your dream Nicaraguan surf camp and get ready to catch your first wave!
Why Our Surf Camp in Nicaragua Might Be a Good Option
Every year we host a series of surf camps in Nicaragua. The goal, to offer the most comprehensive surf camp experience imaginable. We teamed up with Mandla Resort in Nicaragua to provide an unforgettable surf retreat. Our goal is to hit the nail on the head with all of the above considerations taken into account. These are the reasons why we chose Mandla as our host venue and the things we think about when curating experiences.
- Mandla is located right on the beach, walking distance to three different breaks offering a variety of surf spots depending on swell size and quality
- Time of year. Contrary to popular belief, the best time to visit Nicaragua as a beginner is between November and March. This is the smallest time of year and offers gentle rolling waves, so you can learn to catch unbroken waves, rather than being forced to surf in the white water. We host our retreat schedule between
- All inclusive. We thought really hard about this one and managed to cover excursions, horse riding, airport transfers etc, so that you don’t have to worry about a thing when you land at the airport.
- We chose El Transito as a location because it is still relatively untouched. There are only a few accommodation options and the line ups are quiet. Making it a perfect place for you to learn to surf without worrying about other people.
