YOU DESERVE A BREAK. HERE IS
YOUR NEXT SURF CAMP ADVENTURE WITH US!
YOU DESERVE A BREAK. HERE IS
YOUR NEXT SURF CAMP ADVENTURE WITH US!
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This is a fantastic surf school! The hosts and instructors were super personable and gave individualized critiques, and just the right amount of motivational push. They worked super hard for us, made sure we got waves, but also made sure we were getting them on our own. I felt super inspired leaving the camp - I would 1,000% go back!!Posted on Sarah BachmanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jordy and Kim have a well-rounded, comprehensive program with Independent Surfer. I'm a novice surfer and I did the 1 week beginner retreat in Nicaragua this past Spring. The daily personal video reviews were invaluable along with the dry-land practice. I was able to overcome some pop-up and maneuvering barriers to graduate from my foam log to a fiberglass longboard. I left the retreat with plenty of fundamentals to work on. The days were packed with two-a-day surf sessions and the location in El Transito at the Mandla Estate was nothing short of magical. Plus, daily yoga session w/ Lakeshore Flow kept me limber and ready for the next day. I highly recommend Independent Surfer to anyone looking for an amazing retreat with aspirations to take their surfing to the next level.Posted on Will LonghurstTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our family of 5 had an amazing time with Jordy and his staff. We had an all around great experience. The coaching, and accommodations were five-star. We’re excited to do another camp with this group.Posted on Brett AllredTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an amazing trip with Jordy and rest of the independent surfer team in Nicaragua. The setting and the people all made it a time to remember. Would definitely do it all again if given the chance!Posted on alex greenbergTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An incredible experience for anyone who wants to improve their surfing, at any level, hands down. The teaching system Jordy has developed is nuanced and incredibly valuable. I've been surfing for 10+ years, but was sick of making the same mistakes and not progressing. This retreat represented a major pivot point for me; I'm very grateful for the experience.Posted on Spencer CurrieTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing retreat in Nica. Tons of surf, great theory, specific and helpful video review. I definitely progressed during a week with Jordy / Independent Surfer. Fun and relaxed, incredible yoga, amazing location, food and space. Stoked. I want to go back.Posted on Shaun RTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I attended Independent Surfer's intermediate retreat in Nicaragua and had an amazing time! It was my favorite surf retreat to date -- everything was very well-planned and thoughtful, and the accommodation / location was perfect. And most importantly, there was tons of time allocated to surfing, reviewing videos and learning theory, which was so valuable and genuinely improved my surfing even after just a week! Jordy is a great surf instructor and really did a great job breaking down more advanced movements and giving you specific feedback. The staff at the hotel were all so helpful and accommodating, the food was delicious and the rooms were clean / luxurious. Thought the price of the trip was extremely reasonable for everything you get while you're there and would 100% attend any surf retreat they host in the future!Posted on Alice KimTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Independent surfer hosted the retreat of a lifetime. The combination of luxuary amenities, world class surf instruction, and incredible excursions, I cannot recommend them enough! I will definitely attend any retreats they host in the future. Thank you for providing such an phenomenal experience!Posted on Dr. Kristen KochambaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I attended a surf retreat with Independent Surfer in Nicaragua and cannot say enough good things about them. I only previously had some surf experience so I felt a bit nervous at first, but the entire crew helped me gain confidence and develop my surfing skills. I found the video reviews particularly helpful to see my progress and know what I should continue to work on. Thanks so much to these guys for an amazing experience all around, will definitely be back!!Posted on Emily CordesTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kim and Jordy are absolutely the best surf coaches and I had an amazing experience with them! I was in the beginners group surf camp held at Mandla resort in Nicaragua and had the experience of a lifetime. They were great with communication in terms of planning the trip and responding quickly to emails and questions in WhatsApp. But more importantly, they are excellent coaches in and out of the water. They took slow motion video to review in surf analysis sessions which was super helpful and gave me the coaching I needed at the right times. I feel like I progressed SO much within just a few days. I will be looking out for any more surf camps held by them! Thank you guys for everything and being such a positive force of energy in this world!Posted on Bre Smith
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This is a fantastic surf school! The hosts and instructors were super personable and gave individualized critiques, and just the right amount of motivational push. They worked super hard for us, made sure we got waves, but also made sure we were getting them on our own. I felt super inspired leaving the camp - I would 1,000% go back!!Posted on Sarah BachmanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jordy and Kim have a well-rounded, comprehensive program with Independent Surfer. I'm a novice surfer and I did the 1 week beginner retreat in Nicaragua this past Spring. The daily personal video reviews were invaluable along with the dry-land practice. I was able to overcome some pop-up and maneuvering barriers to graduate from my foam log to a fiberglass longboard. I left the retreat with plenty of fundamentals to work on. The days were packed with two-a-day surf sessions and the location in El Transito at the Mandla Estate was nothing short of magical. Plus, daily yoga session w/ Lakeshore Flow kept me limber and ready for the next day. I highly recommend Independent Surfer to anyone looking for an amazing retreat with aspirations to take their surfing to the next level.Posted on Will LonghurstTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our family of 5 had an amazing time with Jordy and his staff. We had an all around great experience. The coaching, and accommodations were five-star. We’re excited to do another camp with this group.Posted on Brett AllredTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an amazing trip with Jordy and rest of the independent surfer team in Nicaragua. The setting and the people all made it a time to remember. Would definitely do it all again if given the chance!Posted on alex greenbergTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An incredible experience for anyone who wants to improve their surfing, at any level, hands down. The teaching system Jordy has developed is nuanced and incredibly valuable. I've been surfing for 10+ years, but was sick of making the same mistakes and not progressing. This retreat represented a major pivot point for me; I'm very grateful for the experience.Posted on Spencer CurrieTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing retreat in Nica. Tons of surf, great theory, specific and helpful video review. I definitely progressed during a week with Jordy / Independent Surfer. Fun and relaxed, incredible yoga, amazing location, food and space. Stoked. I want to go back.Posted on Shaun RTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I attended Independent Surfer's intermediate retreat in Nicaragua and had an amazing time! It was my favorite surf retreat to date -- everything was very well-planned and thoughtful, and the accommodation / location was perfect. And most importantly, there was tons of time allocated to surfing, reviewing videos and learning theory, which was so valuable and genuinely improved my surfing even after just a week! Jordy is a great surf instructor and really did a great job breaking down more advanced movements and giving you specific feedback. The staff at the hotel were all so helpful and accommodating, the food was delicious and the rooms were clean / luxurious. Thought the price of the trip was extremely reasonable for everything you get while you're there and would 100% attend any surf retreat they host in the future!Posted on Alice KimTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Independent surfer hosted the retreat of a lifetime. The combination of luxuary amenities, world class surf instruction, and incredible excursions, I cannot recommend them enough! I will definitely attend any retreats they host in the future. Thank you for providing such an phenomenal experience!Posted on Dr. Kristen KochambaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I attended a surf retreat with Independent Surfer in Nicaragua and cannot say enough good things about them. I only previously had some surf experience so I felt a bit nervous at first, but the entire crew helped me gain confidence and develop my surfing skills. I found the video reviews particularly helpful to see my progress and know what I should continue to work on. Thanks so much to these guys for an amazing experience all around, will definitely be back!!Posted on Emily CordesTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kim and Jordy are absolutely the best surf coaches and I had an amazing experience with them! I was in the beginners group surf camp held at Mandla resort in Nicaragua and had the experience of a lifetime. They were great with communication in terms of planning the trip and responding quickly to emails and questions in WhatsApp. But more importantly, they are excellent coaches in and out of the water. They took slow motion video to review in surf analysis sessions which was super helpful and gave me the coaching I needed at the right times. I feel like I progressed SO much within just a few days. I will be looking out for any more surf camps held by them! Thank you guys for everything and being such a positive force of energy in this world!Posted on Bre Smith
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I had an amazing experience with them! I was in the beginners group surf camp held at Mandla resort in Nicaragua and had the experience of a lifetime. They were great with communication in terms of planning the trip and responding quickly to emails and questions in WhatsApp. But more importantly, they are excellent coaches in and out of the water. They took slow motion video to review in surf analysis sessions which was super helpful and gave me the coaching I needed at the right times. I feel like I progressed SO much within just a few days. I will be looking out for any more surf camps held by them! Thank you guys for everything and being such a positive force of energy in this world!
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Surf Camp Nicaragua is a luxury surf retreat in the semi-remote, secluded area of El Transito. This collaborative experience, provided by the Independent Surfer and Mandla Nicaragua, has been expertly curated to take care of all your surfing needs.
Think achieving your surfing goals in the most consistent surf on earth, in uncrowded conditions with one of the worlds leading surf education companies. This could be you!
The retreat resort, Mandla, is a beautiful, luxury oceanfront venue located in El Transito. It is situated in a small bay with uncrowded waves that are great for beginners and intermediates alike, making for one of the best surf camps Nicaragua. Despite having the advantage of airport proximity, it still remains one of Nicaragua’s most untouched, remote beaches. It must be noted that this is not a built up beach town; the beauty of Mandla is as a retreat location for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.








Hi, my name is Erica! I have been surfing for 6 months. Most of my time spent surfing has been in the white water and I really struggled to read and catch unbroken waves and paddle out behind the break. I signed up for Surf Club in Encinitas, California, and managed to paddle out the back and catch green waves in my very first session! Now, after just 1 month I am a completely independent surfer! I would highly recommend their club and retreats!
No, there are no extra costs. Your package includes everything from airport transfers, to meals out, to all your footage at the end of your stay. Did we mention it even includes a massage and sunset horse ride on the beach?
No worries, we have a comprehensive refund and cancelation policy. Please see more info about our refund policy by following this link.
We cater to vegans, vegetarians, pescatarian, gluten free and all allergies. Our dedicated team will collect all of your vital information during the booking process. We look forward to accommodating any and all of your food preferences.
You will need to book your own flight into Managua International Airport and your transfer to and from Managua is included in your package!
We will be in constant communication to ensure that you book the right flights in and out of Nicaragua.
Flying into Nicaragua is a breeze. It is recommended to fly into Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport in Managua.
Yes, we highly suggest you purchase health insurance for your trip, in the unlikely scenario that you get injured.
No, you do not have to order your own taxi. We will work with you to organize your arrival to fit with the rest of the group. We will organize a separate taxi for you if you are unable to make it with the other groups. We will ask you for your itinerary closer to the time of arrival to organize your airport transfer.
Yes, we encourage you to bring your board. Please let us know if you are bringing a board so we can organize with the transport service.
Transfers outside of the designated airport of Managua will not be included in your package but we are happy to organize it for you. Please specify where you are coming from in order to get transfer rates.
We surf two times per surfing day. Each surf session is roughly two hours and includes coaching during both sessions. We do take one day off to rest tired muscles and head out for a different kind of adventure! The resort is located directly on the beach, so if you wanted to surf more than twice a day, you can!
Please fill out the form below to receive your $300 OFF coupon. A team member will contact you shortly.
Our goal is for you to dramatically improve your surfing in a short period of time. There’s no better way to do that than to surf your brains out. Don’t worry, if twice a day isn’t enough, you are welcome to surf a third time!
Mandla is perfectly situated around 3 different surf spots, all within a 5 minute beach stroll. These surf spots all work on different tides, which offers us great waves on any tide. Additionally, El Transito is centrally located on the West Coast of Central America. El Transito is located in the zone that is considered the most consitant off shore wind in the world, which means clean, groomed surf 2 out of 3 days.
A punchy, hollow, right and left hand breaking beach break that is enough to challenge any intermediate surfer. idyllically located right in front of Mandla, this wave often feels like your own private wave! Pistols is best on mid tide.
A 5 minute stroll down the beach, this long left hand point break is a gentle rolling point on small swells, perfect for beginners and advanced beginners to hone their skills. The Point grows in playfulness as it grows in size and offers a challenging and ripable wall perfect for intermediates to work on turns. This wave is best on Low Tide.
Located between The Point and Pistols and a 3 minute walk from Mandla Resort. The beach break breaks both left and right and is perfect for beginners and advanced beginners on small days and is super ripable for intermediates on bigger days. The beach break is best on high tide which closes the loop for us, offering good conditions all day long.
Emily is a longtime yogi with more than 8 years of teaching experience. She has extensive knowledge and experience in knowing exactly what your body needs after a long day of surfing!
Yoga classes are offered daily on this very deck, perched over one of the best sunsets in the world. It’s easy to run wild, exploring and surfing all day when you know you can actively restore your body to do it all again!
For the past 8 years we have refined our theory classes, so they work hand-in hand with our video review sessions and direct feedback format. Our syllabus is designed chronologically, so you don’t miss a beat! Below is a list of the skills you will improve on at our surf retreat!
Filming and video analysis is an integral part of your learning experience. So, we film every day that we surf and at the end of your stay you get to keep every moment as a token of your commitment to improving your surfing!
There is no better way to learn, than having an expert surf coach review your footage. At the Independent Surfer™, we don’t just tell you what you are doing right and wrong and we certainly don’t use vague terms like go with the flow.
Instead, we teach you the fundamentals of surfing, and how to review your own footage. So, you understand it, and are able to make decisions for yourself! Daily video reviews maximizes your time in Nicaragua.
We have a variety of boards to choose from, including foam boards between 8 and 9ft, longboards over 9ft and midlength boards, between 7 and 8ft. Our selection of boards below 6 ft is small. We highly suggest that you bring your own board if you have one, and it is not a hassle to travel with.
Getting to know a specific board well and sticking to one board during the learning process makes your time with us way more productive. Ultimately, we suggest getting used to a specific board before traveling and then bring that board with you, if you can.
If not? Please mention what type of board you think you will need for the retreat and we work to ensure that you have a suitable board for the retreat.
Mandla is an exclusive oceanfront property, offering guests unrivaled service and luxury on the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua. This is the place to come for ultimate privacy, and to enjoy all the adventures this beautiful country has to offer.
Owner/ Operators Damian & Katie come with over 19 years combined experience working on Super yachts around the world; hosting, entertaining and feeding the worlds’ most elite clients. Bringing their exceptionally high level of client service with them, you can expect to receive attention to detail unlike anywhere else in Nicaragua.
Owner Katie heads up the kitchen, creating mouthwatering bespoke menus! With over 11 years experience cheffing all over the world, she describes her favorite style of cuisine as rustic Mediterranean – using personally sourced, fresh and seasonal produce to create a stunning array of dishes to be enjoyed in the open air rancho overlooking the great Pacific Ocean.
Ultimately Mandla’s goal is to provide you with an unforgettable, invigorating experience, enjoying the natural beauty of El Transito in comfortable, beautifully designed, beachfront accommodation.
Casa Amigos is a modern house within the Mandla property. Selecting this option will give you 1 ensuite king bedroom with television in a 3 bedroom house shared with other retreat guests. The house includes the following shared spaces: living area, kitchen, pool, and tropical garden.





The Beach Bungalow is a house within the Mandla property. Selecting this option will give you 1 ensuite king bedroom in a 2 bedroom house shared with other retreat guests. Please note the beach bungalow does not have hot water showers. The house includes the following shared spaces: living area, kitchen, pool, and tropical garden.







The oceanfront casitas are private ensuite bedrooms with amazing ocean views. Selecting this option will give you 1 queen size bedroom with ensuite bathroom. These rooms do not have a living area or kitchen, but you will have access to the shared resort living, dining, pool, and yoga areas.




The garden casitas are ensuite bedrooms with tropical garden views. Selecting this option will give you 1 ensuite bedroom with two twin beds or 1 king bed. If you are traveling by yourself and would like to receive the discounted double occupancy rate, please select the twin bed option and you will share the bedroom with one other retreat guest. These rooms do not have a living area or kitchen, but you will have access to the shared resort living, dining, pool, and yoga areas.







Join us for an unforgettable evening as we saddle up and ride off into the Nicaraguan Sunset. Sunset horse riding on the beach is an easy tick off the bucket list at our surf retreat in Nicaragua! Don’t worry if you are not the most skilled rider, the horses are super friendly and the guides will help you out. There is also ample space on the beach to not only ride but gallop into the sunset for more experienced riders.
Meet Katie hunt, the Mother Teresa of dogs and former chef of the Queen of England, is the master mind behind your mastermind behind the unmatched culinary experience at Mandla.
We include all meals in your package as well as a variety of drinks for everyone! There is always more than enough food to go around with 4 meals per day, you’ll probably end up skipping meals. Although, you don’t want to miss out on one of the highlights of this trip!
Enjoy a delectable snack of granola, seasonal fruits and your favorite morning beverage while the sun rises. This pre surf snack is to give you the boost you need to surf your best early in the morning!
After working up a real appetite, you’ll be greeted with a mouth watering, hearty, homemade breakfast that changes everyday.
Lunch is usually enjoyed at the pool or in”The Alcove” – picture an ice bucket with a pale bottle of French Rosé, and sides of Oysters & Ceviche.
Dinner is usually experience focused. As it’s time to unwind, prepare to satisfy your bellies with a host of international cuisines, including South African, Italian, Spanish and more!
Yes, we include a limted amount of house wines, beers and cool drinks as part of your experience. So, you can treat yourself to a drink by the pool or pair your dinner with a glass of wine!
To uphold our oath to fun and adventure, we have included an adventurous excursion into the itinerary. The body starts to shut down after three or four days of surfing twice a day, so we get out and do something a little different.
We have two options, sand boarding down an active volcano while visiting the history of Managua or chasing waves and wakeboarding in an untouched estuary!
We typically let the group decide which they would like to do and encourage everyone to join in on the fun!
Nicaragua is pretty lenient on visa’s. Nicaragua offers a visa on arrival for most countries, but not all. It is important that you do your own research according to which ever passport you hold.
IMPORTANT**
If you are transiting through one of many, or most African countries, or Central and South American countries, you will need to have had a yellow fever vaccine 10 days before arrival. Failure to do so may result in deportation. Please do your own research to see if you need a yellow fever vaccine before arriving to Nicaragua.
The visa on arrival doesn’t cost more than $30 USD for most countries and we do not cover it in your package. It is important for you to do your own research about entry and visa requirements for your specific passport or country of origin.
Flying into Nicaragua is a breeze. It is recommended to fly into Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport in Managua.
The drive is typically one hour and 20 minutes from Managua Airport to Mandla Resort on the west coast of Central America.
No, you do not have to order your own taxi. We will work with you to organize your arrival to fit with the rest of the group. We will organize a separate taxi for you if you are unable to make it with the other groups. We will ask you for your itinerary closer to the time of arrival to organize your airport transfer.
Transfers outside of the designated airport of Managua will not be included in your package but we are happy to organize it for you. Please specify where you are coming from in order to get transfer rates.
It depends on your ability and the time you arrive. If you arrive in Managua before 11 and you have some prior surfing experience, you will be able to surf. If you arrive in Managua after 11, you won’t be able to get a surf in because we have to get through the introduction and first theory class to start the camp.
Yes, we encourage you to bring your board. Please let us know if you are bringing a board so we can organize with the transport service.
We will ask for your flight itinerary before you arrive. We will use your flight time to organize you a ride to the airport included in your package. Please note, this
If your flight is later than 12:00pm you may be able to get a surf in, on the last day before you leave. Unfortunately, if your flight is well 12:00pm, you may not get to surf in time to make your shuttle.
Check out is at 10:00am on the last day of the scheduled dates for the retreat. You are welcome to hang around until what ever time you want that day. Please note that most staff members will be busy as we have a quick turn around on that day.
The drive is typically one hour and 20 minutes from Managua Airport to Mandla Resort on the west coast of Central America.
Yes! There will be breakfast as usual on the last day and an early breakfast option for those who need to leave to catch an early flight. However, we will not be serving lunch on the last day. There is a couple of cute beachfront restaurants that you can grab food at.
In addition to all the includes you get in your package, you may want more, maybe an extra massage or another horse riding adventure. You can run a tab with us and you will be able to settle via card payment, either the night before, or the day you depart.
Our staff go above and beyond to make sure that your every need is taken care of. Gratuity is never expected but always appreciated. You can choose to either tip each staff member individually or present it to our manager who will take care of it for you.
You deserve to relax and unwind after accomplishing all your surfing goals. We’ve included a mandatory massage, at no extra fee’s with our international masseuse, in your package, because you deserve to treat yourself!
Just let us know when you want to have your massage and we’ll organize it for you. The masseuse is on call, so you can have as many massages as you like during your stay. Please note that there is a fee after your first massage.