Surf Camp Nicaragua

Beginner & Intermediate Surfers

Coming soon!

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 places on earth, in uncrowded conditions with one of the worlds leading surf education companies. This could be you!

Sarah Bachman

2023-06-14

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!!

Will Longhurst

2023-06-11

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.

Brett Allred

2023-04-30

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.

alex greenberg

2023-04-29

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!

Spencer Currie

2023-04-25

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.

Shaun R

2023-04-19

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.

Alice Kim

2023-04-12

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!

Dr. Kristen Kochamba

2023-03-27

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!

Emily Cordes

2023-03-26

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!!

Bre Smith

2023-03-25

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!

Your Coach Jordy

I have 10 years of experience coaching beginner and intermediate surfers around the world. While working as a surf instructor, I completed a year diploma in sports management and a year diploma in coaching science. In 2018, I became a surf instructor at Surf Camp Lombok in Indonesia. I am now Head Instructor and Part-Owner of the camp.

As a surfer, my focus has always been on understanding the detailed body mechanics and cause-and-effect relationships that make surfing possible. My goal is to break surfing down to its base layers to help you understand complex surfing concepts and set a strong foundation for your progression. Me and my local surf coach team look forward to teaching you at Surf Camp Nicaragua.

Location

El Transito, Surf Nicaragua

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.

Dates & Price

Single Occupancy

All Inclusive Package

~~$2,950 USD~~

$2,800 USD

Per person, per week

Taxes & service fees included, subject to 3% payment handling fee

Double Occupancy*

All Inclusive Package

~~$2,850 USD~~

$2,700 USD

Per person, per week

Taxes & service fees included, subject to 3% payment handling fee

* If you are traveling on your own and you would like to receive the double occupancy rate, you can select to share a twin room in the Garden Casita with another retreat guest (subject to availability).

Available Dates

Jan - March 2025

BEGINNER COURSE

January

The beginner course is appropriate for surfers who cannot independently paddle into the lineup and cannot catch unbroken waves on their own.

INTERMEDIATE COURSE

March 4 – March 10 (Still available)

March 18 – March 24 (Last spots available)

March 25 – March 31 (Last spots available)

The intermediate course is appropriate for surfers who are able to paddle into the lineup and can catch unbroken waves on their own most of the time.

BEGINNER COURSE

INTERMEDIATE COURSE

March 11 – March 17 (Last spots available )

March 4 – 10 (available)

March 18 – March 24 (Last spots)

March 25 – March 31 (Last spots)

The beginner course is appropriate for surfers who cannot independently paddle into the lineup and cannot catch unbroken waves on their own.

The intermediate course is appropriate for surfers who are able to paddle into the lineup and can catch unbroken waves on their own most of the time.

An All Inclusive Experience

Surf Coaching

Beginners

Intermediates

Beginners

Intermediates

Surf Sessions

Expertly guided surf sessions in group format with a focus on individual goals. Each session will include in-water assistance from local guides and technical coaching from Jordy.

Each surf session is roughly 2 to 3 hours long in beginner and intermediate friendly waves, most of which are directly in front of the resort.

Theory Classes

Our theory classes are comprised of 10 years of experience coaching. The following are subject to change according to group overall surf ability.

Beginner theory classes:

Introduction to mental and physical
Equipment
Paddle theory
Pop-up theory
Surf scenarios
Pop-up review
Bottom turn
Surf science
Catching & reading waves
Reading surf forecasts

Intermediate theory classes:

Mental and physical aspects of surfing
Pop-up review
Bottom turn & speed generation
Understanding the lineup
Catching & reading waves
Reading waves down the line
Top turns
Surf science & reading surf forecasts

Surf Filming

Each week includes filming of 5 surf sessions. After each session we will sit down as a group and review the day’s footage together. All your footage will be shared with you at the end of the week.

Surf Nicaragua: Waves for All Levels

El Transito has an abundance of waves to suit all levels of surfers. It is considered one of the most consistent surf spots in the world and the most consistent in Nicaragua due to the predominant offshore winds (250+ days/year). There are multiple different surf spots that cater to all surf abilities. For the intermediates seeking their first barrel, the resort is situated directly in front of the well-known wave “Pistols.”

Use of all surf equipment is included. However, please note that we have a limited selection of intermediate level equipment, so if you have your own board that you prefer riding, we recommend you bring this with you.

Pura Vida

Luxury Accommodation

Meals Crafted by Professional Chef

Daily Yoga

Beer & House Wine

Boat Excursion

Airport Transfers

Fine Dining Included

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included daily. All meals are crafted by a professional chef with the highest quality ingredients.

We kickstart the day with cafetières of Nicaragua’s finest coffee and breakfast of your choice. Choose items from our Breakfast Menu such as Tropical Coconut Fruit Bowls or Homemade Fresh Breakfast Bagels. For early morning surf days, a pre-surf snack and coffee will also be provided.

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 will be experience-focused, such as a South African “Braai.

Limited amount of beer and house wines included each day & final night open bar with liquors included. Additional cocktails are available for purchase. All simple syrups and infused liquors are made in-house and we use fresh fruit and herbs in all our drinks.

All dietary requirements can be accommodated. Includes one bonfire and beach dinner experience. Excludes 1 dinner and 1 lunch out.

Daily Yoga

Recharge after surfing with daily yoga sessions held on the oceanfront yoga deck. Yoga mats and equipment will be provided.

Airport Transfers

Fly into Augusto Cesar Sandino Airport, Managua, in Nicaragua. One scheduled group transfer to and from the airport will be provided each week. Additional transfers for arrivals outside the time window can be arranged, but will incur an additional fee.

The Accommodation

Mandla Resort

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.

Accomodation Selection

Retreat packages are set at a fixed price and include your selection of room on a first-come, first-serve basis. All rooms have A/C, private bathrooms, and receive morning housekeeping & evening turndown service. All retreat guests will also have full access to all shared resort areas, including oceanfront pool area with bar, open air living area with games, dining areas, and yoga deck. WiFi is available throughout.

Casa Amigos

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

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.

Oceanview Casitas

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.

Garden View Casitas

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.