There are plenty of reasons why you should book a surf camp in Nicaragua… these are just a few of them.
Nicaragua is home to some of the best waves in Central America and even the world. With lineups that challenge even the most experienced surfers plus beaches that provide the perfect conditions for eager learners. But to simply talk about the surf in Nicaragua is to miss out on a whole heap of other awesome things about it.
Like did you know it’s home to the largest
freshwater lake in all of Central America? Or that the Pacific side was
originally colonized by the Spanish while the Caribbean side was settled by the
British? What about the little-known fact that baseball is the country’s
national sport?
Of course, these little tidbits are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Nicaragua. From its diverse landscapes to the wonderful people. To visit here is to fall in love with it from the moment you arrive. If you need a few more reasons before you book a surf camp in Nicaragua though, this article will help.
Read on to learn more about the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes and discover how you can get your surf, travel and culture fix all in one place.
1. The wind is offshore 330+ days of the year
Tell another surfer that you plan on booking a surf camp in Nicaragua and the first thing they’ll mention is the consistent offshore wind that blows for the majority of the year. The country has an almost mythical status within the surfing community because of it… and rightly so.
Offshore wind is the most desirable wind direction for surfers. Blowing from the land out towards the ocean, this type of wind grooms the swell. Creating a smoother surface that makes riding waves easier and infinitely more enjoyable. As opposed to wind that blows from the ocean towards the land a.k.a. onshore winds.
To put this in perspective, there’s no other country in the world that can claim to have offshore winds blowing so consistently. In fact, most coastlines would be lucky to see 150 days of offshore wind in a calendar year, let alone 330 plus. If you want to read about the reasons why Nicaragua has so many offshore days, click here.
2. It’s a great place to meet new people
Traveling allows you to see how other
people live, explore environments you may not be familiar with and experience
things that are completely foreign to you. It also opens you up to meet new and
interesting people from all over the world. With our surf camp in Nicaragua
being one of the best places to meet new and interesting people.
Strike up a conversation with a fellow guest as you lounge about in one of our many common areas. Share a drink with someone you’ve never met as you gaze towards the ocean from our spectacular infinity pool. Or shoot the breeze with another traveler and talk about what you both thought of your very first lesson.
Like everyone that stays with Rapture Surfcamps, you’ll leave with plenty of great memories and some improved surfing skills. In addition to a heap of new mates. Many of whom will be keen to catch up with you again when you book a stay at our surf camp in Nicaragua the following year.
3. There’s an unbelievable variety of waves on offer
Having a wide variety of waves to choose is essential to any good surf trip. It gives you the ability to pick the best surf spot on any particular day or escape the crowds if you prefer to surf solo. Being able to paddle out at different lineups can also help boost your skills as a surfer since it allows you to familiarize yourself with bigger, more challenging waves.
If you book a surf camp in Nicaragua with Rapture, you can look forward to an awesome selection of quality waves. With one of the most fun surf spots in all of Central America only a 15-minute walk from our location. Plus a few other primo breaks no more than a 30-minute drive away.
Beginners will love the gentle rollers at Maderas and Hermosa, however, more experienced surfers can still find some epic peaks out the back when there’s swell. Other beaches with awesome waves not far from our surf camp in Nicaragua include El Yankee, Tamarindo, Escameca and Remanso among others.
Another great thing about having so many breaks to choose from is that it makes traveling with a big crew easier. Ensuring everyone will still be able to find a wave on any given day, even if you all surf at different skill levels
4. Nicaragua is blessed with a rich and interesting culture
The culture of Nicaragua is one that features different influences from pre-colonial and post-colonial times. These influences can be found in various examples of architecture within its cities and in the different languages and dialects spoken throughout the country. Although Nicaragua has no official religion, most of the population worships patron saints from the Roman Catholic sect.
Music also plays a major role in Nicaraguan culture, blending elements of indigenous and European compositions. The most flamboyant form of music in Nicaragua, however, comes from the Caribbean coast. Lively and loud, this form of music is accompanied by dancing and is commonly played during the May Palo de Mayo (maypole) festival.
Combine these elements with Nicaragua’s interesting history, popular myths and legends plus their love for artistic expression in all its different forms and the country quickly reveals its diversity. Something you will no doubt discover for yourself when booking a surf camp in Nicaragua.
5. We stock a range of quality surfboards for you to hire
Traveling with your boards can be a bit of
a bummer. With the careful packing required to keep them safe in addition to
their cumbersome shape and those pesky airline fees making them more of a
burden than a blessing.
If you hate traveling with surfboards we
totally understand. So to help you out, we’ve amassed an awesome little
collection of quality boards for you to hire at our surf camp in Nicaragua.
Allowing you to leave yours at home and travel light instead of worrying about
backpacking with a board through Central America.
When the waves are small simply pick up a
longboard and do your best Miki Dora impression. Then once the swell starts to
fill in, grab a shortboard a knife into some perfectly groomed barrels at any
one of the unreal surf breaks near our location.
Our team can even help pair you with a board if you’re unsure as to what shape or size is right for you. Just let them know that you’d like to rent one out and they’ll give you a board suited to your skill level.
6. San Juan Del Sur is a must-visit destination
Situated roughly 10-minutes from our surf
camp in Nicaragua is one hell of a town that goes by the name of San Juan del
Sur. Boasting a vibrant mix of local stores and gringo-owned businesses plus an
awesome selection of restaurants, San Juan is a popular stop for many
backpackers looking for good times and great vibes.
Once a small fishing village, San Juan is now considered a must-visit destination within Central America. For the sole reason that there’s always something happening, which makes it a great place to meet other travelers.
Picture cobblestone streets, charming weatherboard homes and colorful buildings. All of which are sandwiched between a sparkling blue bay and rolling hills covered in lush tropical vegetation. Giving it a unique ambiance that takes hold of even the most veteran backpackers and leaves an impression that lasts a lifetime.
7. Fresh and delicious tropical food
The food in Nicaragua is nothing short of incredible. From staples such as the adored Gallo Pinto to sweet and morish Buñuelos, the cuisine includes a mixture of Native American, Spanish and Creole influences
As such, guests booking a stay at our surf camp in Nicaragua can try a wide selection of different dishes. All of which are prepared fresh using local ingredients that we purchase from the market in San Juan Del Sur.
Enjoy rehydrating after a long surf session with a glass of pure coconut water or dining out on a seafood combination that includes oysters, fish and succulent lobster. Even fruits such as mangoes, bananas and avocados can be plucked straight from the trees, ensuring you'll never go hungry while you're looking for waves to surf.
8. The scenery is nothing short of breathtaking
Even though Nicaragua is only roughly the
size of New York in area, it’s home to nearly 40 volcanoes, deep river canyons,
cloud forests, antique fortresses and the largest freshwater lake in all of
Central America, Lake Nicaragua. It also features three distinct climates,
namely the Pacific lowlands, the wetter, cooler central highlands and the
Caribbean lowlands.
Our surf camp in Nicaragua is situated within the Pacific lowlands, where verdant jungles butt up against rocky cliffs and sandy beaches. Here you’ll find numerous vantage points from which to drink in the country’s breathtaking coastline. A coastline that looks incredibly different depending on whether we’re in the dry (January – June) or the rainy (July – December) season.
Nicaragua also has a remarkable amount of diverseness in terms of animal life. With 78 protected areas that cover almost 20% of its total landmass. It has so many species that call it home, it's second only to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil when it comes to biodiversity. So far there are an estimated 200 species of mammal, 700 different bird types and 150 species of reptiles found within the country.
All of this comes together to make booking a surf camp in Nicaragua about more than just the waves. However, it’s sure nice to know you can always find offshore surf when you want to get wet.
