POPOYO SURF LODGE : SURFING AND WATERSPORTS

The Seasons:

The Nicaraguan Winter or "rainy season" is typically June-October. Substantial rains are possible this time of year, however so are large swells and periods of perfect, uncrowded conditions.

The Nicaraguan Summer or "dry season" runs from December-April. The off-shore winds are typically at their strongest this time of the year and the water temperature may drop a few degrees as a result. Some sort of wetsuit top or spring suit may be desirable to keep the chill-off.

Water temps: Range from 75F-82F, with the coolest water temps likely during the period of the heaviest offshores from Nov-Apr and the warmest temps likely from May-October.

The Surf:

Surf within 30 minutes travel from the Lodge

Chacocente National Park: where at times of the year thousands of turtles
can be seen coming up to the beach to lay their eggs. Hollow beach break.
Also has a long left hand point reef that only lines up on a south swell.

Astellero: really good beach break when it is over head. Left, rights,
and an A frame. Large river mouth breaks up the peeks and consistently
changes up the waves personality in the rainy season.

Beach break or Out Front: consistenly better May- November. Powerful, hollow beach break. Better rights, but good lefts also.

Popoyo: the most consistent spot in Nicaragua. Extremely playful A frame rock reef. Can have a crowd on the weekends due to the local surfing popoulation (who are all extremely mellow and enjoy surfing with Americans.)

Outer Reef: Sickkk!! Extremely hollow, pipelinish left, about a fifteen minute paddle from the shore. Starts working at about 6 ft. (Backs) Time to breakout the pintails.

Santana: Perfect wedging beach break. The wave bounces off the rocks sending perfect left wedges.

Rosada: Left point break over lava reef. Breaks insane, but needs larger south swell.

Colorado: Good outter reef A frame and good beach break. (Boat access)

Manzanillo: Epic left hand point that can be up to three hundred yards long with plenty of barrrel sections. Needs good swell. (boat access)

What to Bring:
Ding Repair Kit, Sunscreen, Rash Guards, Wax, First Aid Kit, 2 or more Leashes, Cameras / Video Equipment (don't forget the charger or tapes) and a couple boards. We recommend surfers come prepared with 2 surfboards, an everyday thruster from 6-0 to 6-6 and a second thruster or semi-gun from 6-6 to 7-0. Keep in mind that the offshores can sometimes hold you up a bit on the wave face and you might want a few extra inches to get you in early (especially if you're 20 years too old and 20 pounds too fat and have surfed twice in the last 6 months).

Performance longboards and hybrid boards are also viable for surfers who prefer this equipment and there are a few classic points and fun beachbreaks. A wetsuit top is nice to have when the morning breezes are chilly and the water dips into the mid-70's. The coldest water temps are early and late season (Mar-Apr or Nov-Dec), when a wetsuit is advised.

photos: D.J.