SURFING AND WATERSPORTS

The Seasons:

The Nicaraguan Winter or "rainy season" is typically June through 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.