Surf Coaching in Popoyo, Nicaragua
Are you looking for the perfect place to learn to surf in Nicaragua?
We offer tailor made programs for surf learners and guiding sessions for the more advanced surfers.
Based near Playa Guasacate in the Popoyo area, Surf & Yoga Nicaragua welcomes first-time surfers and those looking to develop their skills. Our coaching starts with your current level, so you can work on the techniques that matter for your next session.
Wind, swell, tide and crowds vary. A surf destination can offer different options without every break being suitable for every surfer on every day.
SEMI-private lesson
CERTIFIED SURF COACHES
PERSONALIZED TEACHING
TOP OF THE RANGE EQUIPMENT
BEGINNER TO ADVANCED
At Surf & Yoga Retreats Nicaragua, we keep things fun, supportive, and tailored to you. No pressure, no egos — just solid coaching, ocean time, and the joy of riding waves.
Our surf programs are comprehensive in that it not only includes plenty of time in the water but also video analysis, feedback & surf theory classes.
Our lessons are designed to help you progress quickly and safely in the water. We are careful not to mix ability levels.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
- Surf coaching with ISA certified coach
- Transfers to / from the camp
- All surf equipment and rash vest.
- Surf Insurance (Up to 10$)
- Ratio : 1 instructor for 3 students
LOCATION & SURF CHECK
Our base is near Playa Guasacate, in the Popoyo area of southern Nicaragua. The surrounding coastline includes beach breaks and reef breaks; the name of an area alone does not tell you whether a particular wave suits your level.
New to surfing? Start with our Level 1.1 programme. If you already catch unbroken waves, compare our Level 2.1 coaching. Your coaches assess your level when you arrive. For practical planning, see our Guasacate location and surf and yoga packages.
YOUR FIRST SURF LESSON
Your first surf lesson starts with your swimming ability, experience and confidence in the ocean. Our coaches choose the session location according to your level and the conditions, rather than promising the same beach or wave every day.
Surfing involves risks, including currents, changing waves and contact with boards or the seabed. Before entering the water, listen to the briefing and ask your coach about the conditions and the area where you will practise.
First element of your first surf lesson will be on the beach warming up, introducing you to the surf break and your beginner board. Our trainers will move on to teach you laying on the board at the correct position, paddling on the board, and pop-up (the jump), or, if this is not available for you, another relevant method of getting up such as a 4-step method.
Now you’re ready to enter the water and enjoy the surf, but not before you learn the necessary safety techniques.
Your first day of surfing will finish with a summary of the skills which will be covered during the upcoming week, as well as what they will lead on to and that’s where the fun starts… For most of you, within five days you can aim to go out and start catching waves all on your own!
VIDEO ANALYSIS & SURF THEORY
In addition to plenty of time in the water, our guests will also receive theory lessons & video analysis.
The vibe: chill, safe, and super fun
We’re all about creating a space where you can have fun, feel safe, and connect with the ocean in your own way. No pressure to perform — just good waves, great people, and the support to grow at your own pace. Add in daily yoga, nourishing food, and a cozy space to come home to, and you’ve got the full surf & soul experience.
FIND YOUR LEVEL
LEVEL 1.1 : Total beginners
LEVEL 1.2 : Beginner who has tried surfing a couple of times before
This is a challenging stage for both – you and our coaches – because in some surf schools you had before, the techniques used differ from the ones that we use. Therefore, we stick with the ISA method of teaching.
At this stage, we focus on:
– Reviewing the basics with you and comparing it with the methods you learned before (level 1.1)
– Working on your stance for more balance and improving on your pop up and paddling technique
– Teaching you on the basic stages of a wave and the shape of a wave at the particular beach
– Talk about positioning in the line up to catch unbroken waves
– How to do the angle take off and get into an unbroken wave to the left or right
– Learning how to slow down or accelerate according to the section of the wave
– Correct stance
LEVEL 1.3 : Advanced beginner
You have surfed more than a couple of days by now and understand the wave and board mechanics and you feel comfortable in the water most of the time.
You have more control on catching the waves and your stance, but only able to go straight.
At this stage we focus on:
– Reviewing the basics of level 1.1 & 1.2
– Working on wave reading and positioning in the line up
– Improving on the angle take off and stance
– Learning the basics of trimming on a wave
LEVEL 2.1 : Beginner intermediate surfer
At this stage, you have pretty good control over your paddling, are able to go out the back and catch unbroken waves and go left or right. You also understand about the waves, surfing and ocean conditions.
– Generating speed on the wave
– Improving on the wave reading ability
– Duck-diving
– Improving the stance for more mobility
– Bottom turn & top turn fundamentals
LEVEL 2.2 : Advanced intermediate surfer
At this stage, you have very good control over your board, are able to make turns to change the direction. You are also riding a short board or a mini-mal surf board.
We will focus on:
– Surfing & Speeding down the line on different type of waves
– Correct positioning to catch different types of waves
– Learning to cutback
– Technical analysis of your top turn and bottom turn
– Small floaters to pass the sections
– Duck dive improvement
If you aren’t sure what level you are, have no fear! Our instructors will assess your level once you arrive and alocate you to the correct group.
"Just take your time, another comes. Let the other guys go, take another one."
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The lesson time is usually fixed the night before, making it easier for the planning. The timing depends on the best surf conditions for your level.
Usually for the Level 1 surfers, we use the soft tops for the first days, before we can call yourself an advanced beginner and the instructor decides for you the hard tops. For level 2 and above, there is a range of hard tops which we can select from.
If you’re having your first go at surfing or have had a lesson or two in the past, we will start from the basics.
The basics include introduction to the surf board, the surfing spot, a warm up, a dry session on the beach explaining the basics of the pop up and safety techniques, and then going to catch the first waves in our sub-tropical waters.
Every morning we will do a surf check online and with our local surfing friends and decide which beaches to head to. This will depend on factors such as your ability level and the swell conditions. This means that the chances are high that you’ll have ideal conditions whatever level of surfer you are.
Your instructor brings you to the surf spot which brings the best conditions. After an effective warm up your surf coach will show you teach you and help you to improve your techniques. Have the time of your life! After 4 hours (driving included) the surf session is over. You collect your board and the equipment and leave the beach together with your group to go back to the Surf & Yoga Camp.
You definitely have a special connection with your own board, therefore if it’s convenient for you, we suggest that you bring your own board.
Yes, the surf board is included in the lesson for the duration of the surf class. We also provide you with the rash guard.
Ready for the trip of a lifetime with us?
YOGA
Roll out the mat and get ready for our wide variety of Yoga classes. Here you will learn a lot about your body, spirit and philosophy.
THE RETREAT
Our Surf and Yoga retreat center is one street away from the beach . Easy to reach and just a drive away from the surf breaks.
PACKAGES
Check out our wide selection of surf and yoga packages to find the one that suits all your needs.