SURF
Are you looking for the perfect place to learn to surf in Bali?
We offer tailor made programs for surf learners and guiding sessions for the more advanced surfers.
Popoyo is famous for its beautiful waves, and our camp’s location gives you prime access to Nicaragua’s top surf spots. From the legendary main break at Popoyo to hidden spots along the coast, you’ll find waves for every style. Our instructors match you with the perfect break for your level, whether you want to charge steep reef waves or cruise gentler spots on a longboard.
SEMI-private lesson
CERTIFIED SURF COACHES
PERSONALIZED TEACHING
TOP OF THE RANGE EQUIPMENT
BEGINNER TO ADVANCED
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. Each surfing session is progressive and goal-oriented for each of the participants.
From mastering the basics of paddling and standing up to catching your first green wave, our lessons are designed to help you progress quickly and safely in the water. We are careful not to mix ability levels.
This will also mean that you will never have to wait for others to keep up or feel left behind.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
- Surf coaching with ISA certified coach
- Transfers to / from the camp
- All surf equipment and rash vest.
LOCATION & SURF CHECK
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 the ability level of each group and the swell conditions. This means that the chances are high that you’ll have ideal conditions whatever level of surfer you are.
YOUR FIRST SURF LESSON
Some people are extremely confident in the waves, while other people are intimidated by just being in the ocean environment, but everyone, without exception, enjoys their first day surfing.
The location of your first surf lesson will take place at one of the many finest beginner surfing beaches. The water is warm, perfect sandy bottoms, shallow waters, and no dangerous sea life or rip current makes this the ideal start point for your surfing vacation.
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.
Our surf points
Nicaragua is a paradise for surfers of all levels, and if you’re just starting out, there are plenty of beginner-friendly surf spots near Popoyo. These breaks offer smaller, gentler waves, perfect for learning the basics while soaking in the stunning coastal scenery.
Playa Santana (Popoyo Area): Just a short distance from Popoyo, Playa Santana provides forgiving beach break waves that are ideal for beginners. The soft, rolling waves here make it easy to practice your pop-up and ride long, smooth lines.
Playa Guasacate (Popoyo): Adjacent to the main Popoyo break, Playa Guasacate offers sandy-bottomed waves that are consistent yet mellow—perfect for first-timers or those looking to build confidence on a surfboard.
Playa Remanso (San Juan del Sur): Located just south of San Juan del Sur, Playa Remanso is one of the best spots for beginners. The waves here break softly over a sandy bottom, creating a safe and fun environment to learn and improve.
Playa Hermosa (San Juan del Sur): True to its name, “Beautiful Beach,” Playa Hermosa is a breathtaking stretch of coastline with gentle, beginner-friendly waves and plenty of space to spread out. It’s an amazing spot for both surfing and relaxing.
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 sand 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.