The Surf

Nicaragua has a vast array of waves to surf. On both the
Pacific and Carribean coast surf can be found. While the
caribbean coast probably has a strong swell in the
Hurricane season it is also hard to reach and lacks basic
facilities. The Pacific coast is home to a number of breaks,
each offering something different. The Southwestern coast
of Nicaragua, around San Juan del Sur are various surf spots.
Playa Maderas, Playa Yankee and the break at Popoyo are
by far the most well known. Never the less, there is bound to
be many other breaks which have yet to be discovered.

Playa Maderas has been the home of the Nicaraguan national surf
competition in past years. Maderas is the most consistant wave in
Nicaragua. It is in a micro-climate that gives the beach
10 months of all day compleatly offshore conditions, due to
the Lago de Nicaragua, the tenth largest lake in the world.
Maderas is a beach break with long tubes (barrels) right
and left and has several different peaks that makes it able
to hold a large crowd of surfers even though it is empty and
perfect much of the time. It is surfable from 3-8 feet and the
season lasts for 9 months. Visit the Buena Vista Surf Club for info on the swell or to chat about the area with Dutch owners Marc and Marielle.

December, January and Feburary
are the off season for surfers but its the on season for tourism.

For those looking to get away from the crowded waves of
Costa Rica, Nicaragua is a great place to explore. And it is so
much cheaper, the people are a lot more laid back, so you can
stay for a lot longer. Have fun.