One of the questions we hear most often, especially from women coming to their first surf retreat, is: “How fit do I need to be?” It's a fair question. Surfing is physical and doesn't look easy. Here is the honest answer, based on nearly two decades of running women’s surf retreats and coaching thousands of women in the water. 👉 You do not need to be in peak physical shape. 👉 You do not need to be a strong swimmer. 👉 You do not need to be any particular age, size, or body type. What we see again and again is that openness to trying something new and a willingness to keep showing up matter far more than raw strength. Surfing often feels awkward at first, and a beginner's mindset is hugely helpful. Wetsuits and bathing suits shift, water comes out of your nose, and things do not always look graceful. That is part of the learning process, and one of the reasons being in an all-women environment is so powerful. ✨ You are supported, encouraged, and free to focus on learning without self-consciousness. We work with women of all ages, sizes, and fitness levels, across a wide range of life stages. Most arrive having never surfed before. Many do not consider themselves athletic and may quietly wonder whether they will be strong enough or hold others back. Our goal is the same for everyone new to surfing, and our proven program gets you there by week's end. You will learn to identify, paddle for, catch and ride your own waves either straight or at an angle towards the shore....
and why we believe one week is just right If you’re thinking about joining a women’s surf retreat, you’re probably wondering how long it should be. Most people don’t realize just how physically exhausting surfing is, so finding that sweet spot between too short and too long really matters. At Chica Brava, we’ve landed on the ideal format: one full week. Seven days total, with six full days of surfing and no “day off” (although we always encourage one to listen to her body, if she needs a rest day, she can take it)! Because the only way to improve at surfing is by doing a lot of it. That’s why we maximize your time in the water, with three hours of coached surf daily, paired with video analysis, technical feedback, and evolving goals throughout the week. It’s not just a vacation, it’s a full training experience. Why a retreat beats a few day lessons Day lessons are great for a quick taste of surfing, but they’re usually designed just to get you standing on the board. Even if that means forming bad habits like dropping a knee or relying on being pushed into waves. A women’s surf retreat is completely different. Surfing is the focus, not a side activity. You’ll learn how to identify waves, paddle yourself into and catch waves, how to position your body, read the wave direction, and actually understand what you’re doing. We achieve this by enhancing our surf program with theory lessons, video feedback review sessions and goal-setting. Our goal is to set you up with the tools and knowledge you need to keep...
If you’re considering a women’s surf and yoga retreat, you might be wondering if you’re fit enough to take part. The answer, without hesitation, is yes. At Chica Brava, we welcome women of all ages and fitness levels. You don’t need to be in top athletic shape or have years of yoga experience. You just need a willingness to try something new and embrace a challenge in a supportive environment. What Kind of Fitness Helps If you’re considering a women’s surf and yoga retreat, you might be wondering if you’re fit enough to take part. The answer, without hesitation, is yes. At Chica Brava, we welcome women of all ages and fitness levels. You don’t need to be in top athletic shape or have years of yoga experience. You just need a willingness to try something new and embrace a challenge in a supportive environment. Why You Can’t Fully Prepare in a Gym It’s difficult to prepare for a surf retreat through traditional workouts. Paddling uses muscles that most gym routines don’t target. Even rowing or swimming doesn’t fully replicate the demands of surfing. The truth is, surf fitness comes from surfing. And that’s exactly what you’ll be doing here. At Chica Brava, we get you in the water as much as possible. Unlike most surf camps, we spend three hours surfing daily– that’s 18 hours of surf in your week with us! We plan our retreats in this way because we know that the only way to get in surf-shape is to surf (and as much as possible). A women’s surf and yoga retreat is the perfect setting...
When Is the Best Time of Year to Surf in Nicaragua? If you’re dreaming of warm water, empty lineups, offshore winds and consistent waves, Nicaragua is probably already on your radar. But when exactly should you plan your trip? The truth is — anytime during the swell season you are sure to score! Southern Swell Season: March to November Nicaragua’s wave season runs from March through November, when the country’s Pacific coastline welcomes long-period southern swells. These months provide the most consistent surf and conditions, perfect for any level of surfer looking to score reliable sessions day after day. March & November: These “border months” are the quiet bookends of the season. The waves are typically smaller, but it’s a fun time as the first or final swells roll in. June & July: By mid-season, the coastline is in full swing. Sandbars are dialed in, and overhead waves become a regular occurrence. This is the heart of Nicaragua’s surf season — especially for those looking to level up. What Makes Nicaragua So Consistent? Offshore Winds — All Day Long Here’s one of southern Nicaragua’s best-kept (but most brag-worthy) secrets: offshore winds all day the majority of the year. Thanks to a unique geography — where Lake Nicaragua pushes strong winds across the country toward the Pacific — this region enjoys offshore wind conditions more than 300 days per year. Offshore winds blow from the land toward the ocean, which holds the waves open, creates clean faces, and maintains perfect form. It’s what gives Nicaraguan waves that smooth, glassy look surfers dream about — and what makes this coastline world-class. Most...
As the Paris Olympics 2024 approach, the world of surfing is buzzing with excitement. One name that's making waves is Candelaria Resano, a young, dynamic surfer poised to make a significant impact on the global stage. Her journey from the beaches of Nicaragua to the Olympic surf breaks is nothing short of inspiring. Here's a closer look at her story and how it intertwines with Chica Brava, the premier women’s surf retreat and camp. Candelaria Resano: A Rising Star in Surfing Candelaria Resano, a prodigious talent from Nicaragua, has been making headlines in the surfing community. With a deep passion for the ocean and an impressive array of skills, Candelaria has quickly ascended the ranks, earning a spot to compete at the Paris Olympics 2024. Her journey is a testament to dedication, hard work, and an unwavering love for surfing. The Road to Paris Olympics 2024 The Paris Olympics 2024 will be a landmark event for surfing, highlighting the sport's growing popularity and showcasing some of the best talents from around the globe. For Candelaria Resano, this event represents the culmination of years of training and perseverance. Competing on such a prestigious platform is not just a personal achievement but also an opportunity to inspire young surfers worldwide, particularly women who aspire to ride the waves. Chica Brava: Empowering Women Through Surfing Candelaria's journey is closely linked with Chica Brava, a renowned women’s surf retreat and camp based in Nicaragua. Chica Brava is dedicated to empowering women through the sport of surfing, offering retreats and camps designed to enhance skills, build confidence, and foster a supportive community of female surfers....
Nicaragua, with its pristine beaches and consistent waves, has become a top destination for surfers from around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to catch your first wave, Nicaragua’s surf camps offer the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and skill-building. This guide will walk you through the top surf camps in the country, what to expect, and why Nicaragua should be your next surfing destination. Why Choose Nicaragua for Surfing? Consistent Waves With year-round swells and a variety of breaks, Nicaragua offers waves for all skill levels. The Pacific coast is particularly renowned for its reliable surf conditions. Beautiful Beaches Nicaragua boasts some of the most stunning beaches in Central America, providing not only great surfing but also breathtaking scenery. Affordable Compared to other popular surf destinations, Nicaragua is relatively inexpensive. This makes it an ideal spot for extended stays and budget-friendly trips. Warm Water Enjoy surfing without the need for a wetsuit, thanks to the warm tropical waters. Amazing isn't it ? Best Surf Camp in Nicaragua Chicabrava Location: San Juan del Sur, Rivas. Overview: Chicabrava is an all-women’s surf camp offering personalized coaching and a supportive environment. It's perfect for women of all ages and skill levels. Features: Daily surf lessons, beachfront accommodations, yoga sessions, and cultural excursions. What to Expect at a Nicaragua Surf Camp Accommodation: Most camps offer a range of accommodations from shared dorms to private beachfront bungalows. Expect comfortable lodgings with stunning views. Surf Lessons: Professional instructors provide daily lessons tailored to your skill level, ensuring you progress quickly and safely. Meals: Camps typically offer healthy, delicious meals...
Surfing is definitely more than an awesome sport! It makes your body looks super toned and you feel a lot healthier, it have all the adrenaline that comes with the empowerment of caching a wave, and puts you in direct contact with nature and salt water gives u a peace and happy state of mind. Surfing makes you feel powerful, invincible and totally boost your confidence. Chica brava is a life changing experience for me where I share with this other amazing ladies that with all the love, compassion, camaraderie respect and thoughtfulness are teaching me how to surf. Chica brava has improved and empower the life of so many other women around the world through surfing. You definitely become the best version of yourself, you start feeling brave, courageous, confident, strong and passionate about surfing. As soon as you are able to catch your first wave and pop up you feel this big rush! And all you want to do is do it again! And yes you definitely feel more confident…you are being able to catch waves! How empowering is that!?and it hasn’t done that just for me…I see the women around me learning how to surf and you see the beautiful change in their personalities and gaining more confident and believing in yourself is all you need to get around in this life. When you practice surfing you are definitely in tune with your mind and body and the power that comes out of that gives you all the confident to trust in yourself and sync your motions with that confident, I haven’t been the most confident person...
Patient Patience is the number one trait of an awesome instructor. An instructor who doesn’t expect you to pop-up and surf your first waves but knows that with time and effort you will succeed. Patience is key, like with many things in life! Full of Personality One of the best traits of an awesome surf instructor is a good personality. The type of person you can meet and feel comfortable with right away. Someone who can laugh when we nose dive or fall off the board from sitting position. Someone who smiles because they are genuinely happy you are enjoying your lesson. An instructor with a good personality makes any surf lesson a good one for their client! Hard working A great instructor needs to have a strong work ethic. There is something about the ocean, surfing and the sun that creates a very relax or “tranquilo” type of vibe. A good instructor knows how to embrace the relaxing vibes while still working incredibly hard in and out of the water when instructing. Energetic An instructor with positive energy is the one that will keep you going when you think your arms might fall off. Your instructor will fill you with their energy and give you the strength and encouragement that you need to preform well. An energetic instructor is the type of instructor you need! Passionate Lastly, we have passion. An awesome instructor is passionate. Passionate about teaching. Passionate about the ocean. Passionate about surfing. Passion is the one trait that truly expresses why surf instructors spend countless hours in the sun, exughsting themselves to teach others...
Surfing, like fashion, is all about finding your own. Once you get the feel for the wave it’s time to add some style and flair to those waves you’re riding! I remember watching another Chica Brava instructor do her thing on a longboard and thinking, “WOW. That girl can surf!” Every time I saw her catch a wave I always knew it was her, even if I was sitting on the beach and couldn’t see her face. She made the way she controlled and moved her board her own. I realized that the way she surfed was really an extension of her personality; fluid, elegant, and always with a bit of excitement! The way her hands would rise up as she gracefully walked to the front of her board and the way her hips swayed as she moved her feet to get there. No one else looked like her. That was her style. And it was beautiful. In order to add your personal style and flair to surfing all you really have to do is try. When riding your next wave try throwing your arms in the air. Move your hips as you walk the board or do a turn. Or throw a leg out in front of you when you crouch low on a longboard. Drag your hand in the wave behind you. Try a fun move when the ride is over and you want to get off the wave, like a diving off the board into the back of the wave. (Or as some past Chica Brava girls called it, mastering the After Bang!) Whether you sashay up...
Every morning at Chica Brava before "Surf's Up", our house mom and cook, Belkis, whips up some delicious power fuel breakfast for our chicas. The coffee is always strong and hot to have with you while you take one of our surf theory classes before you have your breakfast. After theory, the dining room is set and ready buffet style with breakfast that changes daily. Nicaragua is known for its amazing fruits and Belkis has fresh juice made from a variety of different fruits and teas throughout the week: Jamacia (Hibiscus), Passionfruit, Pitaya, Tamarindo, Pineapple, Orange, and any others in season! Belkis always sets out a huge platter of seasonal fruit like pineapples, papaya, and watermelon for you to have with breakfast. It's important to have the right fuel to hold you over at the beach, and with protein and carbs to start your day, you'll be powering those muscles to paddle, pop-up, and ride! As for the eats, here's what to expect: Sunday: Gallo pinto with scrambled eggs and maduros, fresh sliced avocadoGallo Pinto, literally means "painted rooster", is a staple food here in Nicaragua that is served at all times of the day in households. It is a mixture of red beans and rice.Maduros are sweet and soft ripe plantains, cut in half ,and cooked on the stove top. Monday: Pancakes with scrambled eggsAlso served with a delicious banana cinnamon topping <3 Tuesday: Huevos Rancheros, home cooked beans, toastPoached eggs and all of the toppin's. Wednesday: Breakfast burritos (egg, rice, beans, pico de gallo, flour tortilla), guacamole on the sideMY PERSONAL FAVORITE MORNING! Belkis's guac is a one-of-a-kind....
