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....
If you’ve been dreaming of catching your first wave in warm tropical water, you’ve probably come across Nicaragua as a top surf destination. But is it beginner-friendly? The short answer: yes, absolutely. Nicaragua isn’t just for pros chasing barrels; it’s also one of the best places in the world for women learning to surf. At Chica Brava, we’ve been welcoming beginner surfers for over a decade, and we can confidently say that Nicaragua’s waves offer the perfect mix of gentle learning conditions and progressive challenges for every level. Why Nicaragua Is Great for Beginner Surfers 1. Consistent, Gentle Waves Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast offers year-round swell, but not every wave is big and intimidating. Many beaches, especially around San Juan del Sur, have mellow, rolling waves that break over sandy bottoms, making them perfect for beginners to practice safely. Everyday, our expert surf instructors look at the conditions and choose the beach best fit for your skill level. 2. Warm Water Year-Round Forget wetsuits. With water temperatures around 80°F (27°C), learning to surf here is pure comfort. You can focus on improving your pop-up without worrying about getting cold or uncomfortable. 3. Uncrowded Beaches We understand that other surfers in the water can add an extra stress when you’re still figuring out how to navigate the lineup and develop surf skills. Unlike other surf destinations that can feel packed, Nicaragua still offers plenty of open space. You’ll often have entire peaks to yourself, giving you time to relax, reset, and actually enjoy the process of learning. 4. Ideal Conditions for All Levels While beaches like Playa Remanso or Playa Hermosa are...
Spring is a standout season for surfing in Southern Nicaragua. It offers consistent waves, sunny weather, and a relaxed vibe that works beautifully for beginners and progressing surfers alike. Here is what makes spring such a great time to visit. Consistent, Playful Swells Spring marks the start of Nicaragua’s main surf season, with south swells arriving regularly and creating clean, approachable waves. The ocean has enough energy to support learning and progression while still feeling fun and balanced for a wide range of levels. Reliable Sunshine and Comfortable Evenings Spring falls just before rainy season, bringing warm, sunny days and dry, comfortable nights. Conditions are predictable and easy to plan around, from early-morning glass to sunset surf sessions. More Space in the Lineup Spring remains one of the quieter times of year in Southern Nicaragua. With fewer people in the water, lineups feel relaxed and uncrowded, giving you more opportunities to practice, progress, and enjoy each wave. Light, Consistent Winds As the dry season winds begin to ease, spring delivers gentle offshore breezes that help keep waves clean and open. Expect smooth faces, easier takeoffs, and enjoyable sessions throughout the day. Spring in Southern Nicaragua brings together consistent surf, beautiful weather, and a calm, welcoming atmosphere. Ready to experience it for yourself? Join us at Chica Brava this spring and surf warm water, quality waves, and one of Central America’s most stunning coastlines, all with expert coaching, comfortable accommodations, and a supportive community of women. Explore upcoming retreat dates and start planning your spring surf escape.
6 Best Surf Spots in Southern Nicaragua From the original women-only surf camp in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua has earned a place on every surfer’s map, thanks to its year-round swell, reliable offshore winds, and warm Pacific waters. But what makes Southern Nicaragua especially magical is the variety of surf breaks, all within a short drive from town. Whether you’re new to surfing, just learning to paddle out, or you’re refining maneuvers and reading the line-up, there’s a wave here for every stage of your journey. At Chica Brava, the leading women only surf camp in Nicaragua, we’ve spent years exploring these breaks, and we know how to match each guest’s level with the perfect spot. Here are six of our favorite surf spots in Southern Nicaragua: 1. Playa Maderas Just north of San Juan del Sur, Maderas is the heart of the local surf scene. Consistent, playful, and with multiple peaks, it’s a great all-around wave for surfers progressing past the beginner stage. It’s also where you’ll get a real feel for Nicaragua’s surf culture: laid-back vibes, stunning sunsets, and a line-up that’s always buzzing. 2. Playa Remanso A short drive from town, Remanso is one of the most beginner-friendly beaches in the area. Soft takeoffs, sandy bottom, and forgiving waves make it perfect for building confidence and getting lots of reps in. We love using Remanso for foundational coaching and video review sessions as it’s a great place to focus on technique without distractions. 3. Playa Hermosa True to its name, Hermosa is beautiful, spacious, and super versatile. With multiple peaks and plenty of room to spread...
Nicaragua, with its pristine beaches, rolling waves, and serene landscapes, has become a top destination for those seeking the perfect blend of adventure and mindfulness. Surfing and yoga, two practices that complement each other beautifully, are at the heart of this experience. Whether you're an experienced surfer looking to enhance your flexibility or a yogi eager to embrace the thrill of the ocean, Nicaragua offers the ideal setting to find balance between movement and stillness. Whether you're an experienced surfer looking to enhance your flexibility or a yogi eager to embrace the thrill of the ocean, Nicaragua offers the ideal setting to find balance between movement and stillness. The Synergy of Surfing and Yoga Surfing demands strength, agility, patience and a deep connection with nature. Yoga cultivates flexibility, balance, and mental clarity. Together, they create a powerful synergy that enhances both practices. Yoga prepares the body for long surf sessions by increasing flexibility and core strength, while also helping to prevent injuries. Post-surf, yoga aids in muscle recovery and relaxation, allowing surfers to stay in peak condition. Surfing isn’t just about physical strength or wave knowledge—it’s a mental sport. Your mindset in the water can make the difference between catching the wave of your life or wiping out before you even paddle in. Negative thoughts—fear, frustration, self-doubt—can be just as powerful as the ocean itself, holding you back from progress. That’s where yoga comes in. Yoga trains the mind to be present, calm, and resilient. Through breath control and meditation, you learn to quiet the noise of self-judgment and expectation, replacing it with focus and patience. Just like in yoga,...
Nicaragua, with its unspoiled beaches and reliable waves, has quickly become a hotspot for surf enthusiasts. Among the many surf retreats in this Central American paradise, Chicabrava stands out as a premier destination, particularly for women seeking a unique and empowering surfing experience. Here’s everything you need to know about Chicabrava and why it should be your top choice for a surf retreat in Nicaragua. Why Chicabrava? Empowering Environment Chicabrava is dedicated to empowering women through surfing. It offers a supportive and encouraging environment where women of all ages and skill levels can thrive. Expert Coaching The retreat features professional, experienced surf instructors who provide personalized coaching, ensuring rapid progress and a safe learning experience. Stunning Location Located in the vibrant town of San Juan del Sur, Chicabrava offers access to some of the best surf spots in Nicaragua, coupled with breathtaking coastal scenery. Be sure to check our 3 locations: The Villa, Cloud Farm & Playa Colorado. Holistic Approach Beyond surfing, Chicabrava integrates wellness activities like yoga and fitness training, offering a holistic retreat experience. What to Expect at Chicabrava? Tailored Surf Lessons Whether you’re a beginner catching your first wave or an advanced surfer looking to refine your technique, Chicabrava’s instructors tailor lessons to your skill level and goals. Luxurious Accommodations Chicabrava offers comfortable and stylish accommodations with stunning ocean views, providing the perfect setting to relax after a day in the water. Wellness Activities Daily yoga sessions and fitness classes complement your surfing, helping to improve flexibility, strength, and overall well-being. Cultural Immersion Experience the rich culture of Nicaragua through local excursions, cooking classes, and community engagement...
Available at all locations! For both beginners and experienced adult surfers, we have put together the ultimate package for women in their 40s+. Sign up as a solo traveler or with a group! Testimonials from our Adult 40+ Surf Retreats:“Invest in yourself!” - 5 stars45 years old at an uncomfortable weight for myself and in OK physical shape, that's me...... a Chica Brava! Admittedly, we have surfed before in other parts of the world, but at Chica brava.....WE SURFED! Instructors are very patient and knowledgeable and they have classes, goal setting and check in's daily. They are empowering and honest with your instruction and adjust to your personal needs. We have been to other surf camps and Chica brava is the one for the ladies. We stayed at the Cloud Farm and it was a great accomodation. The food was amazing and pretty healthy with lots of carbs that are much needed. We will get back to the real world with some empowering skills and confidence to overcome whatever wave comes our way!"-Michelle S., Atlanta, Georgia, Cloud Farm 40+“Incredible experience!” - 5 starsI left for my first solo journey out of the county at 41 years old. I had one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I was safely picked up at the airport and transported with 3 other wonderful solo women travelers to Surf Camp at Chica Brava where I was greeted by a very friendly, outgoing staff. We were shown all the local hangouts, restaurants, and given the option of doing nothing...or everything. We surfed each day and because there were only four of us travelers this particular week, it was practically...
Best Surfing in Nicaragua Offshore winds, world-class surf, unparalleled beauty, rich culture, empty beaches, killer location and expert surf instruction are just some of the reasons to surf in Nicaragua! Why Southern Nicaragua? Unlike anywhere else in the world, including Central and Northern Nicaragua, Southern Nicaragua benefits from offshore winds almost year round. This means perfect conditions, perfectly groomed waves, and the unique ability at Chica Brava to surf all day long! Southern Nicaragua is on the map as one of the world’s best surf destinations, yet it’s still un-crowded compared to most anywhere else! To make things even better, it’s beautiful and most of the coastline remains undeveloped. Why San Juan del Sur? Choosing San Juan del Sur undoubtedly gives you the best of both worlds – immersion in a teeming city of fun-loving locals while at the same time having close access to totally empty beaches with no one around, except for the occasional ox-drawn cart... oh, and of course, the offshore winds! San Juan Del Sur is a tranquil fishing village set around a beautifully picturesque horseshoe-shaped bay. The town has lots of energy and rich culture, which predominate over the recent increase in tourism. There is a plethora of amazing restaurants and sizzling nightlife! The people here are as warm and friendly as the weather. Why Chica Brava? We have had our surf camp in Nicaragua since 2003 and are the country’s very first and best surf retreat for women. Our program is unparalleled and our team of instructors has years of experience surfing, instructing and coaching. Upon arrival we determine each surfer’s goals for the week...
Our Surf Camp address Cloud Farm: Finca Las Nubes, KM 136, Barrio Hermanos Mendoza, San Juan del Sur, Rivas The Villa: Casa Panga, Barrio Camilo Ortega, San Juan del Sur, Rivas Trip Prep Please visit our Trip Prep Resources page where you can find all of the information you will need to help you prepare for your surf retreat. Passport/Visa Info You need a passport to travel to Nicaragua and it must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel date. All visitors are required to buy a tourist visa for $10 in U.S. currency upon arrival at customs. Airport/Airline Info Nicaragua’s international airport is Managua International Airport, located in the capital city of Managua (airport code: MGA). Often times, cheaper airfare can be found by flying into Costa Rica’s Liberia International Airport, located an hour from the border with Nicaragua (airport code: LIR). Direct flights from major cities in the United States are available to both airportsfrom United, American, Delta, Sprit, and TACA. Be sure to check fares against travel search engines like Kayak.com. Airport Shuttle/Transportation Info We provide a free shuttle from the MGA airport to San Juan del Sur departing at 1:30PM on the Saturday of arrival and from San Juan del Sur to the airport departing at 7:30AM on the Saturday of departure (arriving airport at 10:00AM). If you are unable to make use of our free shuttle we can arrange airport transfers at other days/time and from LIR airport in Costa Rica for an additional cost. Note for late-night arrivals: If you are only able to find flights arriving MGA at night (or departing MGA...
