NICARAGUA COACHING TRIP 2013
Tour: Nicaragua
Duration: 10 Days
Dates: 13 - 23 January
Cost: £689 (Early Bird Booking Offer)
Nicaragua is a dream destination for any bodyboarder wanting clean, fun and consistent waves, warm temperatures and a beautiful environment. During January the waves are likely to be 2-3 foot, punchey and with a great variety of wedges, beach breaks, reefs and rivermouths only a short walk or boat ride from the camp. The fact that it’s the off-season for Nicaraguan swell means that the crowds are kept low yet the waves are consistently in the small to medium size region (Consistently chest high and occasionally bigger - check the images from our last trip).
Apart from the areas incredible beauty and tranquil environment the coast is uniquely blessed with 100% consistent offshore winds, grooming every peak and feathering lip after lip after lip. This surf-friendly phenomenon is due to the Papagayos northerly winds, which intensify over the Lake Nicaragua just inland, and blow bang offshore for the whole year. Yes folks, it is offshore, all day, every day. Perfect, clean waves from dawn till dusk EVERY DAY. As a result of the breeze, even though the place is ‘run-across-the-sand-hot’ it never gets uncomfortable as the breeze keeps land temperatures at warm enough to never need to wear a shirt, but not so hot that you feel as though you’re melting!
Back to Back Nicaragua and Costa Rica?
There is the option to come on the Nicaragua trip and the Costa Rica trip if you would like (as they are running back to back). You can even come for some of the Nicaragua trip and some of the Costa Rica trip. You tell us what you’d like to do and we can build a package to suit your needs and budget. The longer that you come on the trip (or trips!) for, the cheaper the package will work out per day.
The Waves
A one minute walk from the front porch of your accommodation will see you stood in front of Playa Santana wedge. The lines of swell which refract off the rocks at the southern end of the beach offer beautifully shaped wedges through nearly all stages of the tide. The wedge works for around 5 hours each day giving plenty of time to hone your skills. The paddle out is short and easy. Overlooking the wave is the resort of Rancho Santana so if you fancy a break you can chill by the pool and enjoy a smoothie while the waves break 20 metres away from you.
The main beach of Playa Santana offers left and right breaking peaks which tend to be more popular with the local stand up surfers but there are still plenty of peaks on the 2 mile stretch to get some fun tubes and for practising moves.
The north end of the beach has a more mellow right breaking wedge waves which can be fun when the tide pushes up. Just around the headland lays the famous reef break of Popoyo which intensifies the swell and up to head high offers great cruisy left and right walls.
We also have access to a boat to take us to other nearby secret spots. Just take a look on Google earth if you are inquisitive there is something there for everyone, from mellow points, to fun shorebreak's to heavy reefs.
Climate
Dry, sunny but cooled by breeze. In the last two january trips that we have done to Nicaragua it has rained once for a couple of hours. Not bad!
Other Activities
As well as a prime bodyboarding location, there are plenty of other activities;
- Hot water springs
- Colonial City Tour or Granada
- Offshore Fishing trips
- Volcano Tour
- Local Markets to check out
- Swim in the pool
- Skate board at the half pipe
- Or my favourite between surf pass time... Chill in a hammock in the breeze reading your book! Until you have the energy to surf again.
(Please note, some activities may incur extra expense)
Accommodation
Literally 10 metres from the surf camps front gate is the Ocean. Surf checks take 45 seconds from your front door. The accom is air conditioned villa’s and apartments. The camp has a communal eating area, swimming pool and is gated off with security.
There is no one else in the area and crime isn’t an issue. Having spent years in different surf camps around the world from outer Indonesia to European camps. This is the best surf camp I have ever stayed in hands down. Everything is catered for. There is Wifi in the communal areas.
Booking
The cost of the trip is £689 (early bird special!). Payment can be made in full immediately or by a £100 deposit immediately, with an agreed payment plan, please call our email us to discuss.
We accept, cash, cheque, Paypal or online transfer. Please click here to check out our terms and conditions
Our host will supply the following:
• 9 nights accommodation in the beach front guest house.
Rob Barber’s Bodyboarding School will supply the following:
• Tuition tailored to your ability from British Senior Champ and British team coach, Rob Barber.
• Video analysis to help you improve double fast!
• Airport arrival and departure meetings.
Flights
The trip includes arrival and departure meetings to/from Managua. You will need to book your own flights from the UK, however we can advise you on flights that others are taking, the latest deals that we have discovered, and recommended booking agents.
Your flights should ensure that you arrive in Managua on January 13th January and flying out at the earliest 23rd January, 2012. If you want to stay on longer, or you decide to stay on for the Costa Rica trip then please let us know before you book your flights.
Please check your baggage, size, number and weight allowance with your airline . Remember to check your airlines’ procedure for carrying bodyboards and book yours in advance if you need to. PLEASE CONTACT US BEFORE YOU BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS.
On the day that you travel please keep your mobile phone on (except when flying of course) so that we can stay in touch in case of delays, flight changes etc. If you could drop me a text (07974729639) from the airport to say that you are on time/delayed/early, that would be a great help.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are available from the surf camp. The food is good and very reasonably priced. If you budgeted $25 USD per day you would be well covered. There are nightly specials including Bar B Q nights, Pasta Nights etc.
Currency
Bring US Dollars or the local currency Cordoba’s. We recommend taking at least 2 bank cards in case one becomes lost or damaged.
Documents
Entry Requirements - Visas
British nationals can visit Nicaragua for up to three months without a visa. However, entry into Nicaragua may be refused and airlines may not carry you if you hold a passport with less than six months validity or do not have an onward ticket out of Nicaragua. There is also a US$10 entry fee.
It is a good idea to carry photocopies of your important documents (packed separately) and note that it is also easier to carry photocopies of relevant pages from heavy guidebooks etc. We also suggest that you scan copies of your important documents and email them to yourself.
Packing:
Our brainstorm of packing essentials to get you started.. (Remember you get a discount at the Bodyboard-Depot.com if you buy anything leading up to your trip! We can advise you on the specifics of the best kit required for this location).
• A couple of well fitting board shorts/bikini/swimming costumes
• Rash vests (long and/OR short sleeved)
• Bodyboard (write fragile and topload on bag)
• Shortie wetsuit (optional but protects from sun and rub)
• Beach towel
• Warm water wax
• Credit debit card
• Travel itinerary
• Flight tickets
• Any medication required
• Robs contact numbers / Email address
• Travel insurance documents
• Passport!
• Sun Cream (high factor or block)
• Toiletries (inc Vaseline for wetsuit/board/boardies rub) and talcum powder. Place liquids in a separate
sealed carrier in case of leakage.
-•blue tac/ear plugs if required.
• Bottle to carry water
• Sun hat
• flip flops
Medical
Please inform us of any medical complaints/conditions prior to the trip. We will carry a first aid kit at all times but we advise that you also bring your own containing: scissors, bandages, plasters, antiseptic, sting cream, burn cream, steri-strips, Betadine, pain killers, rehydration sachets.
A radical change in temperature and diet affects people differently. Maintain a good water intake and a healthy diet. Carry immodium or similar in your medical kit alongside your rehydration sachets.
Travel Insurance
It is essential that you take out a comprehensive personal travel insurance policy. Please check with your insurer that you are covered to surf each day.
Health, Safety and Inoculations
As you travel at your own risk it is your responsibility to be up to date on Foreign Office advisories concerning travel to the region. You can check these here:
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/north-central-america/nicaragua
Online medical advice for travellers can be found here:
http://m.netdoctor.co.uk/travel/central_america/nicaragua.htm
If there are any questions we have not answered just drop us a line!
