CHICABRAVA
CHICABRAVA is an all-girls surf camp in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. The basic idea is to spend a week learning to surf on some of the best waves in the world.
But the CHICABRAVA experience goes beyond that.
I was invited on a press trip to attend an abbreviated version of the regular one-week camp. I spent four nights and three days surfing with CHICABRAVA. Even though I only got a glimpse, I am in love with this place and have already told all of my female friends that they need to go.
Surf camp is from Saturday to Saturday with 7 nights accommodation and 6 days of hands-on surf instruction, including use of equipment and transportation to the surfing beaches in a bad-ass 4×4 (bought from the crew who filmed Survivor Nicaragua there a few years ago).
Surf Instruction
Their teaching method is a mix of surf theory and lots of time in the water practicing. They typically have two to three students per instructor, which I found very helpful because I always felt like I had someone helping me get better. Perhaps the best part of their method is having an instructor take video from the shore, so you can get real-time feedback during breaks and watch yourself and the rest of the group the next day and see exactly what you are doing right and what you can improve.
I knew very little about surfing when I arrived. Now I have a grasp of the basic lingo (the parts of the board and how to talk about the waves). And I also understand what makes this part of Nicaragua such an ideal place for surfing.
Surfing Conditions
During camp I learned that waves are affected by three conditions: wind, tide, and swell direction. The wind is something that makes this area unique. Because of the cooling effect of nearby Lake Nicaragua, the winds at beaches near San Juan del Sur are offshore. Offshore winds hold up the wave face, making it well-formed with clean breaks. Essentially, you can surf all day in Nicaragua instead of just morning and evening as with most surfing locations.
Also, the places we surfed all had beach breaks (as opposed to reef or point breaks), which are safer and easier for learning.
So did I learn to surf?
Absolutely!
Although I was a newbie to surfing, I was up on the board right away and graduated to the bigger waves quickly.
The Instructors
The instructors at CHICABRAVA are not just great surfers. They also know how to teach others to surf.
In addition to being instructors, they are your hosts, and they truly care about you having a great time on your trip. Over the course of the week, the instructors switch up who they work with, so campers get time with all of the instructors.
Accommodations
The truly awesome thing about CHICABRAVA is that you have the option to go luxury or go basic. I’m the type of girl who appreciates options, and sometimes I want to stick to a small budget and other types I want to treat myself.
I stayed at the Surf House in the town of San Juan del Sur and got a tour of the luxury Cloud Farm accommodations a short drive from town.
The Surf House
While the Surf House is considered the basic accommodation option, it is way better than any hostel I’ve stayed at. The house is spacious and open with board games and books and movies to pass the time.
You can share a room or pay a little extra for a private room. I was pleasantly surprised to find air conditioning in the rooms which made it very comfortable for sleeping at night.
A healthy, delicious breakfast is included every morning. They are great about catering to vegetarian or vegan preferences.
The Surf House is centrally located in the town of San Juan del Sur, so you can explore on your own and try the local restaurants and bars. Walk right across the street to the beach where you will see spectacular sunsets every evening.
The Cloud Farm
The Cloud Farm has more of a relax-in-beautiful-seclusion vibe. It is located 1200 to 1500 feet high on a plateau with beautiful views of the coastline and a nice breeze. The cabanas are upscale luxury and all meals are included and cooked by a staff member in your kitchen using fresh ingredients from the local farm.
Since this is still a “camp,” rooms are shared, but you can pay extra for a private room.
The Beaches
While taking a break from surfing or going out for “Dawn Patrol” to watch the instructors shred some waves, you have the opportunity to explore these beautiful beaches.
The Extras
CHICABRAVA plans more activities than surfing during the camp, including yoga sessions and what will feel like the best massage of your life after carrying a heavy surf boards to and from the beach every day.
During your free time, there are optional excursions such as ziplining, horseback riding, and sailing.
Something else I really appreciated is the personal touch of the instructors. They were fun to be around and helped give the experience a “camp” feel. They gave us tips on their favorite restaurants and bars and even joined us in the evenings for dinner and drinks in town.
Overall
CHICABRAVA surf camp is one of the best creative trip ideas for those who enjoy a little adventure and athletic activity. You don’t need to have any experience or be super fit to get something out of this surf camp.
It works for a solo traveler. It works for a reunion with your best girlfriends. It works for a mother-daughter vacation. I also think this is the best idea for a bachelorette party.
With the budget option and the luxury option, you can pick a camp that fits your travel style. They also have a 40+ package for the more mature woman surfer who might prefer to enjoy the experience with a group of her peers.
CHICABRAVA makes everything easy.
You get a preparation checklist and detailed itinerary before the trip, so you know what to pack and what to expect while you are there. They pick you up and drop you off at the Managua airport, so you don’t even have to worry about getting yourself to San Juan del Sur. It’s an easy vacation where you just surf and have fun.
Tips
- Be sure to bring high SPF, waterproof sunscreen. Apply it multiple times while you’re out surfing. Don’t do what I did and wipe your hand down your face to get the water out of your eyes and nose. No matter how “waterproof” your sunscreen is, you will wipe it off, and this means you will probably burn your face off. Next time I go, I will bring a zinc sunscreen stick for my face.
- Bring bug spray. The mosquitoes are evil in this part of Nicaragua.
- Bring your iPod, so you can share you favorite songs to get pumped up for surfing on the ride to the beach every morning.
- Bring some spending money for the cute clothes in the CHICABRAVA shop. I’m not one to buy souvenirs, but I loved their tank tops and bought two. Plus, if you don’t already have a rashguard, you can get one there.
- Don’t stress about your surf skills. Just go out and have fun.
Disclosure: I was a guest of CHICABRAVA for a mini-surf camp, however, they did not ask me to write a favorable review. I really am this stoked on surfing in San Juan del Sur.
