Rise Up Surf (Chinandega, Nicaragua) ★★★
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Summary
Our surf camp at Punta Apsotentillo is perfectly located on a cliff top with views expanding as far as El Salvador on clear doors.
Located in the Chinandega region of Northern Nicaragua. The property grounds are a green oasis, which consist of a blend of fruit trees intermingled with beautiful gardens.
The property overlooks a stunning bay with gentle surf perfect for beginner surfers and to the south side of the property there is a spectacular uncrowded beach that is home to one of Nicaragua’s best beach breaks.
Packages & prices
11 packages
One-week Luxury Escape surf and yoga retreat in Nicaragua during the wet season (May to October), with twin room accommodation at the resort, full board and a 6-day surf course. Course equipment such as surfboard and wetsuit is included during the course.
One-week Tranquil Escape surf and yoga retreat in Nicaragua with double room accommodation at the resort, full board and a 6-day surf course. Course equipment such as surfboard and wetsuit is included during the course.
One-week Luxury Escape surf and yoga retreat in Nicaragua during the dry season (November to April), with twin room accommodation at the resort, full board and a 6-day surf course. Course equipment such as surfboard and wetsuit is included during the course.
One-week Luxury Escape surf and yoga retreat in Nicaragua during the dry season (November to April), with double room accommodation at the resort, full board and a 6-day surf course. Course equipment such as surfboard and wetsuit is included during the course.
One-week Luxury Escape surf and yoga retreat in Nicaragua during the wet season (May to October), with single room accommodation at the resort, full board and a 6-day surf course. Course equipment such as surfboard and wetsuit is included during the course.
ABOUT THE SURF CAMP
LOCATION AND SURF CONDITIONS
Our Swell Seasons
April to October
Is the prime swell season! The waves are more consistently big due to winter storms in the Southern oceans providing ideal conditions for the south facing Nicaraguan coastline.
November to March
Is ideal for beginner to intermediate surfing as the surf is more generally much smaller and more forgiving.
Surf Breaks
Our surf camps are perfectly located close to a number of Nicaragua’s best waves.
Out front we have a beautiful bay with mellow
waves that are perfect for beginners.
We also have a couple of other mellow waves
that are less than five minutes walk from the
property.
The Island
A rippable left hand point break that is located
ten minutes away by boat. The Boom
The boom is one of Nicaragua’s heaviest and
hollowest beach breaks and is a 10-15 minute
beach walk from the surf camp.
Jiguillo
These punchy sand bars are situated in a
sleepy ?shing village about 30 minutes drive
from the surf camp. It offers an inside and
outside sand bar that provides great waves
for beginner, intermediate and experienced
surfers.
Aposentillo
This beginner friendly wave is easy going with
good green face waves to learn on, and is
located only a few minutes walk along the beach
from the property. Nahualapa
A spectacular bay that picks up a lot of swell is
a short drive from the property and offers a
right and left hand break that caters perfectly
to all levels of sur?ng.
CAMP CHARACTER
The daily schedule is dictated by the surf conditions and the package you have selected. Here is an idea of what a typical day at Rise Up Surf Tours looks like.
5.30 am: Enjoy a continental breakfast of fresh local fruits, bread, jams, cereals, juice and local coffee and tea.
6.00 am to 10.00 am: First surf session out front or at one of the local breaks.
10.00 am to 11.00 am: Enjoy a ‘second breakfast’ of pancakes, French toast or a typical Nicaraguan breakfast.
11.00 am to 1.30 pm: Second surf session.
1.30 pm to 3.30 pm: Lunch.
3.30 pm to Sunset: Afternoon surf session or other activities such as yoga, ocean fishing trip or estuary tour.
Sunset: Cocktails and appetizers served at the beachfront rancho.
7.30 pm to Late: Dinner followed by a photo viewing session, bonfire, board games or outdoor cinema.
CAMP OPERATOR
We are the Rise Up Surf Familia
Corina
Operations Manager | Switzerland
Corina is our fun-loving, do-it-all girl from Switzerland. She loves people and has a knack for planning mind-blowing events. She is an organizational master who has taken the operations of Rise Up Surf to a whole new level. Originally from the mountains, Corina has had the opportunity to surf in many amazing countries around the world.
Phillip
Founder & Owner | Barbados
The inspiration for Rise Up Surf comes from Phillip’s love for surfing and desire to lead a healthy balanced lifestyle, surrounded by good vibes and positive people. After several years traveling in search of waves and adventure, Phillip made Nicaragua his home. After owning and selling one of Nicaragua’s largest hostels (Bigfoot Hostel in Leon), he decided to leave the bustling city behind and create Rise Up Surf Nicaragua.
Marcia
General Manager | Switzerland
Marcia brings a fresh outlook to Rise Up Surf this season. She has over ten years working in hospitality and we are excited to have her take over the general management.
Jhia
Surf Instructor & Head Coach | New Zealand
Jhia is our talented head coach from New Zealand. Through his 18 years of surf experience and traveling the world Jhia has gained an experience second to none. The past 8 years Jhia has worked as a surf coach in surf camps throughout the world and currently holds the highest qualifications possible. Jhia is not here simply for his qualifications but he has been chosen to lead the way due to his humble personality and magic way of teaching that truly sets him apart.
Norvin
Surf Instructor & Guide | Nicaragua
Norvin is a smooth and cool character that will ensure you are surfing the best waves possible while at Rise Up Surf. Check out our Blog to see Norvin and the other local boys surfing in our area.
Marvin (Chinto)
Surf Guide & Instructor | Nicaragua
Chinto is, hands down, one of the best barrel riders in Nicaragua, if not the world. He is also one of the friendliest guys on the planet. Whether it is in the water or on dry land, Chinto is the guy you always want to have around!
Callum
Surf Instructor & Photographer | United Kingdom
Callum is our “super star” surf instructor and surf photographer from the sunny shores of the U.K. This will be Callum’s third year returning as part of the Rise Up Surf crew.
Oscar
Surf Guide & Instructor | Nicaragua
Oscar is truly one of the most talented and fun human beings on the planet. He is an exceptionally passionate and motivated surf instructor and one of the best local surf guides around. When not surfing Oscar ensures you are having the best time at the camp or on fun adventures in the region. Check out Oscar and some of the crew in this Surf video shot in our region or read a little more about him on our Blog.
Melquing
Surf Guide & Instructor | Nicaragua
Melquing has an out of this world charisma and energy. After only two years working with Rise Up Surf he now speaks perfect English and continually shows our guests our good time. Check our Blog to see a video of Melquing and the other local boys tearing it up.
Willow
Yoga Teacher | United States
Willow considers herself a movement educator and has taught yoga to all levels of surfers and yogis. She is a teacher of prenatal, vinyasa, kids, and restorative yoga. She also teaches self massage using The Roll Model Method and is a Yoga Tune Up instructor. Self healing and reconnecting to nature and its magic are great passions of hers. Learn more about Willow on our Blog.
Juan
Head Chef | United States & Colombia
Rise Up Surf is excited to welcome Juan Gomez to our team this season. Juan brings over 20 years of culinary expertise from working as a chef in top-quality restaurants and resorts in Mexico and Costa Rica. His focus on healthy, nutritious, and delicious foods are the perfect match for Rise Up Surf.
Jasmina
Assistant Chef | Nicaragua
Jasmina is part of our amazing kitchen team. She is a born leader and hopes to one day be the head chef of the Rise Up Surf kitchen.
Tina
Assistant Chef | Nicaragua
Tina is the mama of the kitchen and loves to bake. She along with the rest of the kitchen team ensure our guests are well looked after.
Lesbia
Head Of House Keeping | Nicaragua
Lesbia is in charge of organizing the daily house keeping for in and around the camp.
Maura
House Keeping | Nicaragua
Maura is part of the house keeping team that help keep Rise Up Surf sparkling and clean.
Hannah
Social Media Manager | Germany
This funny and charming German girl uses her social media skills to spread Rise Up Surf´s daily happenings and latest news out to the world. With her positive energy and good vibes she brings the sparkle to the camp and is always helping hand for the team and for the guests around.
Gustavo
Caretaker & Driver | Nicaragua
Gustavo is our all around caretaker who pretty much helps with everything. He will also be along on surf trips as a driver and photographer.
Roger
Accountant & Administration | Nicaragua
Roger works in the behind scenes action with accounting and administration helping to make sure we are as organized as possible.
ACCOMMODATION AND CATERING
ACCOMMODATION TYPES
Feel at home at Rise Up Surf
Located in the Chinandega region of Northern Nicaragua, our 7-bedroom guesthouse and brand new 5-bedroom guesthouse is nestled on a cliff top at Punta Aposentillo overlooking a beautiful bay with peaceful waves. On a clear day, the awe-inspiring views extend all the way to El Salvador. Our property is a green oasis of native fruit trees and flourishing gardens. On its south side, a second stunning and secluded beach is home to one of Nicaragua’s best surf breaks.
Our guest rooms
All rooms have private baths, air conditioning, and are simply and beautifully decorated. They are set up for three to four people. Do you wish more privacy? No problem. You can also book a room just for yourself.
Our common areas
Refresh yourself in the pool, read a good bock in a hammock or tann in the sun. Our common area provides everything you need for a perfect holiday.
Guest amenities include
Filtered drinking water available 24/7
Fully stocked guest kitchen (help yourself to snacks and drinks anytime, day or night)
Bar and dinning area (for socializing and communal dining)
Swimming pool
Beachfront rancho with hammocks, large sofa, rocking chairs, beach access, and outdoor
shower
TV room and indoor lounge area filled with books, DVDs, and board games
Pop-up market, selling bikinis, local jewelry, chia and Rise Up Surf merchandise once a week
Two yoga studios (we have two studios for you to use anytime)
Ping-pong table
A diverse selection of surfboards
Yoga mats, straps, bolsters and blocks
Stand-Up paddle boards (for use in the bay out front anytime)
CATERING
Our fresh and delicious Cuisine
When it comes to food, it is all about being fresh, seasonal, healthy, made-with-care, and always delicious. We create menus that use fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, and meats that are in-season and available locally. Often, we use food grown in our own organic garden! Sourcing food locally not only supports the local economy, it is also more environmentally-friendly and healthier for you. Our resident chef creates seasonally inspired and locally sourced menus that are mindful of dietary needs, allergies, and preferences. For a “taste” of what you can expect during your stay, peruse our sample menu below.
Continental Breakfast
Continental breakfast is served daily before your first surf session and includes:
Homemade breads and muffins
Homemade peanut-butter and a variety of jams
Homemade granola with milk and/or yoghurt
Fresh local fruits (pineapple, mango, watermelon, star fruit, etc…)
Tea and locally grown coffee
Juice of the day
Hot “Second” Breakfast”
A second breakfast is served mid-morning after the first surf session of the day and includes:
Roasted vegetable frittata served with homemade English muffins, eggs, and a superfood
smoothie
Typical Nicarguan breakfast of eggs, Gallo Pinto (rice and beans), plantains, and fresh
tortillas.
Pancakes with eggs, accompanied by flax seed mango scones and homemade passion fruit
sauce
Chia-seed French toast served with fresh fruit, eggs, and bacon
Spinach quiche with scrambled eggs and coconut chia pudding
Lunch
Dorado fish tacos, rice, pico-de-gallo,guacamole, and fresh pineapple salsa
Fresh Red Snapper sandwiches, radish cabbage kimchi with a mild sriracha aioli, and sweet
potato fries
Butternut squash & sweet potato soup, served with homemade lentil-burgers and a kalaloo
salad
Homemade bean or beef burgers, served with a side of potato-wedges and a freshly
prepared garden salad
Canapes
Pre-dinner canapes sample menu:
Traditional or Tahitian style Ceviche with coconut milk, served with salty crackers or fried
local tortillas
Tostones (Nicaraguan-style,fried green plantains) or nachos served with a dip medley
(hummus, refried bean dip, & roasted red pepper dip)
Homemade gazpacho
Dinner
Parrot fish simmered in a buttery lemongrass sauce served with brown rice rice, fresh
kalaloo, and a garden salad
Linguini topped with grilled vegetarian meat balls, served with an oregano garlic sauce and
a spinach, katuk, & arugula salad
Grilled chicken topped with jalapeno sauce, served with mashed potatoes, tostones and a
beet and cabbage salad
Coconut simmered red snapper served with fresh steamed vegetables and rice noodles
Authentic Indian chickpea curry, served with jasmine rice and mango chutney (when in
season)
Deserts
Homemade chocolate brownies, served with ice cream
Chocolate chia-seed pudding made with locally sourced chocolate
Key lime pie served with ice cream
SURF COURSE AND ACTIVITIES
SURF COURSE DETAILS
What really sets our guides, instructors and hosts apart is their first-class teaching skills, intricate knowledge of the surf breaks and their love for Nicaragua. Our guides are fully trained to lead and escort you to not only some of the best surf breaks in Nicaragua, but some of the notable natural wonders on our doorstep, such as hiking active volcanoes, volcano boarding, ocean fishing adventures and estuary tours through the local mangrove forest nature reserve. This means that when you are here we work on your schedule; we surf with you when the conditions are perfect and head out on trips to explore the local area when you want.
SURF MATERIALS
We have a large variety of surfboards available, we offer surfboard rentals for $15 USD per day or $75 USD per week.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Isla Juan Venado mangrove reserve is located half
a kilometer North of our camp. This reserve is made
up of mangrove forest habitat that is home to abundant
wildlife such as crocodiles, iguanas, raccoons and a wide
range of birdlife. The ideal time to visit the island is when
the tide is low in the afternoons or early mornings.
Volcano Boarding
This adventure activity has become famous and
very popular with many tourists visiting Leon. It’s
a one and half hour drive from camp to the
volcano, we arrange the entire trip including
transport, equipment, food and snacks. The
hike and the incredible view make the trip well
worth it. Ocean or Estuary Fishing Trips
We take you on a 2 – 3 hour ocean or estuary
fishing trip depending on the tides and prevailing
conditions.
Yoga
Yoga classes are scheduled daily to fit in with the
surf and activities schedule. The classes are done
in the shade of our rancho overlooking the ocean.
The yoga style depends on the teacher but is
typically is hatha flow and is catered to
the yoga abilities of our guests.
Leon City Tour
Leon is a vibrant colonial city only forty minutes
from our camp. It boasts Central America’s largest
cathedral and numerous other interesting historical
sites. It is known as the capital of the revolution
and thus well worth the visit. We offer you the
option to explore the city alone or with one of our
great local guides in association with our partner
company Green Pathways.
Telica Volcano
Telica Voclano is the regions most amazing volcano,
the crater is almost a kilometer wide and in the
evening you can see the glow of the lava. On the hike
up you pass through virgin forest and the views from
the top are spectacular. This is a full day trip in the
rainy season (May to October) or an afternoon trip in
the dry season (November to April).
Horseback Riding
Take a ride along the beautiful uncrowded beach
and through the back roads of the beautiful
Nicaraguan countryside that surrounds the camp.
Cosigüina Volcano
Cosigüina Volcano lies on the far northern tip of
Nicaragua where Nicaragua, Honduras and El
Salvador meet at the Golfo De Fonsceco. At the
top of this volcano you are rewarded with
incredible views of the three countries and there
is a stunning crater lake. This is a
full day trip from our surf camp at Punta
Apostentillo.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
We have a selection of Stand Up Paddle boards
available to rent. We also offer lessons and
guided tours through the estuary and mangrove forests.
MORE INFO, HOW TO GET THERE & FAQ
SURF CONDITIONS
Seasonal conditions
Is the prime swell season! The waves are more consistently big due to winter storms in the Southern oceans providing ideal conditions for the south facing Nicaraguan coastline.
November to March
Is ideal for beginner to intermediate surfing as the surf is more generally much smaller and more forgiving.
JOURNEY
Where is the closest airport?The closest airport is Managua International Airport and is located two hours from our camp.
Do you provide transport to and from Managua International Airport?
All our packages include round-trip transportation to and from Managua International Airport. If you are not coming as part of a package, we can assist you with arranging safe and reliable transportation.
Extra Travel Advice
In the case of last minute injuries, illnesses, work emergencies or a death in the family, we highly recommend travel insurance when booking your trip.
This insurance should also cover health and injury while abroad or check that your health insurer at home will cover you while you are away and taking part in surfing and other adventure activities.
What are the entry and exit requirements for Nicaragua?
Upon entering Nicaragua you will be charged a $12 USD fee for a tourist card that is valid for 3 months. This tourist card is available for citizens of most countries around the world as long as you have a passport that is valid for more than six months.
Please check with the embassy in your home country if you have any doubts.
Does the camp have internet or Wi-Fi access?
Currently we have limited internet access. However, we can make it available upon special request during the day. Please note that you will not have access to Wi-Fi, however we generally have great cell phone reception at the camp.
Our recommendation is that you embrace the lack of connectivity and truly immerse yourself in our beautiful location.
Do you recommend travel insurance?
We highly recommend travel insurance, please be sure to check that your policy includes travel cancellation, delays, and medical coverage in the case of an accident or injury.
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