Our camp is not really a camp, but better described as a home away from home where you come to retreat from your everyday lives. We have all the amenities to make your stay comfortable, with comfortable rooms, delicious food and intimate social areas. When you’re here at Rise Up Surf Nicaragua you have absolutely nothing to worry about besides enjoying the surf and all the other great attractions and activities on offer.
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.
Features
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/Down Below 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 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 DETAILS
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
Estuary Trip to Isla Juan Venado Mangrove Forest Reserve 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. |
Seasonal conditions
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.
JOURNEY
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.
PACKAGE A - Learn to Surf, Yoga & Adventure
7-Day Surf, Yoga & Adventure Camp
This surf retreat is especially designed for those out there who want to learn to surf or improve on their current surfing skills. Based at our beach side beautiful surf camp in Punta Aposentillo where there are perfect waves for beginners right on our doorstep, as well as more advanced waves for helping those with experience progress and push their limits to improve. Guided surf sessions are unlimited in time.
Yoga is an integral part of your day and is scheduled to fit in with the daily surf sessions. When not surfing or practicing yoga we take you on some fun adventures to experience the unique culture and nature within our region of Nicaragua.
Included
What makes this package so unique?
5 days of surf lessons
High quality surf coaching by ISA-certified surf instructors
Surfboard
Premium surf equipment is ready for you
Surf theory
Learn the surf etiquette and other helpful insights
Surf video coaching
Individual analysis of your surfing skills
Surf photos
Your memories of a fantastic surf holiday
Camp cars
Our driver takes you to the best surf spots and activities
Camp boat
Exclusive boat shuttles to the best surf breaks
Daily yoga
Costumized yoga lessons that meet your needs
One-hour massage
Our massage therapist will pamper you
Activities
Horseback riding, volcano boarding, fishing, SUP…
Airport transfer
24/7 shuttle service from and to Managua
Food
5 healthy meals a day – Food allergy? Just let us know
Drinks
Water, coffee, tea, juices, sodas, rum and beer
Accommodation
Shared 3 to 4 bedroom with AC and private bathroom
Rise Up Surf Familia
Our crew is always on hand to take care of you
$1350 US per person per week
You would like to book a single room?
The extra cost is $400 US per person per week.
Epic surf adventure in North Nicaragua
A surf adventure with no limitations
This epic, 7-day adventure is made for experienced surfers who want to spend as much time as humanly possible surfing Northern Nicaragua’s best breaks. From our guesthouse at Punta Aposentillo you will take in expansive views from our cliff-top perch overlooking a bay with gentle surf. Our property boasts a second secluded beach that is home to some of Nicaragua’s sweetest waves, including the World- Class beach break, The Boom. Our experienced guides will take you through exciting, intense surf sessions that flow with the prevailing conditions as opposed to following the clock. Daily yoga practice perfectly complements your surf sessions, improving flexibility, enhancing focus, and providing deep relaxation and rejuvenation. Plus, we will help you connect with, and explore Nicaragua’s fascinating culture, native flora, and fauna. We promise that this will be a quest you’ll remember forever.
Included
What makes this package so unique?
Surf trips
Our professional guides take you to the best breaks
Surfboard on request
The best is if you bring your own surfboard
Surf photos
Your memories of a fantastic surf holiday
Camp cars
Our driver takes you to the best surf spots and activities
Camp boat
Exclusive boat shuttles to the best surf breaks
Daily yoga
Costumized yoga lessons that meet your needs
One-hour massage
Our massage therapist will pamper you
Activities
Horseback riding, volcano boarding, fishing, SUP…
Airport transfer
24/7 shuttle service from and to Managua
Food
5 healthy meals a day – Food allergy? Just let us know
Drinks
Water, coffee, tea, juices, sodas, rum and beer
Accommodation
Shared 3 to 4 bedroom with AC and private bathroom
Rise Up Surf Familia
Our crew is always on hand to take care of you
$1350 US per person per week
You would like to book a single room?
The extra cost is $400 US per person per week.
PACKAGE C - Rise Up On The Road
Caribbean Surf Adventure
7-Day Surf & Yoga Adventure in the tropical Island Paradise of Barbados
Barbados will be our first Rise Up On the Road surf destination. We are super excited to be offering a new element of Rise Up, for new and old friends to come and enjoy a different surf experience but with the same famous Rise Up hospitality. Barbados is not only a tropical paradise; it is also the perfect surf destination with a wide array of waves to choose from.
This surf retreat is specifically designed for those out there who want to learn to surf, or improve on their current surfing skills. We will be staying at a beautiful “secret” location with fun waves right on our doorstep.
Yoga is an integral part of the day and is scheduled to fit in with the daily surf sessions. When not surfing or practicing yoga, we will take you on fun adventures to experience the unique culture and nature of Barbados.
Included
What makes this package so unique?
5 days of surf lessons
High quality surf coaching by ISA-certified surf instructors
Surfboard
Premium surf equipment is ready for you
Surf theory
Learn the surf etiquette and other helpful insights
Surf video coaching
Individual analysis of your surfing skills
Surf photos
Your memories of a fantastic surf holiday
Daily yoga
Costumized yoga lessons that meet your needs
Activities
Connect with local people and discover Barbados
Airport transfer
24/7 shuttle service from and to Managua
Food
5 healthy meals a day – Food allergy? Just let us know
Drinks
Water, coffee, tea, juices and sodas
Accommodation
Shared 3 to 4 bedroom with AC and private bathroom
Rise Up Surf Familia
Our crew is always on hand to take care of you
$1800 US per person per week
PACKAGE D -Invigorate Yoga & Adventure
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