Surfing has amassed a major following over the years. It was deemed an official sport in the 1960s and now boasts more than 20 million global participants on both professional and amateur levels. In reality, though, the art of surfing dates back much farther than most people realize. It’s believed to have first begun in the 1100s amid the more than 1,000 islands that make up the country of Polynesia. From a modern perspective, the Hawaiian Islands had a major hand in making the sport popular.
Originally, surfing was a cultural ritual of sorts. While virtually anyone could participate, it was best known among Polynesia’s elite. People of high social status were granted access to the most amazing waves and allowed to use the best boards. The practice, then called wave sliding, also became a competition and a means of earning a living for many people.
Finding the Best Waves
Over time, surfing went global and achieved the status it’s known for today. Although Polynesia is largely responsible for bringing the sport to the world, some of the best waves can be found in Nicaragua as noted at surfingnahua.com. Waves are out there for all skill and experience levels, including those who love to challenge themselves and seek out unexpected thrills. Take a look at some of the most renowned surfing spots Nicaragua has to offer.
Playa Amarilla
For beginner surfers, Playa Amarilla is a great place to catch some skill-building waves. It’s a beautiful beach with plenty of smaller waves to draw from. Larger ones may emerge from time to time as well for people who are ready to step up from the basics. This area is fairly secluded since it’s not one of Nicaragua’s top tourist destinations. Though a handful of spectators may show up here and there, major crowds are few and far between, and there’s not a lot of competition for prime waves.
Playa Popoyo
More advanced surfers are drawn to Playa Popoyo for its uniquely diverse and potentially challenging waves. This beach gets ridable waves at least 300 days per year, and all tide levels are surfable here. While some of the safer barrels and walls are found fairly close to shore, more ambitious versions are available farther out near the reef. For the most part, this beach is best suited to experienced surfers and those who fully understand the potential dangers of shallow waters and hidden reefs.
Playa Maderas
Another beautiful surf spot in Nicaragua is Playa Maderas. It’s exceedingly popular among local surfers and visitors alike. It’s also appropriate for those of all skill and experience levels due to its varied waves. Because of its diversity and popularity, this beach can get quite crowded with spectators and surfers. As such, competing for waves can be a challenge all its own. Many people are quick to point out that native stingrays can complicate the situation even more.
Playa Aserradores
At Playa Aserradores, surfers seek out the area’s most famous wave known as El Boom. Under the right conditions, it’s one of those gorgeous, television-worthy waves so many surfers dream about catching. Though it’s recommended for proficient wave sliders, plenty of other surges are available for novices and mid-level surfers as well. Playa Aserradores can be more crowded than some of the other locales mentioned here, but that doesn’t generally detract from the overall experience.
Playa Remanso
Newcomers to the world of surfing tend to enjoy the waves at Playa Remanso. They’re great for beginners, and with different types of breaks out there, there are ample opportunities to acclimate to various conditions. Though some areas of Playa Remanso don’t offer much beach to work with, surfable waves are almost always available here. It can also be a great spot to surf away from the crowds that sometimes plague other beaches.
Puerto Sandino
Puerto Sandino boasts some of the absolute best waves in Nicaragua along with some of the most varied. Its waves can stretch out for hundreds of feet as well. Professionals, novices, and everyone in between enjoy the waves at Puerto Sandino, so it’s definitely not the quietest or least crowded area for surfing. Additionally, it’s important to visit this hot spot at just the right times as low tide is the best window for catching the waves here.
Playa Colorado
Playa Colorado is one of the most famed surf locales in Nicaragua. In fact, it’s known across the globe in the surfing community. Experienced surfers challenge its waves, and novices aspire for them. This area isn’t recommended for newbies because of its particularly demanding waves. Access to the beach can be fairly limited as well. Still, it’s a great spot to keep in mind for those who want to master the sport.
Playa Santana
For newcomers to surfing, Playa Santana is a perfect place to visit. The waves are reliable here, and they’re also extremely varied. Because of that, beginners can start small and branch out as they gain skills and experience. It’s a picturesque area that’s not very far from other famed surf spots. It’s not necessarily one of the most remote beaches for surfing, but it’s usually not overly crowded, either.
Playa San Diego
Generally recommended for mid-level and advanced surfers, Playa San Diego is another prime spot for varied but consistent waves. Professionals crave this spot for its diversity and intricacy. High tide is the best time for surfing here. Since it’s such a popular destination, the crowds can be a bit overwhelming at times. Many people insist the experience is well worth battling the masses, though.
Surfing Nicaragua’s Greatest Waves
Surfing dates back hundreds of years. Though it was once geared more toward Polynesian royalty, it has now grown to global proportions and become a favorite pastime of millions. Many areas around the world offer wonderful places for surfing, but Nicaragua is home to some of the planet’s best and most diverse waves. For beginners and professionals alike, taking a surf trip to Nicaragua is an experience that’s not to be missed.
