Last updated on November 16th, 2023 at 05:56 pm
If you are looking for beginner surf beaches in Nicaragua, you came to the right place. In this article, you will find the best surf spots in Nicaragua for beginners, where you can learn and practice your surfing skills without danger.
* Honest disclaimer- Reef Break is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
About Beginner Surf Beaches in Nicaragua
As a novice surfer, you probably want to enjoy high-quality waves, but not the kind that can punish and hurt you. Luckily, Nicaragua has something for any type of surfer.
Nicaragua is famous for its offshore winds and clean conditions almost all year long. The summertime, from May to October, is definitely the best time to come here on a surf trip. With beautiful coastline, low prices, and consistent surf, Nicaragua is totally worth a visit. Moreover, it has so many good surf spots that, regardless of your skill level, you will find the perfect wave for you.
In detail, these are the best surf spots in Nicaragua for beginners:
A List of Nicaragua’s Best Beginner Surf Spots:
Playa Maderas
Playa Maderas is a trendy surf beach about a 20-minute drive from San Juan del Sur. Moreover, it is one of the best beginner surf spots in Nicaragua. It is a typical beach break with several peaks and soft waves over a sandy bottom. On the outside break, close to the rocks, there are also aggressive waves for advanced surfers, so you can choose where to surf according to your skill level. The beach itself is gorgeous and surf-oriented. You can rent boards, take a surf lesson, or just chill out in the beach restaurant. Although the water here can get pretty crowded, it is still a great surf beach for both beginners and experienced surfers.
For details about beginner surf camps in Playa Maderas, please click here.
Playa Remanso
Playa Remanso is a stunning bay surrounded by wild nature just south of San Juan del Sur. Several peaks are breaking along this beach, and they are all beginner-friendly. Actually, the waves here are always long and mellow, so longboarders and newbies should feel very comfortable surfing here. Compared to Playa Maderas, Remanso is much less crowded, and the quality of the waves is just as good. Therefore, it is definitely a place you want to visit during your Nicaraguan surf journey.
For details about beginner surf camps in Nicaragua, please click here.
Playa Santana
Playa Santana, or in its other name Playa Jiquiliste, is situated just south of the most famous break in the country, Popoyo. Unlike the aggressive reef break at Popoyo, Playa Santana is a long beach strip with many peaks to choose from. Although massive barrels are also here at reach, closer to shore, there are soft, beginner-friendly waves as well. Moreover, a bit north of here, you can also surf Beginners Bay of Popoyo, a perfect place to practice your skills. Due to the high-quality surf in this whole area, you can find a variety of surf camps and lessons as well.
For details about beginner surf camps in Popoyo, please click here.
Playa Amarilla
Playa Amarilla (the yellow beach in English) is one of Nicaragua’s best beginner surf beaches. It is situated close to the town of El Gigante, and luckily, it is never crowded. The whole area has a relaxed and authentic vibe, and the surf here is fantastic. It can occasionally get too small, as this beach is not exactly a swell magnet, but most days, you can get some nice mellow rides to both right and left. If the waves are completely flat or you are looking for some bigger challenge, just head north to one of the best breaks in Nicaragua, Playa Colorado.
For details about beginner surf camps in Nicaragua, please click here.
Miramar
Unlike the previous beaches, this one is situated further north, close to the City of Leon. Here, you can find a long beach strip with multiple peaks breaking over a sandy bottom. The waves are mellow, great for newbies, and the lineup is never too crowded. Therefore, although not so popular, this spot is definitely a favorite one. Also, not far from here, there is a top-quality left-hand point break, Punta Miramar.
For details about beginner surf camps in Nicaragua, please click here.
How to Identify Beginner Surf Beaches in Nicaragua?
Nicaragua is abundant with countless surf beaches and offers a vast variety of surf spots. However, as a novice surfer, how will you know which breaks are suitable for beginners? To answer that question, there are 3 factors to check before stepping into the water:
1. Sandy bottom– As a beginner, you are going to fall. Many times! Therefore, make sure there are no sharp rocks below you that can cause an injury.
2. Soft break– While some waves are steep and hollow, others are mellow. Look for a spot where the foam of the waves pills softly and gradually. These kinds of waves are more forgiving and easier to ride.
3. Friendly crowd– You can tell a lot about a surf beach by looking at the people surfing there. If you see aggressive surfers riding shortboards and shouting at one another, it is probably not the right spot for a novice surfer. So, look for a beach with a majority of longboards and soft boards in the water, as they usually ride beginner-friendly waves.
What to Bring for a Beginner Surf Trip to Nicaragua?
Here is a complete gear list for the perfect beginner surf vacation:
1. Travel Insurance– For the best insurance by World Nomads, please click here.
2. Surfboard Bag– If you bring your own surfboard, you must have a good bag to protect it. Check out UCEDER, for example, which offers great value for money.
3. Surfboard Wax– Check out Sticky Bumps on Amazon.
4. Sunscreen– For tropical sun, use no less than EltaMD UV.
5. Surf Shorts/Surf Bikinis– Check out Hurley for new shorts and CUPSHE for surf Bikinis.
6. T-shirts and beach wear– Look for the new collection at Hurley.
7. Rash Guard– Protect your body with a good rash guard like BALEAF for men and AXESEA for women.
8. Surf Hat– To keep your head in the shade, try O&E Ocean and Earth Surf Hats.
9. Surf Booties– You will need a good pair of surf boots only if you surf over a sharp reef or in really cold water. Check out O’Neill Split Toe Booties.
10. Surfboard Leash– It is always good to have an extra leash just in case. Check out Ho Stevie Surf Leash.
11. Towel/Poncho– If you want a nice poncho, look at SUN CUBE Surf Poncho.
For more gear options and greater selections, look for our surf gear guides.
How to Prepare for a Beginner Surf Trip to Nicaragua?
As a beginner surfing in Nicaragua, you are going to face a few challenges. The waves breaking on your head, the currents, and the unstable surfboard can sometimes be hard to handle. Therefore, to make it easier on yourself, preparing your body and mind for the challenge is crucial. Here is what you can do to ensure you are in perfect shape and ready to shred:
1. Take an online surf course– You can practice great online surf exercises to work on the relevant muscles and improve your fitness. Check out Surf Strength Coach and Surfing Made Simple; both are great online surf programs that can help get you ready for your surf trip to Nicaragua.
2. Sign up for a surf camp– Why deal with the ocean alone when you can be surrounded by people just like yourself and get advice from professional coaches? To find the best beginner surf camps in Nicaragua, click here.
Conclusion- Final Thought
In short, these are the best surf spots in Nicaragua for beginners. This country offers a wonderful variety of surf breaks of all different kinds and for all skill levels. As a surf destination, it is not as popular as other countries, but that is actually an advantage, as the lineups are not that crowded. Therefore, if you are relatively new to surfing, you can definitely improve your skills here, enjoy riding some friendly waves, and have a great time.
Before you go, don’t forget to visit our post about the best surf camps in Nicaragua, and the one about surf resorts in Nicaragua.
