This guide explains why we go to each destination, what guests can expect, and the main advantages and trade-offs for each location.

Central America – Costa Rica & Nicaragua

(Beginners & Intermediates)

The Pacific Coast of Central America has been the heart of our retreats since 2012. This region delivers some of the most consistent waves in the world. After more than a decade, we’ve yet to see a truly “flat” day! Add tropical water, high-quality beach breaks, and easy access from North America (and not too far from Europe), and it’s clear why we keep coming back.

Nosara, Costa Rica – January to March

We start the year in the tropical surfing paradise of Nosara, Costa Rica. November to March is the “small wave season”, when surfers can expect the average day to be waist to shoulder high in Playa Guiones. This is the ideal location for small waves, as this 7-km long beach is a true “wave magnet,” getting swells from the South, West and North.

Even on the smallest days, with 2-foot swells, surfers can enjoy clean, waist-high peeling waves on this beach break; perfect to improve their technique. In addition, January to March is the middle of the dry season, meaning guests are practically guaranteed sunshine every day (averaging less than one rainy day per month).

Pros of Costa Rica during this time

• Consistent 2 – 4 foot quality waves
• Waves are easy to read & peel gently
• Safe environment with sand bottom
• Consistently clean conditions until 10 – 11 am practically every day
• Sunshine & blue skies are almost certain in the dry season

Cons of Costa Rica during this time

• It’s the “high season”; prices are higher
• Onshore winds from 10-11 am (although they often calm down at sunset, which is perfect for a quick session!)
• It’s busier in the water during this time*
• Waves can sometimes be too gentle for advanced intermediates**

Note: Even though Guoines can get busy, it is quite a wide beach break & can handle lots of surfers. We try to surf early (6 am) or a bit later, around 8 – 9 am, to escape the bigger crowds. We also don’t operate during the Thanksgiving & Christmas holidays, as it gets too busy.

If you’re looking for more powerful waves to do snaps, re-entries, fins-out & other more “vertical manoeuvres,” Guiones might not be the best destination. The waves are still very rippable, but they usually peel gently. This is great for practicing turns, cutbacks & more “horizontal maneuvers,” but it makes it harder to perform more advanced intermediate maneuvers that are more “vertical” towards the lip.

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua – April to July

(Beginners & Intermediates)

From Costa Rica, we move to our second destination, only a few hours North: San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. The South Pacific coast of Nicaragua is a unique place in the world. Due to Lake Nicaragua, the winds blow offshore for over 300 days per year. This provides clean, predictable and fun waves. In addition, since surfers have favourable winds for the whole day, the crowds are usually thinner (surfers have a 12-hour window instead of a 3-4 hour one!).

April to August is part of the “swell season.” On average, the waves are bigger during this time, usually between chest high and head high+. However, San Juan del Sur’s coastline offers many options to surf, no matter if the swell is big or small. For example, waves might be 2 feet overhead at an open beach break North of San Juan, but they might only be shoulder high at a “bay-shaped” beach 15 minutes South on the same day. The variety of options for both big and small waves and consistent offshore winds makes this the perfect location for the swell season.

Pros of Nicaragua during this time

• Very consistent & safe waves with sand bottom
• A multitude of spots to handle big or small conditions
• Offshore all day 300+ days/year
• Thinner crowds
• Cheaper destination

Cons of Nicaragua during this time

• Higher chances of rain*
• Possibility of a few stormy days, providing poorer conditions
• More driving around to get waves, depending on daily conditions

*Guests sometimes worry about the rain, as May to November is considered the wet season. The rainiest months are September and October. During those months, it can rain all day for several days in a row. April to August is the “start of the wet season.” From our experience in the past 10+ years, the average day is sunny with clouds, and there are sometimes heavy rains, either during late afternoon or evening, that don’t go on for too long (which we find refreshing in this climate). 

There are a few rainy days per month. However, San Juan del Sur has a drier climate and receives less rain than Nosara during the wet season (probably because of its micro-climate with Lake Nicaragua, but we aren’t Meteorologists!). You could be unlucky and have 2 – 3 rainy days during your trip, but usually, it’s a mix of sunshine with short & heavy rainfalls from April to August. It all comes down to your tolerance of risk. If you want to be sure to have blue skies every day, Costa Rica from January to March would be a safer bet. We think the high chances of getting good weather and amazing waves with small crowds make this a very good choice!

The Mentawais, Indonesia — October to November

(Intermediate retreats only)

We usually run our intermediate surf coaching retreats in autumn, from October to November. For the Mentawais, this is considered the “shoulder season,” when the waves are generally not as big and intimidating for our intermediate students as during the peak swell season. 

In addition to more user-friendly conditions, these perfect reef breaks are generally less crowded during this period of the year, which is a big factor. From our experience, thinner crowds make a massive difference for our intermediate students.

Pros of the Mentawais during this time

• More user-friendly conditions 
• Fewer chances of big swells
• Still has consistent waves
• Thinner crowds

Cons Mentawais during this time

• May require more cruising around to find waves
• If it gets very small, some spots can get busy (as the few “swell magnets” become the only options)

Still have questions? 

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at info@barefoosurftravel.com

The post Understanding Our Surf Trip Calendar appeared first on Barefoot Surf Travel.

This trip is for you if:

• You are comfortable in head-high waves 
• You are independent in the water & can catch waves by yourself 
• You can angle yourself to the right or the left and ride the shoulder
• You can read a lineup and move safely around other surfers
• You can draw clean lines on the open face with some control.

To really enjoy the exceptional quality of the waves in the Mentawais, you need to not only be able to catch unbroken waves but also know how to angle yourself to the right or to the left to ride the shoulder.

This would not be the best trip for you if:

• You have never tried surfing
• You have very limited experience (for example, only a few months)
• You need someone to push you into waves
• You still struggle with your take-off, falling off most of the time
• You get too scared to surf when waves are shoulder-to-head-high
• You are a very advanced surfer looking for 8-foot grinding barrels over shallow reef

Everybody wipes out, obviously! But, for example, if you wipe out on 70% of the waves you take off on, it might not make sense to travel all the way there, as it could be frustrating for you to “waste” perfect waves. Instead, it could make more sense for you to book a trip to either Costa Rica or Nicaragua. On beach breaks, you can catch more waves during your surf sessions, maximizing your chances to practise.

It’s possible to be “too advanced” for these trips.

We do not take advanced surfers on this trip as it would compromise our ability to provide a unique, personalized service. We can’t please both very advanced and intermediate surfers at once, as they typically want to surf different waves. Moreover, we do not want our intermediate students to feel as if they are preventing advanced surfers from surfing heavy, advanced waves.

Our team would be very thrilled if we could help “experienced intermediates” get some of their first barrels, but if you have the level to ride big, hollow barrels, this is not the experience for you.

The coaching is mostly done through video analysis.

Our students need a certain level of independence in the water since most of the coaching is done by video analysis. They can not rely on having a coach to themselves to push them into waves, etc. 

There will be one surf guide in the water helping guests understand the specific surf spot, providing tips on where to sit, avoiding hazards, etc., and another coach filming the session from a boat. We do not have the same 2:1 in-water coaching ratio as we do on our main retreats in Central America; therefore, we can not offer the same type of in-water attention. Helping and constantly pushing a beginner student into waves would prevent a coach from offering intermediate tips on reading & positioning to the rest of the group. From our experience, guidance on the different surf spots is enough for intermediate students, and video coaching is the best tool to improve their surfing.

What are the waves like?

Although the Mentawais are often known for some of their heavier barreling waves, there are plenty of less intimidating, user-friendly waves which are often less crowded. Our idea is to provide our intermediate students with the opportunity to get surf coaching on high-quality, playful waves. Although we cannot control conditions, we maximize our chances of getting very fun & user-friendly waves by:

• Running our coaching retreats during the “shoulder” seasons, avoiding the months when the swells are often bigger
• Avoiding reefs that go from very deep to very shallow waters quickly
• Choosing waves that are easier to read & not “too advanced” (for example, avoiding “slabs” that break in a “heavy cylinder” shape and going to waves that peel with less intensity).

Any questions?
Don’t hesitate to contact our coaching team: info@barefootsurftravel.com

The post What surf level do I need for the Mentawai surf retreats? appeared first on Barefoot Surf Travel.

Surfing

Along the Pacific coast of Central America, consistency is the rule. In more than 10+ years of coaching here, we’ve never had a flat day.

Surfing the beaches around San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

The beaches around San Juan del Sur benefit from more than 300 days of offshore winds per year, blowing from sunrise to sunset. This gives the area some of the most reliable conditions in the world.

One of the biggest advantages of San Juan del Sur is how close the surf spots are. In less than 20 minutes by car, you can reach a few beach breaks, each offering something different. Some of these beaches are shaped to “hold off” the swell, meaning that when conditions are bigger, you can still find softer, more manageable waves. Whether the swell is bigger or smaller, beginners and intermediates almost always have options in the waist-to-head-high range.

While it’s possible to surf inside the bay of San Juan del Sur when it gets big, most surfers prefer the beaches to the north or south. The nice thing about being based in town is that you’re right in the middle of these spots, making it easy to choose a destination each day depending on conditions.

Surfing in Playa Guiones, Costa Rica

Playa Guiones offers one of the longest and most consistent stretches of surfable beach in Central America: seven kilometres of white sand and hundreds of waves each day. The shape of the waves here is perfect for beginners and intermediates; they peel with just the right pace, giving surfers time to pop up, set their line, and even work on turns.

During the main swell season (May to September), the beach can get more challenging, as it is very exposed to incoming swell. On bigger days, paddling past the break can be quite demanding. Still, for much of the year, Guiones delivers some of the most forgiving waves you’ll find for progression.

Climate and Surf Seasons

Both small countries are very close to the equator and have tropical climates. Temperatures very rarely go under 25°C (77°F). They both have the same dry season, from mid-November to April. Their wet season (or green season), goes from May to mid-November, with September and October being the rainiest months.

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

The area around San Juan del Sur is drier than in Nosara, Costa Rica. The region has a micro-climate due to its proximity to Central America’s biggest lake (which is also responsible for the all-day offshore winds). Apart from the months of September and October, it rarely rains “all day” for extended periods of time. In May, June and July, most days are sunny, and if it rains, it is usually at night or for about an hour or two in the afternoon, after which it usually gets sunny again.

The winds blowing through the lake can get very strong from January to March, bringing the water temperature down to chilly temperatures (surfing with a wetsuit jacket or spring suit is often preferable in those months). It sometimes gets hard to catch waves when the offshore winds are blowing so strongly, but conditions are still clean and can be fun from January to March. In our opinion, the best months for a surf trip in Nicaragua are from mid-April to July, and from November to mid-December, avoiding the strong winds of January to March, and the peak of the rainy season from August to October, during which winds are unpredictable.

Playa Guiones, Costa Rica

Guiones Beach is surrounded by some of the lushest rainforest hills on earth. The area is very tropical and receives a lot of rain during the green season.

From May to mid-November, you can expect more frequent rain, with September and October being the wettest months. In contrast to Nicaragua, it is not unusual to experience full days of rain during this season.

For beginner and intermediate surfers, we recommend mid-November to March as the best time to visit. While this is technically the “small wave season,” Guiones is such a strong swell magnet that even on the smallest days, you can expect waist-to-shoulder-high surf. During the rainy season, the waves can be fantastic too, but the powerful swells that hit Guiones’ open beach can make it a challenge to surf and get past the break.

Cost of living

Costa Rica is often considered one of the most developed countries in Central America, and prices reflect that. With a literacy rate of 97.8%, no standing army since 1948, and 25% of its land protected as parks or reserves, Costa Rica is in many ways unique in the region. It generates nearly all of its electricity from renewable sources and has a long history of stability and sustainability.

Costa Rica is not the stereotypical “cheap tropical destination.” In Playa Guiones, travellers can expect restaurant and accommodation prices similar to those in North America or Europe. By contrast, Nicaragua is noticeably more affordable. Meals typically range from $5 to $10, and a beer in most bars costs just $1 to $3. Overall, travellers will find accommodation, transportation, and food considerably cheaper than in Costa Rica.

Town vibes

The surf villages of San Juan del Sur and Playa Guiones each provide their own, unique travel experience.

San Juan del Sur

San Juan del Sur is a beautiful Nicaraguan coastal town, often considered the “capital of surfing” of Nicaragua. It attracts travellers of all styles, from younger backpackers coming to party, to yogis, nature lovers and of course, surfers. It has a great choice of restaurants, cafes and beach bars. The centre of San Juan del Sur generally gets more action with its handful of hotels, youth hostels, and bars along the beach. Around the quiet hills of San Juan del Sur, about 5 to 10-minute walk from the centre, is where most luxurious hotels and villas are located.

Because of the many surf spots that are only a 15-minute drive away, a lot of travellers and surfers stay in the village and get shuttles to the beach during the day. This is the great thing about San Juan del Sur: you can journey across the jungle during the day to sleepy surf beaches, and still come back at night and enjoy a good variety of restaurants, cafes and beach bars.

Playa Guiones

Playa Guiones is both a surf beach and a “small village” of its own. What is fun about Guiones is that you can live a short walk from the waves, plus you can walk 5 to 10 minutes to at least 20 amazing restaurants and cafes. Everything is easily reachable by foot or by bicycle. In general, Guiones is a bit more “high-end” than San Juan del Sur, which has a more authentic and rustic feel.

Guiones also attracts surfers, yogis and nature lovers. You will find all types of people travelling here: families, retirees, lone travellers, couples, groups of friends, etc. It attracts an older crowd (usually late twenties and older) than the Costa Rican town of Tamarindo because there isn’t any nightclub or party in this town. People come here for the waves, yoga, healthy and delicious food, and maybe some craft beers and cocktails. (Photo below: playa Guiones, Costa Rica)

The Barefoot Surf Coaching will be the same

Whether you decide on Costa Rica or Nicaragua, our surf coaching program will be the same. Our team travels to both destinations and offers the same quality of surf coaching. For both surf trips, you will have access to the same number of surf lessons, photo and video analysis, a personal surfer profile and a small coach-to-student ratio (click here to know more about how we coach surfing).

We look forward to surfing with you!

The post Costa Rica vs. Nicaragua: Which Surf Coaching Retreat Should You Choose? appeared first on Barefoot Surf Travel.

The amount of preparation you want to do is up to you and depends on your current fitness level and your objectives for the surf retreat. We often have guests who really look forward to either improving their technique or surfing 3 or 4 hours every day since they don’t have access to quality waves back home. Here are a few tips if you feel your fitness level could limit you on your next trip.

‍Surfing &/or Swimming

The best way to be physically ready for a surf trip is… to surf! Even though you run, ride a bike, go to the gym weekly, etc. You might not be training your body in the most effective way to prepare for a surf trip. A significant part of surfing is paddling. Even if the waves at home aren’t great, just getting out there for a paddle will train the muscles needed for paddling. Don’t have waves at home? See the paragraph below on swimming.

If you can’t surf at home, the second-best option is to go swimming at your local pool. In the last 4 to 6 weeks before your surf trip, try swimming at least twice per week. Don’t worry about your swimming speed. Try to find your rhythm and do laps for a total of 20 minutes or more if you can (stop between laps when needed). Very important: use the “freestyle” technique (also known as the “front crawl”).

Stretching &/or Yoga

Mobility is essential for surfing, for both performance and to limit the risk of injuries. Stretching poses that focus on your back, shoulders, arms, hamstrings and hips are often the most recommended. Guests over 40 often struggle with their pop-ups if their hips are too tight. Core strength is key for surfing, and yoga can be a great way to build it, although it is not always for everyone.

The more you feel that you can move freely, the better, especially for your hips (for pop-ups) and shoulders (for paddling).

Training & Cardio

Sit-ups, squats, burpees, push-ups… Those are basic exercises that will build core, shoulder, arm and leg strength and endurance. Training these muscles will help you catch more waves and surf for longer sessions. Every guest has their own fitness level and body type. You or a fitness coach who knows you personally will know what exercises you need to focus on most, how many sets, reps and rest suits you, etc. For cardio, you could consider going for a run or a bike ride.

According to the HHS, adults should aim to get 150 minutes to 300 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity a week. If you do not reach these targets, it would be a good idea to try to start training at least 4 weeks before your trip. The more significant improvement in strength or endurance you are looking for, the more time you will need (sometimes 12 weeks or more are preferable).

Nutrition

Eating healthy is obviously important and complementary to exercising if you either want to feel energized, lose fat or build muscle before your trip.

It’s about finding balance…

Surfing is a sport that requires both a good amount of strength and mobility. For example, when you paddle hard to catch a wave or when you push up to pop up, you need shoulder and arm strength. You also need fluidity to slide your legs under your chest during a pop-up, when you twist your body during carves, etc.

It’s a good idea to aim for balance. If, for example, you go to the gym often and feel that you are quite strong but not very flexible, focus on mobility exercises. If you think you are already quite flexible, focus on strength conditioning.

The post Getting physically prepared for your surf trip appeared first on Barefoot Surf Travel.

Insurance gives you peace of mind, so you can focus on surfing. In this article, we’ll cover the two main travel insurance options.

1. Travel Medical Insurance (Minimum Required)

This is the basic coverage every guest must have. It typically includes:

• Emergency medical care.
• Emergency medical evacuation (important when traveling to remote surf areas).

︎ Mandatory for all Barefoot Surf trips
︎ Make sure your plan covers surfing and any other activities you plan to do.

What it does NOT cover

This type of insurance won’t reimburse you if you need to cancel or cut your trip short for personal reasons.

For example:

• You break your arm playing football before your trip.
• Your flight gets cancelled due to a storm.
• You decide not to travel because of an earthquake near your destination.
• A family emergency forces you to stay home.

Because most of our retreat costs are paid to local partners 60 days before your arrival (and are non-refundable), we cannot offer credits or refunds in these cases.

2. Travel Protection Insurance (Recommended)

This is a more complete package. It includes everything in Travel Medical, plus trip protection benefits such as:

• Trip cancellation (illness, injury, death in the family, natural disaster, airline default, etc.).
• Trip interruption or delays (missed flights due to weather, lost connections, etc.).
• Some plans even cover lost luggage or stolen items.

We highly recommend this option if you want to protect your full trip investment.

G1G Travel Insurance

We collaborate with G1G Travel Insurance because they offer reliable coverage that works well for surfers:

︎ They cover recreational surfing (excludes professional competition or motorized races).

︎ Fast, easy online purchase for any trip, not just Barefoot Surf retreats.

︎ 24/7 customer portal with claims, policy info, and nearby medical contacts.

︎ They only work with top-rated providers (A.M. Best rating of A or higher).

︎ Usually cheaper than other providers, often 40% less.

Click here to get Travel Insurance with G1G

We are not insurance professionals. Please carefully read your chosen provider’s policy to understand what is and isn’t covered. If you have any questions, contact your insurance agent directly.

The post Which travel insurance should I get? appeared first on Barefoot Surf Travel.