Surfnica ''Nicaragua Surf Guide'' July - September 2014 by Surfnica Nicaragua Surf Guide

New, Surf Spots Maps! North, Central & South PaciďŹ c

Popoyo Outer Reef

Nombre de la Foto Photo: Name

A very challenging wave

Jerson Barboza, great entrepreneur photographer

Kevin Cortez, Playa Colorado Photo: Brian Scott

Surfnica Nicaragua Surf Guide

STAFF/

Publisher César Medina

Content

Editor at Large Jake Howard Staﬀ Photographer Tony Roberts

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JUL-SEP 2014 12-Surf Spots Maps 26- Nica Hot Spots 30- Nica Spotlight 35- Directory

19 Cover Photo: Kevin Cortez, Brian Scott

36- Tide Charts

Art Director Luis Arriola Business Developer Adolfo Mejía Marketing Coordinator Maria Gómez Legal Adviser Maria Medina / LEGIS Contributing Photographers Jerson Barboza Rick Briggs Benny Crum Renato Cardoso Michael Dennison Miguel Espinoza Roberto Garcia John Matthews Brian Scott Donald Stone Printed In

Surfnica Nicaragua Surf Guide Guide is a free publication, published every three months, and distributed nationally in the Paciﬁc Region of Nicaragua and internationally in the United States of America, Costa Rica and Brazil. For subscription (National & Int.): info@surfnicamagazine.com All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission. Printed in Nicaragua.

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NICARAGUA THE OFFSHORE LAND

Popoyo Outer Reef Photo: Roberto Garcia / Nicaragua Surf Report Surfnica Nicaragua Surf Guide

NICA KNOWLEDGE Presented by

/FastKnowledgeAcademy

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SURF SPOT MAPS

acific Nicaragua is blessed with almost 400 kilometers of dramatic coastline, creating all kinds of different set-ups for insane surf. There are multiple world-class beach breaks, a handful of unbelievable left-hand point breaks, sand and reef, a couple different wedge set-ups, Lowers Trestles-like cobblestones, and the list goes on. Nicaragua’s south-facing coastline lights up from mid-March-November and can even see south swells sneaking in for December, January and February.Southern Nicaragua is groomed by offshore winds for about 300 days of the year. Lake Nicaragua and the land topography causes low-pressure, creating a wind belt that blows east to west and makes for perfect offshore winds. Although the Northern part of the country doesn’t have offshore winds all day, it does have tons of good surf breaks and offshore winds until about midday. Many of the spots are accessible by car but if you are willing to spend a little extra, hiring a boat is a nice way to go. With no highway along the coast, boats are the fastest way to travel plus the view is beautiful, the fish are plentiful, and there’s access to any desired wave. Along the Pacific coast there are five departments: Chinandega, Leon, Managua, Carazo and Rivas (North to South). Chinandega and Leon consist of the North coast (Occidente), Managua make up the central coast and Carazo and Rivas represent the South coast.

n Chinandega lies the country’s highest volcano, Concepcion. The economy of Chinandega is based on agriculture; growing sugarcane, bananas, peanuts, sesame seeds, cashews, oranges, and grains but also consists of shrimping, fishing, and manufacturing salt and leather goods. The port of Corinto is the most equipped port on the Pacific coast in Nicaragua and is very important for the department’s economy. The deparment has numerous beaches, natural reserves, historic towns, mangroves, and ancient churches. Further east, you’ll find the peninsula-forming Cosigüina volcano. Chinandega is known for its world-class beach break, Aserradores, but also has a left-point break in a beautiful half-moon bay that towers over the beach. The heavy beach break is a magnet for swell. A medium swell with low intervals is ideal. Aserradores is a couple hundred yards of perfect wedging split peak offshore barrels all morning until the wind switches around midday. There are several places to stay along the beach. Having your own transportation is key up north so you can get around to other nearby spots if desired.

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SURF SPOT MAPS

Surfer: Alex Alvarado, Aserradores Photo: Benny Crum

Leon The city of Leon was the capital of Nicaragua for over two hundred years. In 1610 Momotombo Volcano erupted and habitants were forced to move out. This abandoned city is known as “The Ruins of Old Leon.” Leon’s architecture reﬂects the city’s long history. Its sixteen churches go from baroque to neoclassical. There are many attractions in the department of Leon, besides tour the famous capital. Sand-boarding on Cerro Negro Volcano is a must-do. Another is hiking the great coneshaped Momotombo Volcano.

Like all Nicaragua, the department of Leon has incredible surf. The most prevalent is Puerto Sandino. Puerto Sandino is a sand-bottom endless left that breaks where the estuary meets the ocean. Puerto Sandino can only be surfed on low tide going high. It’s said that on an ideal day at Puerto Sandino you can get up to 16-second tube rides. On normal days, it’s long and rippable with some gnarly barrels mixed in every once and a while. The currents caused by the push and pull of the ocean

and the estuary make getting back out very difficult. There are different places you can sit along the wave for different levels of surfers. Puerto Sandino basically holds any swell. Right next to this break lays Miramar, which has several fun reef breaks. There are multiple surf camps in the area to stay with or you can rent a car and do it on your own.

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Surfnica Nicaragua Surf Guide

SURF SPOT MAPS

T he name Managua originates from the term Mana-ahuac, which in the indigenous Nahuatl language

translates to “adjacent to the water” or site “surrounded by water.” Managua was declared capital of Nicaragua in 1852. Today it has a population of roughly 1,800,000 and is the second most populous city in Central America after Guatemala City. The city’s economy is based mainly on trade. Managua is Nicaragua’s chief trading center for coffee, cotton, and other crops. It serves as an important industrial, commercial, political and cultural center. Its chief products include beer, coffee, matches, textiles and shoes. Only a 50-minute drive from Managua’s airport (Augusto C. Sandino), is Nicaragua’s central Pacific coast, which is blessed with waves for any level of surfers. Punta San Diego (meat grinder) is a hollow left pointbreak considered a world-class wave. It was featured on the front cover of Surfing magazine in Feb. 2010. The wave breaks fast over a shallow, rocky reef, making it only surfable at mid-high tide. Looking for barrels? La Punta is the place to find them. And only five minutes from La Punta is Asunchillo, a beautiful beach break that offers lefts and rights with long playful walls. With bigger swells it becomes a barrel-making machine. It works well with all tides and is perfect for all abilities. Pochomil and Quizala are also nearby. They are both fun beach breaks. They are accessible by car and work best with mid-high tide. The Central pacific is also home to Surfed Out Nicaragua. We invite you to experience the ultimate surf trip. No Limits! Uncrowded waves guaranteed! We want you to surf as many waves as possible! All-inclusive packages are available. To customize your surf trip visit them at www.surfedoutnicaragua.com

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a primera Feria de Turismo Sostenible y Tecnología, organizada por SurfNica Magazine y AquaLimpia de Nicaragua, se desarrolló satisfactoriamente en San Juan del Sur, el pasado 27 de Junio. El evento fue apoyado por Alcaldía de San Juan del Sur, CANATUR, CANTUR, Gabinete Turístico y Proveedores Tecnológicos Líderes.

T he ﬁrst Sustainable Tourism and Technology Fair, organized by SurfNica Magazine and Aqua-

I- Principales Logros: Presencia de 18 patrocinadores: proveedores de tecnologías y servicios, universidades, instituciones, etc.Participación de más de 40 empresas turísticas de San Juan del Sur y Tola.

Limpia de Nicaragua, was successfully realized in San Juan del Sur on June 27. The event was supported by San Juan del Sur Municipality, CANATUR, CANTUR, Gabinete Turístico and Leading Technological Providers. I- Main achievements:

Visitantes a la feria superó las 120 personas. Se tuvo presencia de la comunidad de extranjeros, medios de comunicación local, profesionales independientes, ONGs, etc.

Presence of 18 sponsors: technology and service providers, universities, institutions, etc.. Over 40 touristic companies from San Juan del Sur and Tola visited the fair.

El proceso para fomentar la implementación de las tecnologías, productos y servicios presentados en la Feria requiere la organización de nuevas actividades de difusión y capacitación para que los empresarios transversalicen el concepto de sostenibilidad en sus operaciones. SurfNica Magazine y AquaLimpia de Nicaragua continuarán contribuyendo para el fortalecimiento de los estándares nacionales de sostenibilidad, calidad e innovación.

Total audience surpassed 120 people during the day. There was presence of foreign community, local media, independent professionals, NGOs, etc. The process to promote technologies, products and services presented at the Fair requires the organization of new promotion and training activities to allow business to invest in sustainability for their operations.

Surfnica Magazine and AquaLimpia de Nicaragua are committed to keep their contributions on strengthening the national standards of sustainability, quality and innovation. Si está interesado en integrarse en futuras actividades de promoción de Sostenibilidad en el sector turismo, contactar a: adolfo.mejia@surfnicamagazine.com

SOFÁ

ROJO

Surfnica Nicaragua Surf Guide

SURF SPOT MAPS

T he word “Tola” is derived from its ancient idiomatic origin, meaning “Tierra del Tule” or “Land of the Toltecas.” In Asian Sanskrit it means “Sacred Ground” or “Incomparable Land.”

Founded in 1750, Tola is located 124 kilometres southeast of Managua. It is one of ten municipalities of the Rivas department. Although San Juan del Sur is the main surf town in Nicaragua, Tola has an incomparable surf zone with almost year-round offshore winds.There are several options for accommodation, including surf camps, beach resorts, hotels, and hostels. If you know where to stay, some of them located strategically located near world-class waves. Unless you’re staying at one of those camps, it can be a good idea to look into hiring a car for your trip. The sports can be somewhat spread out and knowing somehow who can naviage the back roads is helpful. Public transportation is also available; buses run from Rivas to Las Salinas de Nahualapa parallel to most spots. Playa Jiquelite holds some of the best waves in the region. This intermediate to advanced wave is a really fun, consistent beach break that works best on higher tides and mid-period southwest swells. It offers a series of peaks, due to swells that bounce off the lava shelf on the south end of the beach, right below the main clubhouse. The first two peaks are usually always best and offer fast, barrelling waves.A short walk south around the rock takes you to Playa Rosada. A fast breaking and powerful wave over rocky reef, it works better at high tide. The take-off can be tricky, and there can be consequences if you fall, so us caution.Best place to stay to surf both Jiquelite and Rosada is Rancho Santana. A beach community resort now offering all-inclusive surf packages. If you want to get barrelled, Playa Colorado is the place to visit. One of the best waves in all of Nicaragua, direct beach access to Playa Colorado is private, but you can book accommodations along at the beachfront property with Iguana Surf Rentals or NSR Beach House. There’s also the option of boating in, or it’s just a 20-minute walk north from Playa Gigante. From March through November Playa Colorado blossoms into a series of world-class A-frames. With hollow, consistent waves, and 300 days a year of straight offshore winds, it’s hard to go wrong. Depending on swell direction, interval and your luck, it’s quite possible to bag the best barrel of your life at Colorado’s.

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Carlos Perez, Playa Colorado ďŹ rst local surfer, getting barrelled. Photo Brian Scott Surfnica Nicaragua Surf Guide

SURF SPORT MAPS

hat was once a small, quiet fishing town has now become one of Nicaragua’s most visited tourist destination. With a population of 16,000, San Juan Del Sur is made up families that earn a living from the sea, as well as foreigner transplants from the U.S., Canada and Europe. Only 140 km (87 miles) from Managua, it’s easy to access and has pretty much anything you could be looking for. Hotels, restaurants, bars, discos, a market, good schools, a central park, a post office, and of course, there’s the beautiful bay and Pacific Ocean. If you are a traveling surfer San Juan Del Sur is a must. The waves in its surrounding areas are amazing. Only 20 minutes north you will find Maderas, a beachbreak that has waves for every level of surfing. It is one of the most consistent breaks in Nicaragua with long left and right rippable peaks. Maderas is also home to “Machete” an unforgettable wave for experienced surfers only. Want to learn how to surf? Maderas is the place to learn! Board rentals are available on site. Twenty-five minute drive south you’ll find Playa Hermosa. This mile long beach is known for its long right and left peaks with playful walls. Board rentals are also available on site. San Juan Del Sur and its surrounding areas are like the end of the rainbow for a surfer. It’s a pot of gold full of waves waiting for you to find. Come surf your dream! Uncrowded waves guaranteed. For custom surf trips visit us at www.surfedoutnicaragua.com Presented by

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Surfnica Nicaragua Surf Guide

2ISA014WORLD

STANDUP PADDLE & PADDLEBOARD CHAMPIONSHIP

F or the ﬁrst time in history, Nicaragua hosted the ISA World StandUp Paddle and Paddleboard Championships (WSUPPC) from May 3-11,

2014. This world event joined 27 countries together and highlighted 2 of Nicaragua’s impressive locations. Heading up the competition was the surf event held at La Boquita Beach; a centrally located beautiful beach with good SUP surﬁng conditions. The race portion of the event was held in the colonial city of Granada located on the northern shore of Lake Nicaragua. As some of the best athletes in the world participated in the distance race, they shared an incredible backdrop while meandering their way through Las Isletas, a group of 365 unique islands created when the Mombacho volcano erupted thousands of years ago scattering huge debris into Lake Nicaragua.

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Most of the Nicaragua team members are native to these indigenous islands and had never been on a standup board until a few weeks prior to the event. Despite their newness to the sport, the Nicaraguan team placed a very impressive 11th out of the 27 countries that attended including Australia, Brazil, USA, Canada, South Africa, Mexico and more. From the exposure of this event, Nicaragua has established their presence on the world stage and created momentum for the future of SUP in Nicaragua. The opportunities are endless in a country overﬂowing with pristine rivers, massive lakes, virgin estuaries and endless beaches all of which are perfect for StandUp paddling. Scott Schmid Team Nicaragua SUP Trainer/Coach For more info on Standup paddling lessons, day tours, retreats, and custom trips in Nicaragua, please contact Scott at info@livitwater.com or facebook.com/supnicaragua

By César Medina

On June 20th, Nicaragua participated in their First International Surf Day (ISD).

Thanks to all participants including: the Rancho Santana Surf Team, Waves of Love, Surf Popoyo Surf School, Camping Luna , Finca Popoyo and DondeX Photography for their local support and participation. Of course, the Surfrider Foundation, OAM, SPY, Arbor Skateboards, Billabong, Hurley, Ocean Minded, RVCA, Rip Curl, Volcom, Vans, Emergen-C, VW - Das Auto, Rusty, Sanuk, Roxy, Quiksilver, EarthPack, and O’Neill for the giveaways/products.

The morning started with a brief workshop on The Surfrider Organization’s mission and some of their current campaigns happening around the globe. Then there was a beach clean-up where we found everything from plastic bottles to tires and batteries! Following the clean-up they gave out some free product to those who participated and then enjoyed the beautiful day with some About ISD International Surfing Day is a worldwide celebraholla-hooping and surf lessons. tion of the sport of surfing and an opportunity to give back to our coastal environments through “We had a nice turnout for our very first event. various events organized by the Surfrider FounWe hope to continue making ISD an annual event dation Chapters, supporters and volunteers. here in Nicaragua and encourage others to join Founded in 2005 by Surfrider Foundation and us next year.” stated Rick Briggs- event organizer Surfing Magazine, International Surfing Day

started with nearly 16 domestic and one international event and has grown exponentially to include up to 200 events in more than 30 countries. About Surfrider Foundation The Surfrider Foundation is a non-proﬁt grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches through a powerful activist network. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 250,000 supporters, activists and members worldwide. For more information on the Surfrider Foundation Visit surfrider.org

Surfnica Nicaragua Surf Guide

By Jake Howard Photo: DJ Struntz/Waves For Water.

“D

o what you love and help along the way.” That’s the mantra for Waves For Water. Founded by former professional surfer Jon Rose, the group’s goal is to bring access to clean water to communities in need around the world. In September of 2009, Rose was on a surf trip to the Mentawai Islands off the coast of Sumatra when a large earthquake hit the city. In one of those strange coincidences that happen in life every so often, he happened to have ten portable water filter system with him. He had planned to bring them to Bali for another project, but the immediate need was in Padang. Rose went into the city, found rescue workers trying to help the injured, and was ultimately able to implement a system for getting those most in need clean water. From that chance encounter Waves For Water was born. Five years down the road and the growth and impact is impressive. Waves For Water has blossomed into a booming non-profit

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organization helping communities in countries around the world in which clean water issues, such as water borne disease, have extremely adverse effects on the people. Rose and his ever-growing team are now operating in over 20 countries, including Nicaragua. “We are distributing filters almost every day— Haiti, Indonesia, Liberia, Pakistan, Kenya, Brazil, Nicaragua, Afghanistan and Philippines, to name a few,” says Rose. “Each of these countries are being used as models for success. Clean water is a huge problem, but it is solvable.” One of the key programs for Waves For Water is what they call their “Clean Water Couriers.” “Clean Water Couriers are everyday people travelers, inspired by the Waves For Water mission: they do what they love and help along the way, distributing filters to those in need around the globe,” explains Rose.

In most cases this means individuals will take it upon themselves to set up their own Clean Water Courier program via WavesForWater.org. They’ll set their goals and are responsible for fundraising. One MVP filer system (available through the website) is able to provide clean water for 100 people for five years and costs $50. “The idea was just to create options and teach people that there are many ways to address this problem,” says Rose. “You can carry your filters on a plane with you in your backpack. The instructions are easy to use and the system his highly effective.” Because Waves For Water has ties to many surf communities around the world they are very active in Nicaragua. According to the most recent UNICEF and World Health Organization reports, 85 percent of people in Nicaragua have access to improved water sources. However, there is a large disparity between rural

and urban areas: in rural areas only 68 percent of people have access to safe drinking water. Waves For Water has numerous projects underway, reaching into towns throughout Nicaragua. Some are individual travelers that have taken up the Clean Water Courier cause, while others are bigger. This spring for World Water Day, they ran a sizable effort inviting California pro surfer Conner Coffin to come down and take part. Coffin, who also enjoyed a few fun days at Colorados, called the experience “life changing.” A larger, more ambitious project is planned for the end of the summer. “It’s going to be a game changer,” says Rose, who prefers to keep the details quiet until all of the pieces come together completely. But if we’ve learned anything about Rose over the years it’s that we should probably take him for his word. Photo: DJ Struntz/Waves For Water.

Conner Coﬃn during W4W mission. Photo: DJ Struntz/Waves For Water. Surfnica Nicaragua Surf Guide

NICA HOT SPOTS Presented by

Oliver Kurtz

Luke Davis

Koa Smith

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Oliver Kurtz

NICA HOT SPOTS

Rick Briggs Nicknames:

¨¨Ricky Martin, Ric-diculous, Tontolicious, X, Don Dex, and of course… Donde X, in which I always reply “No se, donde?”

Born in a country north of here, I walked away from my corporate desk monkey job to not only chase waves, but my dream. Shooting water is where I’d like to be when not surﬁng because I’m still out there in the action. Barrel shots, big hacks, bring it!I have multiple lenses and ports to get the shot you desire.

Trin Schloot

Outer Reef…A wave that gets the adrenaline ﬂowing and the hear rate pumping. It’s deﬁnitely a love/hate relationship out there when shooting in the pit and one swings wide. That’s where the helmet, vest and whistle come in handy. (Along w/Surfari Charters water patrol) Book a session with Surf Guide me, let’s have some Surfnica fun and Nicaragua get you in a deep one!

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Surfnica Nicaragua Surf Guide

NICA SPOTLIGHT

I was introduced to photography throughout my brother, Jairo Ramos. He started long before I did, and he wanted me to learn so He could pass the job down when he moved to the U.S. When I took his job, that’s when my career began. I have a great passion for taking good photos, but I also shoot to support myself financially. It allows me to buy my gear, support my family, and above all, pay for my university. I love surfing, but I cannot just wait for a sponsor, I want to be a professional photographer. How many years have you been shooting surf? Three years. What have been the biggest challenges and obstacles? The most recent one was getting my laptop stolen. It was so hard because I had all my photography, videos, and university work, among many other important documents on it. I worked very hard to buy it and had only had it for six months. Another big obstacle was when my first job came to an end—the one Jairo gave me—I had to give back all the gear and I had nothing but a bit of money. So I bought a lens. My aunt Martha helped me. I had to borrow a camera from a friend. It was hard having to borrow gear. One time I was told, “Man, stop borrowing other people’s gear and get your own, work for it!” It was tough, but I strove to get the gear I now have. Thank God and all of the good people who helped me. I am learning day by day.

Jerson Barboza By César Medina Nicknames:

“a.k.a, J.B”

Photo: Rafael Rivas

César: Hi Jerson, please tell us a little about yourself? Jerson: My name is Jerson Barboza, a.k.a. J.B. I am 20 years old and from San Juan Del Sur.

San Juan Del Sur is known as the place where surﬁng was started here in Nicaragua, how did you get into photography? It could be said that San Juan Del Sur is the surf capital of Nicaragua. I am a third generation surfer there. Guys like Larry Davila, Rex Calderon, Antonio Calderon, Felipe Avendaño, Norwin Estrella, Luis Chamorro, and Gerardo Miranda are all very good surfers from the area that we looked up to coming up.

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I know that you recently bought a water housing and that’s even more expensive than the body itself. How did you manage to buy it? Thanks to God and a lot of hard work I was able to buy a SPL water housing, and yes, you are right, it was very expensive. But I had some photography that I sold. I also sold one of my lenses, and borrow some money. I really want to thank all people who support me, Martha Castillo, Christian Martin, Jairo Ramos and Gianni Landolﬁ. Which do you prefer, land or water photography? I do both, but I like water photography much more because I have an angle that nobody shooting from the land has. Also thing the photos are unique. And tell me about the professional career you are studying for, how is that going? I’m studying Graphic and Advertising Design. I started a year ago. I chose that one because it’s all linked with photography. I also like designing very much, and make art through graphics and photography. What are your long-term goals? Own my photography and advertising design ﬁrm. Thanks Jerson, how can surfers book a session with you? My email is jerson93barbosa@gmail.com, phone number +505.8576.5445, or Facebook Jerson Barboza.

NICA SPOTLIGHT