Our Staff

Owner/Operator:

Ashley Blaylock is the creator of ChicaBrava. She competes locally and internationally for the National Nicaraguan Surf Team, holds title as National Champ in Women’s surfing in Nicaragua for 2006, 2007, 2008, and 4th in Central America in 2007. Ashley has surfed all over the world including the Mentawai Islands and Bali in Indonesia, Mexico, Spain, Hawaii, California, Panama, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. Originally from Houston, Ashley is a licensed attorney and resides full time in Nicaragua.

Surf Instructors:

Melissa Diamond is from Cocoa Beach, Florida where she learned to surf and first fell in love with the sport. She has surfed all over the world including Nicaragua, Outer Banks, NC, California, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Spain, France, and Mexico. She worked as a lead surf instructor at the Ron Jon Surf School for three years and has guided lessons and surf trips in Mexico. Melissa has an amazing spirit and brings experienced instruction emphasizing on always progressing and pushing the limits.

Maite de la Torre Maite is from Guadalajara, Mexico. She learned to surf in La Ticla and has traveled all over Mexico, France, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua in search of perfect waves. She finally found them in Nicaragua and moved here to Popoyo in 2005. Maite has been surfing since 1998 and started teaching surfing in 2003. She owns the only surf shop in Popoyo, designs cool Nicaragua-themed surf apparel, and joins the  ChicaBrava team as an accomplished surfer with a fun and lively personality.

Elsis Marin is a local chica, native to San Juan del Sur, and member of the National Surf Team. As one of the first Nicaraguan women to ever surf in Nicaragua, she brings invaluable local knowledge and energy to the team.

Yoga Instructor:

Vanessa Pattison is our beloved Yoga Instructor. She moved to San Juan del Sur from Ventura, CA. and now teaches yoga locally. Vanessa is certified and her classes are highly sought after.