Chica Brava is Nicaragua’s first and best women’s surf retreat. We are an elite surf camp for adventurous women who appreciate comfort as well as challenge. We empower women through the process of surfing and the genuine camaraderie that comes through sharing a lifestyle, a sisterhood, and a passion for the most rewarding sport on the planet. It’s about a pack of women together in the line up, united by what they love. This is your chance to let go, invest in yourself, and feel confident, invincible, and powerful regardless of your size, strength, or stature. From the moment we greet you at the airport until we send you off in style, our lively staff is committed to making sure that your journey is both amazing and unforgettable! Come. Get stoked in style with us.
Groups, Families, Mother-daughter, 40+, Corporate, Team Building?
You name it, we got it!
As the founder of Chica Brava, Ashley Blaylock traded in her secure career as a Texas attorney to open an all-girls surf retreat—the first of its kind in Nicaragua. Today she is the proud owner of Chica Brava where she shares her passion for surfing with women from around the world.
With 300+ days of offshore wind and un-crowded waters, nearly everyday is ideal for surfing in San Juan del Sur, no matter what your level. When you sprinkle in warm water, groomed waves, and empty beaches, you’ve got the makings of a world-class surfing destination. Come get your level on!
You know you've had an amazing trip when the first thing you want to do when you get home is write a review and plan your return trip and that... read more is my experience with Chica Brava. Front the start the booking was made exceptionally easy by Colleen, the incredibly responsive booking coordinator. She helped me with recommendations with flights and was extremely helpful. I decided to fly into Liberia (Costa Rica) as I could get a direct flight there and the team arranged for me to be picked up at the airport and driven directly to the house (you do have to change cars/drivers at the border but it was easy and safe). The drive to Cloud Farm is breathtaking and even arriving after dark the beauty was evident. Elsi was there to greet me along with the house team of Juan and his wife who fed us so well the entire week. I've had countless coaches over the years, teachers, and mentors, so it's no small feat to say that Elsi is one of the best instructors that I've ever had. Never having surfed before I was in the very best hands. Her instructions were clear, our safety a priority all the while having the most fun. In the water with us every moment, Elsi was our wave guide and our cheerleader. On land she was an endless source of information about life in Nicaragua and she went above and beyond in every way to make our stay the best it could possibly be. Alongside Elsi was another top teacher, Claire. Another excellent resource in and out of the water, Claire made my week not only a ton of fun but I actually felt like a surfer after just a couple of days.
The accommodations at Cloud Farm far exceeded my expectations, comfortable, clean, quiet and the most stunning views. Daily visits from the neighbouring animals, morning wake up calls from the howler monkeys and then there's the food. The breakfasts were hearty and healthy, always beginning with delicious Nicaraguan coffee, freshly squeezed juices and fruit. The dinners were beyond my expectations, after a long day of surfing we needed nourishment and Juan blew us away daily.
Our theory classes with Elsi were so helpful with feedback and videos from our earlier surfs we were able to learn in a way that feels unique to Chica Brava.
My heart wanted to stay forever but my body was ready for a rest at the end of the week, I'd definitely recommend trying to do some conditioning before your trip.
I will recommend this spot and this team to all the chicas I know and I hope to return one day very soon.
Advice for your return trip if transiting to CR, bring extra US$. You will definitely want to have some extra money to 'bypass' the crazy long lines at the border stops. I'd say to factor in an additional $70 including tips for both drivers. Without it you could be stuck in painfully long lines.
Thanks for everything Chica Brava
Chica Brava was the BEST. Very well organized and smooth sailing! Already planning a trip back with them. The instruction was great and the video and feedback sessions were wonderful.... read more Stayed out the could farm and would 100% do it all over again!
So, so beautiful. Such a beautiful experience -- from the surf to the amazing care we got at "home." I felt so loved at Chica Brava, all while pushing myself... read more mentally and physically to surf every day, which is hard, but so rewarding! I left feeling more like myself and proud of myself! Chica Brava is such a beautiful container to explore your full, human self in relation to the jungle, the surf, and other women. It's powerful. Go!
I couldn’t have asked for a better experience at a surf camp or on any kind of trip. The instruction from Elsi, Claire, and Jenn was excellent! They work with... read more you at your level and I also felt very safe in the water with them. In addition to the professionalism that everyone had, they were also so fun to spend time with during our surf camp week! I was able to pop up on the surf board by the second day of the camp! It really was so empowering to be able to learn and do so much. Elsi was not only an amazing instructor but she was also a great host and drove us to the beach every day. She is an inspirational person! She is definitely the embodiment of a CHICA BRAVA! All of them were.
I stayed at the cloud farm and it was GORGEOUS! The house was kept very clean and we had spectacular views of the jungle and sea from the pool area and balcony area. HUGE wonderful breakfasts and dinners were included with the package and it was really good! Transportation was included to and from the beach and to and from the airport in Managua. Anytime I had any questions, the team was very responsive and the whole trip ended up being really easy.
I had never traveled to Nicaragua before and I was concerned that I would feel unsafe but my experience was the opposite. From the airport, to the shuttle and throughout the entire trip I felt it was extremely safe, and people were extremely friendly!
My flight got into Managua several hours before the shuttle was scheduled to arrive Colleen advised me to go across the street from the airport to the BEST Western while I waited and that was very comfortable- for $10 they let me use the pool facilities and use the $10 towards food and drink.
I thought for what you get the price was very reasonable. It even included two yoga classes and a massage! And you have the option of getting extra massages and other excursions such as horseback riding and jungle zipping. It including one afternoon on a boat w drinks and snacks!
I can’t praise this surf camp enough!!
I traveled to Nicaragua with a friend and joined other friends of hers who traveled there from around the country to attend the surf camp. For them it was a... read more reunion, in addition to a great vacation. The surfing instruction was truly excellent. The coaches were encouraging and fun and knew just how hard to push. I hadn't surfed prior to the camp, and now I'm hooked. The accommodations were beautiful and comfortable. The food was delicious and plentiful. Every bit of the trip was awesome!
I emerged from Covid lockdown totally numb to life. I'd never surfed before, but it is something I wanted to learn since I was a teen. From the first time... read more I hit the water with the board, I was brought back to life! I truly cried on the beach because the gorgeous vistas, adrenaline from my first time on the board, scent of sea salt and flowers in the air, it all reminded me that life is beautiful and fun! The rest of the week continued to be beautiful... and so much fun!
The beaches are gorgeous, the town is lovely, and Chica Brava really takes care of everything so you can focus on surfing and relaxing.
Elsie is the best surf instructor on the planet. She is patient, encouraging, and so helpful. She can see what you are doing right and what needs work, and succinctly tell you what you can do to improve. I always felt very safe, and Elsie even held the board more stable when the waves got choppy to help me get up. She coached me on spotting waves, which is very helpful as you start to surf without an instructor. Joaquilia is a caring and delightful friend and the warmest presence who can take care of you at the house. She is a wonderful cook and a sweet lady!
I appreciated the "Surf Theory" part of the camp, where we learned basic things you may not pick up naturally: Reading surf weather reports, etiquette and right of way, board care.... It's what you need if you want to go out on your own.
The extra activities and excursions were great and just what we needed. When our muscles were getting tight, we did a great yoga class. When we were sore, we got a wonderful massage. We especially enjoyed the horse riding excursion with Blue on her farm.
Since Chica Brava, I've gone surfing a few times, and I feel it gave me an excellent foundation and confidence. I miss Elsie, Jen, Joaquilia, and "Mister Nicaragua" our photographer, but I know this is now a sport I will enjoy for life.
Thank you, Chica Brava! I want to come back and show you my new skills soon
Offshore winds, world-class surf, unparalleled beauty, rich culture, empty beaches, killer location and expert surf instruction are just some of the reasons to Surf Camps Nicaragua
A surf camp is an excellent method for novices to explore surfing in a fun and safe setting. Starting with expert trainers who ensure you are in the correct area at the appropriate tide with the proper equipment is something we strongly encourage in order to offer you the greatest possible start. A surf camp with us is also an excellent option for solo travellers interested in going on a surf adventure.
A surf camp provides everything you need for the ultimate surf holiday. On the surface, it appears that you are signing up for lodging, surfing, and food, but in truth, you will remember the wonderful times, new friends, and experiences the most. The social component is quite important at our surf camps, which makes them ideal for lone travellers. It’s an excellent location to make new friends. Still, everyone does things their own way. Join us for activities and dinners when it’s convenient for you, and go exploring on your own when you choose.
Unlike anywhere else in the world, including Central and Northern Nicaragua, Southern Nicaragua benefits from offshore winds almost year round. This means perfect conditions, perfectly groomed waves, and the unique ability at Chica Brava to surf all day long! Southern Nicaragua is on the map as one of the world’s best surf destinations, yet it’s still un-crowded compared to most anywhere else! To make things even better, it’s beautiful and most of the coastline remains undeveloped.
We have had our Surf camp Nicaragua since 2003 and are the country’s very first and best surf retreat for women. Our program is unparalleled and our team of instructors has years of experience women surfing, instructing and coaching. Upon arrival we determine each surfer’s goals for the week and, with mid-week check-ins, we work hard and are successful at helping you reach those goals. We film your sessions and do video analysis to help you improve. In addition, we follow a daily curriculum of surf theory lessons, created by Chica Brava founder, 6-time Nicaraguan National surf champ, Ashley Blaylock. Whatever your goals are, you’ll achieve them at Chica Brava!
Anytime of year is great time to visit, both surf-wise and weather-wise, except for the peak of the rainy season in October.
For beginners, advanced beginners, and early intermediates, all year-round is good, as even when the surf is bigger, we are able to stay south where the coast is shielded and get you riding the “green” part of the wave in smaller waist high conditions. Please note that the water gets coldest, the wind gets strongest, and the waves are smallest in January and February.
For advanced intermediates and advanced surfers, we recommend visiting during the months of March through November, because, like most of Central America, Nicaragua is a “south swell spot”, meaning we rely on swells generated by winter storms in the southern hemisphere which occur from March-November. It’s during this time we receive the largest, most consistent swells and is considered the best time to surf in Nicaragua Wave heights during this time can range from shoulder (4 ft.) to double overhead or more (12+ ft.). January and February are the smallest months of the year and not ideal time to visit for experienced surfers.
Surf Retreats are great if you want an easy all-inclusive surfing vacation. Our surf retreat is ideal for women who wish to learn how to surf. To attend a surf retreat, you do not need to know how to surf; nevertheless, you must be able to swim and be comfortable in the ocean. If you’ve ever been frightened about learning to surf and wished to obtain expert surf tuition in a fun, safe, and female-friendly setting, surf retreats for women are ideal. Learning to surf at a retreat is ideal for those seeking a surf community feel where they may form connections with other surf sisters.
A surf retreat is comparable to a surf camp, but it includes more deluxe amenities such as private villas, spa treatments, and gourmet meals. Originally, surf camps offered extremely basic packages that included housing, food, surf training, and equipment. A surf retreat will frequently incorporate yoga and other wellbeing activities to create a holistic holiday that focuses on mind, body, and spiritual growth in addition to the surf sessions.
Available at all locations! For both beginners and experienced adult surfers, we have put together the ultimate package for women in their 40s+. We are an adult surf camp to begin with and the average age of women that comes our surf retreat is 36. Most women older and younger do not mind surfing with that age range, but we have developed this package as a wonderful alternative for the more mature adult surfer who might prefer to enjoy the experience with a group of her peers.
Our surfing program is unparalleled. We have been in Nicaragua since 2003 and are the country’s very first and best surf retreat for women. Our team of instructors has years of experience surfing, instructing and coaching. Our comprehensive surfing program was created by 6-time National Nicaraguan Surf Champ and our camp founder, Ashley Blaylock, designed to help you reach your specific goals and includes:
Our surf and yoga retreats are designed to accommodate varying surfing levels in the same group during the same week. Whether you’re beginner, intermediate, or experienced surfer, we have the vehicles, surf boards, and staff necessary to tailor the week to your needs and get you up and surfing. At Chica Brava, we are committed to helping you progress at every level and making sure your surf and yoga retreat is both amazing and unforgettable!
Whether you are thinking about joining our surf retreat or are just looking for some tips are surfing, click on the video below to get stoked on coming!
Whether you are thinking about joining our surf retreat or are just looking for some tips are surfing, click on the video below to get stoked on coming!