I did Chica Brava surf camp two weeks ago and am so happy I did it! It's so valuable to have an all-female surf instructor team--the vibe is amazing, extremely... read more positive, and confidence building. I had been surfing on and off for a year when I attended, so would classify myself as an advanced beginner. But, I had been dealing with a lot of fear of the ocean/big waves as we went into the week.

Elsi Marin de Mosio and Evelyn and Clare were so helpful in building me up and helping me overcome that fear and not only catch waves but ride down the line and practice my turns. It ended up being a great week! (Also, loved the video feedback--so helpful to get that EVERY DAY!).

And last week, a week after the camp, I caught the wave of my life! So happy that I made the time to do Chica Brava. Always grateful to Elsi Marin de Mosio for her enthusiasm. And Ashley Blalock de Cabrales has been amazing about giving follow up feedback.

All that to say, I would definitely do it 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 have been dipping my toe in the water with surfing and this camp was exactly what I needed to show myself that I CAN do this. It challenged me... read more mentally & physically. But it wasn't just that. The comradery I experienced with the other women was amazing for my soul. The female instructors knew what it was like, as a woman on a surfboard and were able to provide instruction on how to exceed our own expectations and preconceived abilities! On top of ALL OF THAT it was FUN!!!!!!!!!! I couldn't recommend this camp more. Ashley and her Chica Brava team have curated an incredible experience for any level of surfer!

  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