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!

  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 just had the most amazing week at the Chica Brava and I’m already scoping out dates to return! My friend and I traveled together and stayed at Cloud Farm... read more June/July 2022.

I’m not a surfer, and arrived having only taken a board out once before. I’m also intimidated by the ocean and large waves. However, Elsi, Jen and Claire, our surf instructors for the week, knew exactly how to get the best out of each of us, pushing us when we needed it and letting us take our time when it seemed more appropriate. By the end of the week I was able to turtle roll through larger waves and I was successfully popping up on almost every ride, and even learning how to turn instead of riding straight to the beach.

I was impressed with how the instructors were able to accommodate the differing levels of surf abilities in our group, scoping out spots according to the wind and tides and making sure all of us were able to get out there to practice multiple hours a day regardless of our level.

The surfing though is really just part of it. You will also be taken care of like family while you're there. Elsi, the lead surf instructor, is so much more than a surf instructor. She greeted us the moment we stepped out of our cab on arrival, she greeted us early each morning at the house to tell us the plan for the day. She taught us surf theory and helped us make sense of our mistakes while watching video footage of our surfing. She ate dinner with us, kept us safe in the water, helped us fit in all extra activities (boat tours, massages, yoga, shopping, etc), drove us all over town and to all the beaches. She taught us about the local community and culture, shared her personal journey with us, cracked jokes, and was really just an inspiring person to be around 🙂

But there’s more we also had a group of amazing women cooking homemade meals for us every morning and every evening, and they were delicious and plentiful and just what we needed to be able to surf again the next day. The bedrooms were cleaned each day while we were out surfing (!) and coffee was ready made and on the table by 6am.

Shout out to surf instructors Jen and Claire as well, both of whom worked 1 on 1 with me at different points to get me comfortable in the water with my board and then later to help me learn to turn and help me conquer my fears of larger waves. Shout out to Francia for all the behind the scenes organizing and for filming us for hours each day!

Thank you so much for an inspiring week, I can't wait to return!

  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!

  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!