The BVSC Surf Club
Are you ready to take your surfing to the next level?
Many of our guests arrive at Buena Vista with a burning desire to step up their surfing game. Whether you're looking to transition from riding the white water to confidently paddling "out back," or refining your technique to carve smoothly along the wave face, we're here to help.
The secret to progression lies in time spent in the water, but if you're short on time (or maybe a little impatient), our carefully curated surf programs are the fast track to elevating your skills. Each session will have a maximum of three students per instructor. Dive in, and let's take your surfing to the next level.
Meet John, our Surf Pro and Local Legend
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Surfing gives me a sense of freedom I can't find anywhere else. It's about connecting with the ocean and syncing with its rhythm. Every wave is different, making each session a unique challenge.
Surfing teaches me patience and brings a sense of calm, reminding me to stay present in the moment. It pushes my physical and mental limits, yet also provides the space to simply be.
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I got into surfing when I was around 14 years old, near my hometown of San Juan del Sur. Back then, my friends and I didn’t have the money for our own equipment or transportation to reach the beach, but that didn’t stop us. We would walk for hours to the ocean and share a single surfboard, taking turns riding the waves. It started as an after-school adventure, and before we knew it, we were hooked.
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I love waiting for the right swell to arrive, gathering a small group of friends, and seeking out those uncrowded waves, hoping for the perfect barrels – it’s pure adrenaline.
I also really enjoy the more relaxed evenings when we all meet at our local surf break for a sunset session, cheering each other on – it’s a wonderful sense of community.
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Mastering the basics is key. Practice your pop-up on land to build muscle memory, making it quicker and smoother in the water. Work on your paddling technique and endurance, as strong paddling is essential for catching waves. Take the time to understand your surf break, and focus on reading the waves to position yourself correctly. If you're surfing a new spot, I highly recommend paddling out with a local guide to get familiar with it.
Choosing the right equipment is also crucial. I see many people switch to shortboards too soon, but in the beginning, volume is your friend. The more waves you catch, the faster you'll develop your skills.
Above all, enjoy the process and be patient with your progress!
One Day: Splash & Dash
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This package is perfect for those who aren't quite ready to commit to a full program but still want to tap into John's local knowledge and surf expertise. As the name suggests, it's ideal for those who want to "Splash & Dash"—whether you're unsure if surfing is your thing, looking to refresh your skills, or working with a tighter budget. Just a heads-up: we often find that our "Splash & Dashers" come back for more!
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1 Surf lesson (90 mins)
Board rental for the day
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Private: $55
Group: $40
* Besides the Private 1 Day, all classes can be up to 3 people max
* 10% Cabana discount applies to 3 & 5 Day Packages if booked together from the same Cabana
* Theory can be on land or in the water
Three Day: Surf Explorer
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This package is for those who are committed to improving their surfing but can’t commit to the full five days. Over the course of three days, these "Surf Explorers" will spend valuable time both in and out of the water, leaving with a deeper understanding of and connection to the ocean. It’s an excellent choice for beginners looking to get a proper introduction to surfing, as well as intermediates who want to focus on specific areas of their technique.
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3 Surf lessons (90 mins)
Day two Surf Lesson will be filmed for analysis
2 Surf theory sessions (30 mins)
1 Video analysis session (30 mins)
Board rental for the three days
Take away the digital content
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$250
* Besides the Private 1 Day, all classes can be up to 3 people max
* 10% Cabana discount applies to 3 & 5 Day Packages if booked together from the same Cabana
* Theory can be on land or in the water
Five Day: Ultimate Wave Rider
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This package is designed for those who came here with one goal: to surf. The "Ultimate Wave Rider" program is structured to help analyze areas for improvement while giving you plenty of time both in and out of the water with our team, turning practice into perfection. It’s perfect for those eager to spend significant time in the ocean and are determined to elevate their surf game. This is the real deal!
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5 Surf lessons (90 mins)
Day two & four Surf Lessons will be filmed for analysis
3 Surf theory sessions (30 mins)
2 Video analysis sessions (30 mins)
Board rental for the five days
Take away the digital content
Complementary BV T-Shirt
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$400
* Besides the Private 1 Day, all classes can be up to 3 people max
* 10% Cabana discount applies to 3 & 5 Day Packages if booked together from the same Cabana
* Theory can be on land or in the water
BOARD RENTAL
We have a wide range of well maintained rental boards, ranging from 6.3 to 9.0 (good beginner and intermediate boards). We are more than happy to help you pick out the right board and you can swap them out during your stay.
Board rental is $10/per day.
SURF SEASON
For beginners, all year-round is usually a good time to come surf Nicaragua.
For advanced surfers, we recommend visiting during the months of March through November because 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 southern Nicaragua. Wave heights during this time can range from shoulder (4 ft.) to double overhead or more (12+ ft.).
The water gets coldest, the wind gets strongest, and the waves are smallest in January and February. October is the rainiest season.
Don’t Just Take Our Word For It
Here’s What Others Are Saying….
Linda Wurzinger, 2024
"I really enjoyed surfing with John! He is super friendly and fun and also an amazing surfer. Me and my boyfriend took some classes with him together. He is such a great instructor and guides you really well through the water. Even when it looked tough outside he made me feel really safe. I learned so much in these surfing lessons and would definitely recommend booking a class with him."
Lauren, 2024
“My partner and I took surf lessons with John on our visit to Nicaragua and we highly recommend him! He is a great surf coach with strong English and a genuine personality. John provided useful feedback, tips and assisted us in getting on some great waves which made for a memorable surf trip to Nicaragua.”
Perry, 2024
“John is a great surf instructor. He does an excellent job of identifying your skill level and then focusing on the core one or two changes that will make a major difference in your surfing. He helped me position myself better for take offs by coaching me to angle my board diagonally down the line instead of down the face of the wave. Now I have more control and more speed - boosting my confidence, advancing my progress, catching more waves and having more fun!"
Time to hit the water
Our Surf Breaks
Playa Hermosa
Playa Hermosa, aptly named Beautiful Beach, is a breathtaking expanse known for its pristine waves and lack of crowds. The 45 minute journey to Hermosa is memorable, featuring a scenic, winding road through the jungle that leads you to the shore. This beach is perfect for both beginners and experienced surfers, offering an extensive coastline that caters to a variety of surfing experiences. After a day on the waves, unwind in the comfortable cabañas equipped with hammocks—ideal for relaxing and perhaps drifting off into a peaceful snooze.
Playa Maderas
Our home break, just a 5-minute walk from the hotel, Playa Maderas is one of the most popular surf spots in the area and a top destination for surfers of all levels. Known for its consistent swell, this classic beach break offers something for everyone, from mellow waves ideal for beginners to more challenging sections that experienced surfers will love. With a variety of peaks along the beach, you’ll always find a spot to suit your level. Whether you're looking to catch your first wave or perfect your skills, Playa Maderas provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable surf session.
Playa El Remanso
Nestled just south of San Juan del Sur, a half an hour drive from the hotel, Playa El Remanso is a charming bay celebrated for its gentle waves and atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for beginners to hone their skills. The beach also offers a couple of fantastic restaurants with viewing platforms, allowing everyone to take in the wave-riding spectacle. As the swell intensifies during peak seasons, surfers of all abilities flock to Remanso, attracted by its ability to handle larger conditions.
