How it All Began. My Introduction to bodyboarding in Nicaragua.
By Matt ‘Mave’ Davies
My first trip to Nicaragua was in 2015, running my very first Bodyboard Holiday. Since then, I’ve been back countless times, both on surf trips with friends and for more coaching trips with Bodyboard Holidays.
You could easily argue that because it was my first ever coaching trip abroad it carries a certain romantic nostalgia, and maybe that’s partly true. But the truth is the country had me hooked from the start: a combination of perfect waves, incredible people, great food, fascinating culture, strong coffee, and that sense of adventure you only really get when travelling somewhere that still feels slightly off the beaten track. Every time I return, it reminds me why I fell in love with travelling to surf in the first place.
I’ve been fortunate to travel extensively through bodyboarding. When I was younger, I even set myself a mission to surf in 30 countries before I turned 30, a goal I managed, and since then the number has crept up to more than 50. In that time, I’ve been lucky enough to ride waves in some incredible places across the globe, from tropical beach breaks to hidden cold-water slabs.
But if someone offered me a week anywhere to go tomorrow, I’d choose to go bodyboarding in Nicaragua.
In this article, I want to share exactly why this understated country has me completely hooked, and why it’s become my favourite destination in the world for a bodyboard holiday.
Perfect Waves and All-Day Offshore Winds
Long before my ambitious 30-country mission, as a school kid I’d waste time in class dreaming of, and drawing, perfect A-frame waves all over my books. And of all the places I’ve travelled since, it’s the sand-bottom beaches of Nicaragua that most resemble those waves I once etched across my school folders.
Nicaragua’s Pacific coastline isn’t just blessed with faultless sandbanks and incredibly consistent swell, it also benefits from one of the most famous wind phenomena in surfing. The huge Lake Nicaragua, sitting just inland from the coast, creates the region’s famous all-day offshore winds.
That’s a real game changer when it comes to water time. In many tropical surf destinations, as the land heats up the wind swings from offshore to onshore by mid-morning, shutting down wave quality for the rest of the day.
For bodyboarders, that combination is pretty much the dream scenario: warm water, all-day offshores, consistent swell, and hollow beach breaks that produce fun barrels and playful ramps without consequence. It’s the kind of place where you can boog for hours through the morning and still happily paddle back out as the sun starts to drop.
Many sessions genuinely feel like something you’d design if you could build your own wave, playful, punchy A-frames breaking over perfect sandbanks.
My Favourite Wave in the World
With 50+ countries now under my belt, I’m fortunate to say I’ve surfed a lot of different waves. But when people ask where my favourite wave in the world is, my answer, without hesitation, is a left-hand wedge in Nicaragua.
As a keen goofy-foot dropkneer, this super fun A-frame wedge that throws perfect left-hand barrels, long rippable walls and a punchy end bowl is pretty much a dream wave. The take-off behind the peak is friendly, the walls run mechanically, and the end section leaves you salivating on the endless aerial possibilities.
It’s the kind of wave that feels tailor-made for bodyboarding. It offers a bit of everything, barrels, turns and sections to launch from, and you can really push your riding in warm water without worrying too much about wiping out thanks to the forgiving sand bottom. Finish a wave and you wash up on the sand just a short walk from a hammock and fresh coconut water.
Warm Water and Long Surf Days
As someone who’s gone soft after two decades living in Portugal and where I’ve earned the nickname “claw hand” thanks to the whiteness and loss of feeling in my fingers after an hour in anything under 15°C, Nicaragua works so well for me because of how comfortable it is to surf here. The water temperature sits in the high twenties for most of the year, meaning wetsuits are unnecessary. Boardies, a rashie and a zinc stick is all you need.
That makes a huge difference on surf trips. Instead of cutting sessions short because you’re freezing or weighed down by gear, you can settle into a relaxed rhythm where the entire day revolves around the surf.
Whether on a free surf trip with friends or running a Bodyboard Holiday, the daily routine often looks the same: up at sunrise, wander down the beach and enjoy a long three or four-hour session before heading back for breakfast and coffee. Then it’s back in for another surf around midday, hammock and book time in the afternoon, before paddling out again for a third session at sunset — You’re simply not surfing that many hours in 10-degree water.
New Beaches with more perfect Waves
Bodyboard-Holidays has really stepped it up with their new location. Not only do they hit the wedge (with which I have had my 10 year love affair!). They have unique access to what many believe is the best beachbreak in Nicaragua. This private complex, where our guests stay is like a mini surf town, with a few surf shops, restaurants, a golf course, coffee shops, a gym, a padel tennis court, pretty much everything you could possibly need to keep you amused and happy between surfs. The guests on the complex get unique access to the waves and this allows our guests to enjoy beach break barrels on tap. This coupled with the fact that we work with our private chef to keep everyone fed between surfs, it means you are literally totally catered for.
Whether you wanted to join one of our Co-ed Nicaragua bodyboarding camps or our all Women’s bodyboard and surf retreat is your decision. But we can definitely guarantee low crowds, offshore winds, great community vibes and the best coaching and photography.
Friendly People and a Relaxed Surf Culture
While the waves might be the main reason people travel to Nicaragua, it’s often the people that leave the biggest impression.
Having lived in Portugal for two decades, I’ve grown to really appreciate the Portuguese character; quiet, understated, modest and genuinely welcoming to foreigners. They’re not loud or overly extroverted, and friendships can take a little time to form, but when they do, they tend to last.
It’s a lot like that in Nicaragua.
Nicaraguans share many of those same qualities. They’re warm and friendly, but not in-your-face like in some other parts of Latin America. Relationships build naturally over time, and as the years have passed and I’ve returned again and again, I’ve noticed those connections slowly deepen.
In many coastal towns the local economy revolves around fishing, farming and tourism, and visitors are generally greeted with genuine warmth. Surf towns still feel refreshingly authentic compared to many developed surf destinations. Life moves at a slower pace, and after a few days you start recognising familiar faces around town, the café owner who remembers your coffee order, fishermen launching their boats at sunrise as you walk to the surf, and the relaxed line-ups where the vibe in the water is far from competitive.
It’s the kind of place where it doesn’t take long to feel comfortable and at home.
Great Food (Even for Plant-Based Lovers Like Me)
I’m one of those weirdos who follows a plant-based diet, so when travelling food can sometimes be a sticking point. But in Nicaragua it’s actually a highlight of the trip, and something that often surprises people visiting for the first time.
Traditional Nicaraguan cuisine is simple but incredibly satisfying, built around fresh staples like rice, beans, corn and tropical fruit. One of the most common dishes you’ll come across is gallo pinto, a classic mix of rice and beans often served at breakfast alongside plantains, avocado and fresh tortillas.
For vegan or vegetarian travellers, Nicaragua is surprisingly easy. Tropical fruit is everywhere, and it’s simple to build great meals around beans, vegetables, rice and salads. Smoothie bowls, fresh juices and healthy plates are common in surf towns, making it easy to eat well between long sessions in the water.
While I don’t eat meat or fish, it would be a crime not to mention the seafood. Fresh catch of the day and ceviche are go-to dishes for my surfing buddies, who reliably give them five stars.
And after hours in the ocean chasing barrels, even the simplest meal tastes incredible. We offer three meals a day inclusive on our camp and if you want to mix it up the restaurants in our complex offer everything from Sushi to Mexican to Italian.
World-Class Coffee
After nearly a quarter of a century living in Portugal, I’ve become a bit of a coffee snob by default, and as a result I’m often disappointed with coffee when travelling. Fun fact: whenever I land back in Lisbon after a trip away, one of the first things I do is grab a café cheio from the little café next to the oversized baggage belt at the airport.
So if, like me, you appreciate good coffee, Nicaragua is another place that will quickly win you over.
The country produces excellent coffee thanks to its fertile volcanic soil and mountainous growing regions. Much of it is grown in the northern highlands before making its way across the country to coastal towns and cafés.
The result is smooth, rich coffee that’s perfect after an early morning surf. Sitting down with a fresh cup while still salty from the ocean is one of those small travel moments that sticks with you long after the trip is over – a meditation of sorts.
And if you want to take things a step further, coffee plantation visits can easily be arranged from the coast and done in half a day. It’s a great lay-day activity and a chance to see firsthand where some of Nicaragua’s best beans are grown.
Surf, coffee, surf again… and again. It’s a pretty good routine.
Culture, History and Adventure
Back in 2015, while running my first bodyboard holiday, one of the things that made that trip particularly memorable was discovering more about Nicaragua’s history and culture as I travelled around the country. When I’m not boogin’ or drinking Portuguese coffees, I’m actually a bit of a secret history buff.
So before that first trip I picked up a copy of The Jaguar Smile, a book about Nicaragua’s revolutionary history. Reading it while exploring the country gave me a much deeper appreciation for the places I was visiting and the resilience of the people who live there. In many ways it reminded me of Portugal – a country that only a couple of generations ago went through its own revolution. Big political and social shifts like that tend to shape a nation’s character.
Like Portugal, Nicaragua has experienced a complex history, but the country has held on to a strong cultural identity that’s visible wherever you travel. Colourful towns, small markets, music, art and local traditions all offer a glimpse into everyday life here.
Reading The Jaguar Smile also inspired me to explore more than just the coastline. Cities like Granada, León and even Managua offer a deeper look into Nicaragua’s culture, history and architecture, and they’re well worth visiting alongside the surf.
It reminds me of a quote I once read when I first got into bodyboarding: “Surfers are travellers by default.” While chasing waves around the globe, we end up getting just as hooked on discovering new cultures, people and histories.
And that’s another reason Nicaragua feels so authentic. It’s not just a place to chase waves, but a place that rewards curiosity beyond the lineup.
Volcanoes, Wildlife and Empty Coastlines
And when I’m not reading up on history while sipping coffee overlooking a Portuguese beach break, I’m running Mossy Earth, an organisation focused on protecting and restoring biodiversity. Because of that, another thing that makes Nicaragua such a special destination for me is the incredible natural landscape and wildlife that surrounds the surf.
This is a country shaped by volcanoes, lakes and tropical forests. Within a relatively short drive from the coast you can find towering volcanic peaks, lush countryside and wildlife-rich ecosystems. Wildlife sightings are common too, from sea turtles nesting on remote beaches to dolphins occasionally appearing offshore.
On my first trip, and many trips since, we’ve made a point of visiting a local turtle conservation project, where eggs and hatchlings are protected around the clock by rangers to prevent poaching. There’s also a fascinating education centre highlighting the importance of protecting these fragile ecosystems. One of the coolest parts is that from the centre you can walk through the jungle to a secluded beach where you might find yourself surfing perfect waves completely alone.
For ocean lovers, that wild coastline and biodiversity just makes the whole place even more special.
Why Nicaragua Keeps Pulling Me Back
After bodyboarding in more than 50+ countries, I’ve been lucky enough to experience some incredible waves and cultures around the world. But Nicaragua is the place that keeps pulling me back.
Yes, the waves are a huge part of it. Consistent swell, sand-bottom beach breaks and those famous all-day offshore winds create playful, punchy surf that feels tailor-made for bodyboarding.
But what really makes Nicaragua special is everything around the surf.
It’s the slower rhythm of life, freshly ground coffee in the morning, hammock time in the afternoon and sunsets that taste best with an iced cold Toña beer. It’s the welcoming people, the great food, the rich culture and the sense that adventure is never far away, whether that’s exploring colourful towns, visiting a coffee plantation or volcano, or discovering an untouched stretch of coastline.
In a world where many surf destinations feel increasingly crowded and commercialised, Nicaragua still feels refreshingly authentic.
And that’s why, if someone offered me a plane ticket tomorrow and said I could bodyboard anywhere in the world for a week, I’d probably choose Nicaragua.
If you’d like to experience it for yourself but don’t want to organise the whole trip alone, we run regular trips there at Bodyboard Holidays. These trips are designed to help riders score the best waves, explore the coastline and improve their bodyboarding — all while sharing the experience with a small group of like-minded bodyboarders.
You can find out more about our Nicaragua trips here:
https://bodyboard-holidays.com/destinations/nicaragua/
Who knows, it might just become one of your favourite places in the world too.
What the Experts Have to Say
While writing this article and reflecting on my fondness for Nicaragua, I did start to wonder if I might be seeing it through slightly rose-tinted glasses and overhyping it as a destination. So I checked in with a few of my colleagues at Bodyboard Holidays to get their take on the country.
“I mean it’s classic warm water beach breaks, epic waves, good vibes and 300 days of off shore winds. Not much more you could want out of a tropical paradise bodyboarding holiday!” – Iain Campbell, former World Champion and fellow Bodyboard Holidays coach
“The reason I love Nicaragua so much is because of the constant offshore breeze, that’s not just for keeping the waves completely clean all the time but also the fact that it’s warm but cooling, so you don’t tend to get sweaty and feel uncomfortable but you’re still warm. And the fact that there are so many good beach break peaks, coinciding with the said offshore breeze, means even if it’s thigh high you can get barrels with lots of ramps, it’s good from 1ft to 8ft. It’s certainly one of my favourite parts of the world, especially the wedge!” – Rob Barber, former European Champion and owner of Bodyboard Holidays
