Surf Coaching Retreats

Absolutely loved the Mentawais! I have journeyed with the Barefoot team three times now. They have been exceptional each time. The coaching and analysis are done professionally and with genuine care and concern. The team is consistent and thorough. Molly, Elin, Virgile and Augustin are such good humans. We consider them family now. I look forward to another adventure with Barefoot again soon!

The Best Mentawais Surf Experience! There is no better people you can be with than Barefoot Surf. It’s the most fun 10 days of the year. Amazing videos, coaching and pushing you to keep improving. Been three years now and can’t wait for #4. It’s always great to reconnect with the crew and meet new people with similar mindset and goals. If you are thinking about it, just book the trip. You won’t regret it! Mahalo 🤙🏼

World class surf adventure Barefoot Surf is in a class by itself. It has to be one of the best if not the best surf instruction and travel group in the world. Travel arrangements and organization was flawless. Now surfing back on my home break I can absolutely feel the progress we made. The weeks schedule had ample time for surfing and teaching with outings, yoga, side adventures and independent time perfectly balanced. The local team was outstanding, also world class. The boys literally created a new section of road through the forest to navigate around a fallen tree to keep access to our essentially private surf spot open. That’s dedication! Villa was amazing and supremely comfortable. Didn’t realize we’d have our own local grandmother and chef, Catalina, in the kitchen cooking up incredible meals, what a privilege. Huge thanks to the Barefoot team for an experience we’ll never forget that I would recommend to all and would absolutely do again.

July 2026 Nicaragua trip Me and my family had an amazing time on this trip to Nicaragua. The villa was perfect and the entire staff was friendly and always willing to help. We would recommend for any surfer looking to improve on their skills. Most days we were the only people at the beach. Overall a great experience and would come back any time!

Incredible surf coaching at an unbelievable location This was my second time with Barefoot in Nicaragua and can only recommend it to anyone. The people make or break an experience like this and Barefoot has the most lovely genuine head coaches, local in-water coaches, kitchen staff and even drivers. Surfing in tropical water with all-day off shore wind is incredible and every level surfer leaves with clear progression. Don’t think about it, just book it.

Nicaragua Surf Week This was a ton of fun, well organized, and the local expertise allowed us to surf at some unforgettable locations.

Would absolutely do this again and bring friends at any surf level. Beginners will learn quickly and experienced surfers get access to incredible waves for a full week.

Special shout-out to Sophie for her incredible hospitality at the villa. The meals, drinks, and energy she brought immediately puts you in vacation mode. Virgile is the best. François captured some stunning photos, and Elin and Molly were fantastic surf coaches who kept the stoke high the entire time.

The best way to progress in surfing! Thank you all for an amazing surf camp in San Jose Del Sur, Nicaragua! It was trip of a lifetime except I’m coming back every year!!! - see you again soon!

A Memorable Week in Nicaragua I had a fantastic week at Barefoot Surf. If you’re looking for a relaxed, social surf camp that strikes a great balance between improving your surfing and enjoying a laid-back vacation, Barefoot is an excellent choice.

The coaching was thoughtful and encouraging, with video review after each session supplemented by links to relevant sections of the online curriculum. Virgil, Elin, and Molly were genuinely invested in helping everyone improve while taking time to get to know the guests, creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere throughout the week.

The villa was comfortable and well suited to a laid-back surf camp. The home-cooked breakfasts and dinners were excellent, and I enjoyed having several evenings free to explore San Juan del Sur.

The pace of the week worked well for me. One coached surf session each day left plenty of time to recover, relax by the pool, or read a book. That said, because the surf breaks are a 15–20 minute drive away, fitting in a second session on your own isn’t very practical.

The entire staff was kind, welcoming, and genuinely engaged in creating a great experience. Sophie did an outstanding job making everything run smoothly, and the optional in-room massages and François’ surf and travel photography were wonderful additions that made the week even more memorable.

The group had a fun, social vibe, with many guests in their 30s and 40s. I left surfing better than when I arrived and with a genuine appreciation for the people who made the week such a memorable experience.

Unforgettable surf trip in Nicaragua! From the moment I arrived, everyone was welcoming and warm.
I went on this trip hoping to confront some in water fears I had been struggling with and to break a few bad habits. But I came away with so much more: knowledge, confidence, and a genuine sense of accomplishment.
Our coaches, Elle, Molly, and Virgil, were incredibly spirited, attentive to form, full of excellent tips, and delivered constructive feedback with enthusiasm and encouragement. Our in water instructors were experienced and reassuring.
Sophie, our house manager/producer of activities, culinary delights, fun AND relaxation, made our experience in San Juan del Sur so memorable. What impressed me most was how thoughtfully every detail was handled. Whether you were there to catch your first wave or looking to improve your technique, there was a sense that everyone genuinely wanted you to succeed. The atmosphere was supportive, fun, and ego free. I arrived hoping to become a better surfer but I left with a renewed willingness to push beyond my comfort zone. If you're considering a surf retreat in Nicaragua, I cannot recommend this experience highly enough. It was equal parts adventure, growth, relaxation, and joy.

Progress with the experts Barefoot Surf was an incredible experience from start to finish. What really stood out was how well they tailored the coaching to different skill levels. As a beginner, I came out of the trip surfing considerably better and feeling much more confident in the water. The instructors used video analysis along with in-water coaching, which made such a huge difference in helping me improve quickly and understand what I needed to work on.

At the same time, the intermediate surfers in the group were also challenged and coached at their own level, so everyone got exactly what they needed out of the experience. The staff went above and beyond to make you feel comfortable, supported, and confident both in and out of the water. The entire Barefoot team felt like a family, and that energy made the whole experience even more special.

The villa itself was gorgeous, and I felt welcomed the moment I arrived in Nicaragua. Everything was thoughtfully organized, creating such a relaxed and fun atmosphere. When we weren’t surfing, every need was taken care of — from snacks and drinks to dinner plans and adventures. It made the entire trip feel effortless and allowed everyone to fully relax and enjoy the experience. We also met such amazing, like-minded people who quickly became friends, which made the trip even more memorable. The food was fresh and delicious every day, and the yoga sessions were the perfect way to unwind after surfing.

Overall, Barefoot Surf created an experience that felt equal parts adventure, improvement, and relaxation. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone, whether you’re just learning or already have experience surfing. Don’t think twice — just book it. You won’t regret it.