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.

Barefoot surf trip Great trip. Molly, Elin and Virgile were amazing coaches. Sophie did a great job of managing anything we needed and taking care of the house. The cooking staff was great. If you are considering doing a trip with barefoot definitely do it exceeded all expectations.

5 Star surfing experience Barefoot Surf in Nicaragua is first class. Everything is taken care of from the moment you arrive. Well organised, professional, genuine, friendly and perfectly paced, so you get the tuition, time and practice you want in the water and space to relax and enjoy yourself with your co-campees and the Barefoot team. Highly highly recommended.

Barefoot Surf It is difficult to summarize just how exceptional this week has been with Barefoot Surf in Nicaragua.

1. A Surfing coach would go out in the water with you each day for an entire session. I am a beginner, yet Rex, seven time national champion, was my coach. He was patient and provided exceptional instruction on each wave, whether it was to identify which wave to grab, timing, wave breaking direction, change in the swell, etc. In other words, he was with you every step of the way and totally focused on your safety and providing real-time feedback.

2. I underestimated just how important individual surfing videos filmed from shore would be as a learning experience. What was in my head was very different than what is on my board. Completely different. The Barefoot staff would sit with you, individually, and go through every wave to provide feedback and demonstrate what needs to be corrected. Then you demonstrated the corrected move in front of them to solidify it in your muscle memory. In addition, surfing theory classes were taught every day in a group classroom. The filmed surfing videos of you are a game changer.

3. I left the best until last. The Barefoot staff is exceptional. I don’t mean just good at what they do, but they imbue the ethos of caring and go above and beyond to ensure that your experience is valuable and memorable. This culture is driven from the top. There are no egos and a beginner is valued just as much as an experienced surfer. The food is exceptional and prepared by a famous Nicaraguan chef named “Mama”. The villa we stayed at was gorgeous. All of this creates a setting where you meet some of the coolest people that are also on their surfing journey and become friends for life. And I might add that the daiquiris and margaritas are the best!

In terms of a big mistake I made? I delayed this trip for three years. I won’t make that mistake again.

My best to the Barefoot Surfing staff and the lifelong memorable experience you created for me.