Name: 8 Day Yoga and Surf Camp in El Transito, Nicaragua for Beginners and Advanced Beginners
Brand: Independent Surfer
Price: 2950 USD
Availability: InStock

Accommodation

Check-in Time:

14:00

Check-out Time:

12:00

Mandla Resort

Mandla is an exclusive oceanfront property, offering guests unrivaled service and luxury on the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua. This is the place to go for ultimate privacy, and to enjoy all the adventures that this beautiful country has to offer.

Owner / operators Damian and Katie come with over 19 years of combined experience working on super yachts around the world: hosting, entertaining, and feeding the world's most elite clients. Bringing their exceptionally high level of client service with them, you can expect to receive attention to detail unlike anywhere else in Nicaragua.

Owner Katie heads the kitchen, creating mouthwatering bespoke menus! With over 11 years' experience cheffing all over the world, she describes her favorite style of cuisine as rustic Mediterranean - using personally sourced fresh and seasonal produce to create a stunning array of dishes to be enjoyed in the open-air rancho overlooking the great Pacific Ocean.

Ultimately, Mandla’s goal is to provide you with an unforgettable, invigorating experience, enjoying the natural beauty of El Transito in comfortable, beautifully designed, beachfront accommodation.

Room selection

Retreat packages are set at a fixed price and include your selection of room on a first-come, first-serve basis. All rooms have air conditioning and a private bathroom, as well as receive morning housekeeping and evening turndown service.

All retreat guests will also have full access to all shared resort areas, including an oceanfront pool area with a bar, open-air living area with games, dining areas, and yoga deck. Wi-Fi is available throughout.

Casa Amigos

Casa Amigos is a modern house within the Mandla property. Selecting this option will give you one ensuite king bedroom with television in a three-bedroom house shared with other retreat guests. The house includes the following shared spaces: living area, kitchen, pool, and tropical garden.

The Beach Bungalow

The Beach Bungalow is a house within the Mandla property. Selecting this option will give you one ensuite king bedroom in a two-bedroom house shared with other retreat guests. Please note that the Beach Bungalow does not have hot water showers. The house includes the following shared spaces: living area, kitchen, pool, and tropical garden.

Oceanview Casitas

The oceanfront casitas are private ensuite bedrooms with amazing ocean views. Selecting this option will give you one queen-size bedroom with an ensuite bathroom. These rooms do not have a living area or kitchen, but you will have access to the resort's shared living, dining, pool, and yoga areas.

Gardenview Casitas

The garden casitas are ensuite bedrooms with tropical garden views. Selecting this option will give you one ensuite bedroom with two twin beds or one king bed. If you will be traveling by yourself and would like to receive the discounted double occupancy rate, please select the twin bed option and you will share the bedroom with one other retreat guest.

These rooms do not have a living area or kitchen, but you will have access to the resort's shared living, dining, pool, and yoga areas.

Program

This surf camp in Nicaragua is your surfing wonderland where you will get to retreat to life’s simplicities. Located right on the beach with three unique surf spots and a short walk down the beach, a surf retreat at Mandla Resort in El Transito, Nicaragua really feels like you are in paradise.

With beachfront, boutique-luxury accommodation, fine dining, expert surf coaching, and iconic sunsets, there really isn’t much more you’d want. Connect with a global community of surfers in paradise.

You will surf two times per surfing day. Each surf session is roughly two hours and includes coaching during both sessions. You will do take one day off to rest tired muscles and head out for a different kind of adventure. The resort is located directly on the beach, so if you want to surf more than twice a day, you can!

Professional surf coaching for everyone

At Independent Surfer, they simplify technique through understanding. They believe that surfing is a sport that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their age, experience level, or physical abilities.

Their professional surf coaching program is designed to help you understand the fundamental principles of surfing, break down complex techniques into simple steps, and build a strong foundation for your surfing.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced surfer looking to refine your skills, Independent Surfer's expert coaches will provide personalized guidance and support to help you achieve your goals.

Surf sessions

From sunset to sunrise, maximize your time with two surfs per day! Independent Surfer's goal is for you to dramatically improve your surfing in a short period of time. There’s no better way to do that than to surf your brains out. Don’t worry, if twice a day won’t be enough, you will be welcome to surf a third time!

Mandla is perfectly situated around three different surf spots, all within a five-minute beach stroll. These surf spots all work on different tides, which offers you great waves on any tide.

Additionally, El Transito is centrally located on the West Coast of Central America. It is in the zone that is considered to have the most consistent off-shore wind in the world, which means clean, groomed surf two out of three days.

You'll have expertly guided surf sessions in a group format with a focus on individual goals. Each session will include in-water assistance from local guides and technical coaching from Jordy. Each surf session will be roughly two to three hours long in beginner-friendly waves, most of which are directly in front of the resort.

Theory classes

These classes will be expertly tailored to accelerate your surfing progress! For the past eight years, Independent Surfer has refined their theory classes, so they work hand-in hand with their video review sessions and direct feedback format. Their syllabus is designed chronologically, so you won’t miss a beat!

Below is a list of the skills you will improve on at this surf retreat. Independent Surfer's theory classes are comprised of 10 years of experience in coaching. The following are subject to change according to overall group surf ability.

Improved wave count

Understand how waves break, how to read them, and how to position yourself in the right place so you never miss a wave again!

Board handling

Manage your board efficiently, avoiding injury and increasing wave count.

Paddle technique

By perfecting your paddle technique, you'll be able to catch more waves and find yourself catching better waves.

Improved pop-up

Master your pop up technique and never fall on the take-off ever again. Independent Surfer will combine land training with video analysis to maximize your progress at the retreat!

Navigate crowds

The surf in Nicaragua is by no means crowded, but that's not going to always be the case when you travel. So, Independent Surfer has a whole theory class dedicated to help you stay one step ahead of the crowds!

Read surf forecasts

Master the art of knowing where to surf and plan your own surf trips with expert knowledge on how to read surf forecasts!

Master the bottom turn

The most important turn in surfing will be made easy with the combination of bottom turn theory class and daily video reviews!

Speed generation

With maximized intensity, learn to maximize and utilize your surfboard to the best of your ability by applying speed generation to every wave!

Cutback

Make the most of each and every wave with the ability to cut back to the power source on soft shoulder sections.

Carve

Utilize your speed in the best way possible with the combination of movement-based theory classes and video review sessions aimed at improving your carves!

Snap

Take your surfing to the next level by perfecting the frontside snap at this surf retreat!

Increased stamina

Surfing twice a day will increase your stamina, helping you to maximize each and every surf session.

Beginner theory classes:

Introduction to mental and physical
Equipment
Paddle theory
Pop-up theory
Surf scenarios
Pop-up review
Bottom turn
Surf science
Catching and reading waves
Reading surf forecasts

Surf filming: The ultimate tool for rapid progress

There is no better way to learn, than having an expert surf coach review your footage. At the Independent Surfer, they won’t just tell you what you are doing right and wrong, and they certainly won’t use vague terms like go with the flow.

Instead, they will teach you the fundamentals of surfing, and how to review your own footage so you understand it, and are able to make decisions for yourself! Daily video reviews will maximize your time in Nicaragua.

Each week will include the filming of five surf sessions. After each session, participants and Independent Surfer will sit down as a group and review the day’s footage together. All your footage will be shared with you at the end of the week.

4k footage (included in your stay)

Filming and video analysis will be an integral part of your learning experience. So, Independent Surfer will film every day that you surf and at the end of your stay, you will get to keep every moment as a token of your commitment to improving your surfing!

Equipment rental: A variety to choose from

Independent Siurfer has got you covered! They have a variety of boards to choose from, including foam boards between eight and nine feet, longboards over nine feet, and midlength boards between seven and eight feet. Their selection of boards below six feet is small. They highly suggest that you bring your own board if you have one and if it is not a hassle to travel with.

Getting to know a specific board well and sticking to one board during the learning process will make your time with Independent Surfer way more productive. Ultimately, they suggest getting used to a specific board before traveling and then bringing that board with you, if you can.

If not, please mention what type of board you think you will need for the retreat and they will work to ensure that you will have a suitable board for the retreat.

Daily yoga sessions with Emily Cordes

Emily is a longtime yogi with more than eight years of teaching experience. She has extensive knowledge and experience in knowing exactly what your body needs after a long day of surfing!

Yoga classes will be offered daily on the resort's very deck, perched over one of the best sunsets in the world. It’ll be easy to run wild, exploring and surfing all day when you know you can actively restore your body to do it all again!

Surf coaching for beginners

8 surf sessions
10 surf theory classes
Surf equipment
5 filming and review sessions
All footage included

Included excursions

Get out there and awaken your sense of adventure!

To uphold their oath to fun and adventure, Independent Surfer has included an adventurous excursion into the itinerary. The body will start to shut down after three or four days of surfing twice a day, so will you get out and do something a little different.

You have two options: sandboarding down an active volcano while visiting the history of Managua or chasing waves and wakeboarding in an untouched estuary! Independent Surfer will typically let the group decide which they would like to do and encourage everyone to join in on the fun!

Volcano boarding - Not much needed to be said about sandboarding down an active volcano!
Boat trip - Search for new waves and wakeboard in a secluded estuary!

Sunset horse riding (Lux package only)

Join Independent Surfer for an unforgettable evening as they saddle up and ride off into the Nicaraguan sunset. Sunset horse riding on the beach is an easy tick off the bucket list at this surf retreat in Nicaragua!

Don’t worry if you are not the most skilled rider, the horses are super friendly and the guides will help you out. There will also be ample space on the beach to not only ride, but gallop into the sunset for more experienced riders.

Instructors

Jordan Ball

Originally hailing from the rugged East Coast of South Africa, he has been surfing waves since 2007. A passion for teaching led him to become a surf instructor in 2013, where he honed his skills and deepened his understanding of the sport. With a keen eye for detail and a scientific approach, he has dedicated his career to unraveling the intricacies of surfing. After a successful stint as head instructor and part-owner of Surf Camp Lombok in Indonesia, he has brought his expertise to The Independent Surfer. Inspired by the challenges of learning to surf, he has carefully crafted a curriculum.

Location

Mandla, El Transito, Nicaragua

The retreat resort, Mandla, is a beautiful, luxury oceanfront venue located in El Transito. It is situated in a small bay with uncrowded waves that are great for beginners and advanced beginners alike, making for one of the best surf camps in Nicaragua.

Despite having the advantage of airport proximity, it still remains one of Nicaragua’s most untouched, remote beaches. It must be noted that this is not a built-up beach town. The beauty of Mandla is it's being a retreat location for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The surf spots

The Point

A five-minute stroll down the beach, this long left-hand point break is a gentle rolling point on small swells, perfect for beginners and advanced beginners to hone their skills. The Point grows in playfulness as it grows in size and offers a challenging and rippable wall perfect for intermediates to work on turns. This wave is best on low tide.

El Transito main break

Located between The Point and Pistols and a three-minute walk from Mandla Resort, this spot breaks both left and right and is perfect for beginners and advanced beginners on small days, and is super rippable for intermediates on bigger days. The beach break is best on high tide, which will close the loop for you, offering good conditions all day long.

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Food

Food to nourish your soul!

Did Independent Surfer mention that their menu designer cheff'd for the queen? Meet Katie Hunt, the Mother Teresa of dogs and former chef of the Queen of England, who is the mastermind behind the unmatched culinary experience at Mandla.

Independent Surfer promises that you won't go hungry. In fact, you probably won't want to leave. They included all meals in your package as well as a variety of drinks for everyone! There will always be more than enough food to go around, with four meals per day. You’ll probably end up skipping meals, although, you won’t want to miss out on one of the highlights of this trip!

Fine dining included

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be included daily. All meals will be crafted by a professional chef with the highest quality ingredients.

You'll kickstart the day with cafetières of Nicaragua’s finest coffee and breakfast of your choice. Choose items from the breakfast menu, such as tropical coconut fruit bowls or homemade fresh breakfast bagels. For early morning surf days, a pre-surf snack and coffee will also be provided.

Lunch will usually be enjoyed at the pool or at ”The Alcove” - picture an ice bucket with a pale bottle of French Rosé, and sides of oysters and ceviche. Dinner will be experience-focused, such as a South African “braai."

A limited amount of beer and house wines will be included each day and on the final night, there will be an open bar with liquors included. Additional cocktails will be available for purchase. All simple syrups and infused liquors will be made in-house and Independent Surfer uses fresh fruit and herbs in all their drinks.

All dietary requirements can be accommodated. The surf camp also includes one bonfire and beach dinner experience. It excludes one dinner and one lunch out (except for the Lux package).

Independent Surfer caters to vegans, vegetarians, pescatarian, gluten-free, and all allergies. Their dedicated team will collect all of your vital information during the booking process. They look forward to accommodating any and all of your food preferences.

Pre-surf breakfast / tea / coffee

Enjoy a delectable snack of granola, seasonal fruits, and your favorite morning beverage while the sun rises. This pre-surf snack will give you the boost you need to surf your best early in the morning!

Post-surf brunch

After working up a real appetite, you’ll be greeted with a mouth-watering, hearty, and homemade breakfast that changes every day.

Lunchtime

Lunch will usually be enjoyed at the pool or in ”The Alcove” - picture an ice bucket with a pale bottle of French Rosé, and sides of oysters and ceviche.

Delectable dinner

Dinner will usually be experience-focused. As it’ll be time to unwind, prepare to satisfy your bellies with a host of international cuisines, including South African, Italian, Spanish, and more!

Free drinks

Yes, Independent Surfer includes a limted amount of house wines, beers, and cool drinks as part of your experience. So, you can treat yourself to a drink by the pool or pair your dinner with a glass of wine!

The following meals are included:

Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Snacks
Drinks

The following drinks are included:

Water
Coffee
Tea
Soda
Alcoholic beverages
Detox juices

The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:

Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Pescatarian
Other dietary requirements on request

If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation

Things to do (optional)

Extra drinks
Extra food
Extra excursions
Transfer from anywhere other than the Managua airport
Damaged equipment

Spa treatments

Restorative massage: Revitalize, relax, and unwind (Lux package only)

You deserve to relax and unwind after accomplishing all your surfing goals. Independent Surfer has included a mandatory massage at no extra fee with their international masseuse in your package because you deserve to treat yourself!

Just let them know when you want to have your massage and they’ll organize it for you. The masseuse is on call, so you can have as many massages as you'd like during your stay. Please note that there will be a fee after your first massage.

What's included

2 surfs per day with coaching (except on arrival, departure, and excursion days)
Daily surf theory and video analysis
Equipment rental
Daily guided yoga sessions
All surfing video footage from the week
Private two-way airport transfers scheduled anytime to and from Managua International Airport to Mandla Resort (Luxe Package Only)
Shared two-way airport transfers at scheduled time
Excursion day (either volcano boarding or wakeboarding boat trip)
7 nights boutique luxury accommodation (with air conditioning and hot showers)
All meals and snacks at Mandla
All meals out on excursion day and meal out (Lux package only)
Select drinks (Lux package only)
Child care if needed (please inquire about child guest pricing) (Lux package only)
Complementary massage (Lux package only)
Sunset horse riding experience (Lux package only)

What's not included

Airfare

How to get there

Recommended Airports

MGA

Augusto C. Sandino International Airport

59 km

Transfer included

Arrival by plane

Please book your flight to arrive at Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA). The price includes a free airport transfer to and from the airport on check-out and check-in days, respectively. Please note that the free shuttle will only be available to and from the airport on arrival day and departure day.

Airport: Augusto C. Sandino International Airport Airport transfer included: Augusto C. Sandino International Airport No additional charges. You can request this in the next step.

Cancellation Policy

A reservation requires a deposit of 25% of the total price.
The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.

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