Surfing in Nicaragua first began in the late 1970s, but it wasn't until the early 1990s after the end of an arduous civil war that the Nicaraguan Ministry of Tourism saw fit to start promoting the country as a viable surfing destination. Nicaragua may not feature quite the same surf-happy atmosphere and idyllic waves as neighboring Costa Rica, but this can actually be seen as a benefit since there are far fewer crowds and less tourist inflation to contend with. Nicaragua's surfing scene continues to blossom, and travelers will do well to familiarize themselves with the lay of the land to make the most of their trips.

Favorite Surf Spots Virtually all of Nicaragua's surfing spots lie along its Pacific coast. The country's Caribbean coast is scenic, but it does not have conditions conducive to surfing. On the Pacific the southwest shores, in particular, feature the best surf, according to the website Surfline. The regions of San Juan del Sur and Rivas boast especially vibrant surf communities. The Maderas and Popoyo beaches on the fringes of these towns stand out as two of the top places to check out. As for the northern coastline, visitors will encounter decent breaks in Leon and Chinandega.

Climate Considerations Nicaragua's tropical climate is defined by shifts between rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season spans May through January, while the dry season lasts from February to April, according to GlobalSurfers.com. Conditions remain hot and humid for most of the year, with temperatures dropping slightly around the height of winter in December and January.

Surf Seasons Nicaragua enjoys an ongoing series of surf seasons, which provide serviceable conditions for nine months out of the year. The summer period between June and August ranks as the best and most crowded season, according to Surfline. The fall season features a bit more rain and fewer tourist groups. Fall gives way to the off-season months of December and January, when winter ushers in strong offshore winds and upwelling that produce chilly ocean temperatures. Additionally, the winter waves are markedly smaller than the summer ones. As such, Surfline does not recommend visiting around this time of year. Finally, the spring season brings in a fresh round of south swells and windy weather.

Surf Conditions Nicaragua's surf conditions are largely influenced by two big inland bodies of water: Lake Managua and Lake Nicaragua. The vast open spaces created by the lakes allow Caribbean trade winds to blow across the country and stir up swells along the coast of the Pacific, according to QuikSilver Travel. These consistent winds contribute to an abundance of "S" swells and barrel waves, which concentrate mostly along the southwestern coast in the province of Rivas. WaveHunters.com describes this region as having some of the best points, rock reefs and beach breaks in Central America.

Packing Tips Pack a 3mm wetsuit. The ocean water here can drop as low as 60 degrees Fahrenheit, so a wetsuit is often necessary to keep warm. QuikSilver Travel also recommends packing a rain jacket to cope with occasional downpours and strong gusts of wind. Other essential items to tote to the beach include sunscreen and bottled water. Many of Nicaragua's prime surf spots lie off the beaten path, meaning that there aren't many shops and facilities available once surfers head out along the rugged trails that lead to outlying beaches.

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