December 13th, 2023

Somewhere in Nicaragua

The size was the smallest I’ve seen in a while today. Longer gear was definitely advantageous! Some extra patience was also useful 🙂

This local fella (I think) was here on a boat trip and got a few nice rides before cruising off into the sunset on a panga. Relaxed style, but adequate speed with this end section tag.

This unknown surfer was one of the few shortboarders I saw getting decent rides. His decision to surf at French Fries was the correct move as the wave was standing deeper there than any of the other peaks.

One of the few mini-left barrels at the Costa Mar sandbar on the other side of the reef. It was so gentle that with the mid-tide waves weren’t breaking consistently at the middle / deep-rock peak.

This beginner / budding intermediate surfer was also visiting on a boat trip. She isn’t over the moon here, but I can tell her that the waves were pretty close to ideal for her today (aside from the wind).

Dario and his lady friend Lisseth (I think) were out shooting for the stars with some tandem rides on a SUP. I was skeptical of their prospects of success, but if you follow along you’ll see that my skepticism was unfounded. Don’t fade Dario’s mysto equipment skills haha

The rare “gotcha” set to keep everyone at the sandbars on their toes.

Here’s Jett’s French Fry barrel, but no Jetty? He was probably out surfing at Colorados at sunset, I’ve seen him out surfing a considerable amount recently.

The classic Pangas split peak from the side view. This is why moderately consistent Pangas can usually handle a moderate crowd.

This little guy bodyboarded most of his waves, but I was stoked that he committed to his pop-up on this left and got a perfect little peeler. Yeah little buddy!

Big board, big reward. I like this guy’s relaxed, classic, old-school upper-body posture and style.

Dario and Lisseth with the wave of the evening! Cheeeesee! You know the surfer is having a good time when you can see their pearly whites.

Woah there! That’s not all, Dario and Lisseth let some sparks fly to close the ride. It’s not Valentines yet guys? Or is somebody’s drone carrying some mistletoe overhead?

Don’t get me started on “I’m On a Boat” by Lonely Island, but it was a pretty epic off-season evening in its own way. Not everyday is pumping here in Nicaragua, but there’s usually a couple of golden windows each day even in offseason. Sometimes it just takes some creativity and flare (as demonstrated by Dario) to make the most of the situation. Tomorrow is supposed to be a little bigger (not much) and slightly less windy, but check back in because you never know what antics you’ll observe in the lineup haha!