The Best Surf & Yoga Retreats
Central America Has To Offer

Rise up Guatemala - A blessing! Rise up Guatemala is simply AMAZING. Relaxing, but energetic; a perfect balance for body and mind! Incredible staff, teammates, spot (Swell Hotel, El paredón) and food (you can't imagine) Surf and yoga sessions, sunset, other activities... Everyday (I mean, FUN everyday) Unbelievable, unforgattable ♥ Porque no? Just do it. You're hesitating because you think it's a littly pricy for a 7-days experience. I swear, the experience is worth way more than that! I recommand it and I would do it again tomorrow morning. The only little thing about Guatemala is that the surf spot is maybe not the best for beginners but the Rise up team made the surf sessions easier with their good teaching. As a beginner surfer, Nicaragua or Costa Rica retreats are maybe a better option first. Thanks again for everything and see you soon (I hope so)!

Can't wait to go back I simply loved my stay with Rise Up in Guatemala! The team was excellent, the food was increidible and the resort was a wonderful spot to hang out and relax. I had never surfed before and was very worried about the pacific waves as I am not a proficient swimmer but the team gently introduced us to surf! Both Matts, Liam, and Anna were fantastic in and out of the water. The yoga classes were excellent, Morgan was wondeful smiling face to practice yoga with. I can't wait to experince it in Nicaragua. Thank you Rise Up Familia!

Amazing! Absolutely fantastic surf and yoga retreat. Matt, Liam, and Anna were world class surf coaches. Morg was a fantastic yoga instructor. And above all, everyone was a pleasure to hang out with. Accommodations were perfect—as was the food. The team was exceedingly helpful coordinating my airport transfers after multiple flight cancellations. Would recommend this retreat it Guatemala to beginner surfers and advanced surfers alike. Can’t wait to go on another retreat!

I'll echo another use: "Just book it!" I so enjoyed my stay with Rise Up in Nicaragua! I'll start with the location. The grounds-- situated on a teak farm-- remote and peaceful, with no shortage of friendly dogs on the compound. A quality, coconut-lined beach break beckons just steps away. I'll next turn to the food. Each meal was clean, plant-forward, nutritious, unbelievably good, and made with love by the wonderful Sue. The food was precisely what I needed to feel fueled for each day of surf. Next, the staff. The coaches and instructors at Rise Up are what truly distinguish this retreat from the rest. Anna and Liam were detailed-oriented, gentle, and technical in providing feedback--exactly what one needs to improve in this sport that is equal parts frustrating and life-affirming. The staff was also consistently kind, light-hearted, and attentive throughout the week. Francisco shared his impressive knowledge of Nicaraguan biodiversity. Mackenzie provided thoughtful and much-needed yoga sessions: restorative, meditative, grounding, and seemingly aimed to target the muscles utilized most in surfing. Gaby--a talented photographer--deftly dodged me a couple times in the water (sorry, Gaby!) and captured some photos I'll cherish forever. One final contextual note: On the trip, I unexpectedly had to handle a couple matters for work back home. Although I certainly wish I could have unplugged, the staff (and other fellow guest!) were very accommodating and supportive of my need to devote a few hours a day to my work. Also, I went on this trip solo and could not have felt more welcomed or accepted. Thank you all--I greatly appreciate it! Overall, I highly recommend Rise Up Nicaragua. It's not only great value for your money: it's also simply an incredibly well-organized and well-staffed retreat

Simply Amazing!!! As a beginner surfer… Rise Up Surf was the perfect place to go in Nicaragua! The surf coaches were knowledgeable and patient - keeping safety first and foremost. Truly amazing and kind Nicaraguan staff - “thank you” for such genuineness 🙂 And one must absolutely highlight the incredible farm to table meals. Sue, you are world-class 🌺 Being on the ocean meant surfing right there and hearing the waves as you slept. The cabanas were natural and beautiful with their own inner courtyard style open bathroom and shower. There was also a screen over the bed for comfort. It truly was a complete “Tranquil Escape” surf retreat package — whether beginner or more advanced. THANK YOU Corina & Phil for such an incredibly authentic, caring and real experience. Familia! 💙 NOTE: Daily yoga, horseback riding on the beach, walking to the top of a dormant volcano, and a trip to the estuary by boat were also highlights!

Just book it! I just came back from my 6th trip with Rise Up and as I expected the trip was fantastic. Rise Up is the place to go if you want to learn how to surf or improve your surfing. they cater to all surf levels, from beginner to expert. Their coaching staff is great at highlighting areas where you can improve and they use a lot of video analysis in their program. More importantly, Rise Up attract clientele who are warm, open, fun and energetic. if you are travelling as a solo traveler, couple of group of friends, you'll be sure to meet other people that you'll call friends by the end of the week. it takes a little bit of time to travel to northern Nicaragua but once you are there you won't be disappointed. There are lots of surf breaks to chose from and you are almost guaranteed to have no one else in the water wherever you end up. Phil and Corina have built a great program, with great staff and great accommodations. I wouldn't even consider going anywhere else. if you are looking for a great surf trip, just book it.

Relaxation and Adventure This was a trip of a lifetime. Rise Up Surf retreats is a balance of adventure and relaxation. The surf coaches are amazing and the staff is very friendly and accommodating. I learned so much about my surfing and cannot wait to go back. I would not change a thing about my time with Rise Up.

Rise Up - das allerbeste Surfretreat 🙂 Ich war im Dezember für eine Woche im Rise Up Surf Retreat in Nicaragua und bin immer noch fasziniert von dieser tollen Woche. Ich kann das Retreat wärmstens empfehlen. Es ist einfach ein 10 von 10 🙂 Ich war schon in einigen anderen Retreats und Rise-up war mit Abstand das allerbeste Retreat. Es beginnt bei der Organisation wo man viel Unterstützung kriegt vorallem wegen der Covid-Situation. Der Transport vom Flughafen hat auch einwandfrei funktioniert und sobald man bei der Location ankommt, gehört man zur Rise Up Familia. Sie kümmern sich von der ersten Sekunde um dich und alle Aktivitäten sind perfekt und mit viel Liebe organisiert. Als Gast kann man sich einfach zu 100% entspannen. Beim Surfen, habe ich innerhalb einer Woche sehr grosse Fortschritte gemacht. Wir hatten die Strände meistens für uns alleine und die Konditionen waren perfekt. Die Sicherheit im Wasser kommt an oberster Stelle und ich habe mich immer sehr wohl gefühlt. Je nach Surflevel wird man in kleine Gruppen zugeteilt. Zu dritt hatten wir zwei Surfcoaches und wir gingen an unterschiedliche Strände je nach Konditionen. Es hat unglaublich viel Spass gemacht. Auch das Yoga und die weiteren Aktivitäten, bei denen man teilnehmen darf waren genial. Wir gingen auf einen Vulkan wandern, haben Tortillas selber gemacht, gingen wakeboarden und haben Salsa getanzt. Nicht zu vergessen, das leckere und abwechslungsreiche Essen. Jeden Tag gab es Frühstück, Mittag und Abendessen. Herzlichen Dank für alles, ich freue mich jetzt schon auf das nächste Retreat. Liebe Grüsse Céline

Fantastic surf retreat My friends and I just retuned from a week at Rise Up Nicaragua and I can honestly say I wouldn't change a thing about this retreat! We were group of women ages 40-late 50's, beginner to intermediate and we all had an incredible experience. It's been a week since since we got home and I wanted to see if all the things I learned would carry over to very different conditions at home. I live in N. California and winter surf here is cold and big and sometimes heavy. Well, it turned out besides all the very useful technical knowledge and individual instruction, the main takeaway is my increased confidence. With new knowledge learned from video analysis, surf theory, and the support of coaches in the water I came home and have surfed bigger and more technically challenging waves then I would have before. And I wasn't even a little scared!! We were all there to surf and we mostly focused surfing as much a possible and we certainly got that! 3hours plus hours in the morning and optional sunset surf right our front. There were some beginners there ( never surfed before) and they shared with me that they had a wonderful time too. Not wanting to or able to surf for so long each day and as a complete newbie they needed other activities and Rise Up was able to meet their needs too. Corina and Phil (and their adorable daughter Kaia) were always available and seem to be the most chill people on the planet! Our coaches Kim and Donny were an amazing wealth of knowledge, experience and encouragement. They're hella funny too. I would highly recommend this retreat and am thrilled to be part of the Rise Up Familia.

Always a good time with the Rise Up crew! This was my second trip in less than 6 months, and it absolutely did not disappoint. If you want a local experience at some of the best breaks in Nicaragua this trip is for you! Corina and Phil somehow bring together an amazing group (both the staff and guests), and the team does an exceptional job at curating a unique experience for any age and experience level. From tortilla making with a local woman to beautiful warm surf with knowledgeable coaches to breathtaking views and accommodations to delicious meals and much more. For some, this was a life changing trip and for others they upskilled their surfing and relaxed into the eve. You can make it whatever you want, but one thing is certain, you will walk away with memories that will last a lifetime, new friends, and a deepened stoke for surfing. Can't wait for the next ride with the Rise Up crew!