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THE MISSION STARTS HERE.

Surf better. Live well. Find your crew.

Next Mission: March 21–28, 2026

Location: Amaru Resort, Nicaragua

Join the Mission

This is not a Surf Retreat.

A standard surf retreat is where you go to unplug. A Surf Mission is where you go to tap in and fuel your life.

Step into the experience that’s engineered for your breakthrough. Through expert surf coaching, restorative living, and shared adventure, you will get the exact structure needed to unlock your potential.

This isn’t just a week of surfing in Nicaragua—it’s a turning point in your surfing life.

Here’s how it happens:

  • A man and woman in wetsuits in the ocean with a surfboard, woman sitting on her knees and man giving surf coaching tips

    Personalized Progression

    Pick up exactly where you are in your surfing journey. Whether your goal is to pop up with precision, master a specific turn, or gain confidence in heavier waves, you will receive the precise coaching tools and video analysis needed to make real progress.

  • Woman surfing on a wave with a smile on her face under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

    Fuel Your Vitality

    Step into an environment fully optimized for you to eat well, sleep deeply, and recover with purpose. With all logistics and nutrition handled, your physical energy will be completely restored so you can surf—and live—at your peak potential.

  • A sunset boat trip in Nicaragua with a volcano in the background

    Connection Through Adventure

    Experience more than just the waves. Through curated adventures outside the surf, you will have the space to elevate your energy, build genuine connections with an amazing crew, and immerse yourself in the raw beauty of Nicaragua.

What Personalized Progression looks like:

“When I surfed on my own, I didn’t really catch a lot of waves and I could never really stay on them for a long time. I always kind of lost them. Once I started to work with Sam, he told me what I had to change. I applied it, and finally, I could surf the wave, and it was fun! I could stay on the wave for longer, and it was amazing!”

-Gabriela (Switzerland) Vital Surfing Client

  • A grassy path leading towards the ocean with small trees, a thatched shelter, and a perfect point break wave crests visible in the distance under a blue sky.
  • A small boat floating on the ocean with left point break waves on a clear day.
  • Empty beach with sand and ocean waves
  • Scenic view of the beach at sunset, with rolling waves, a distant landmass with trees, and lush green and brown vegetation in the foreground.
  • View of the ocean with waves and surfers, framed by trees and dry grass in the foreground.
  • Ocean waves crashing on the shore during sunset, framed by green tropical foliage and palm leaves.
  • Ocean waves crashing on rocky shoreline through green foliage

Northern Nicaragua: A Surfer’s Paradise

Experience one of the last frontiers of consistent, uncrowded waves.

This region holds a wave for every surfer—from heavy hollow barrels and empty A-frames to long, peeling point-breaks. No matter your current level, you will have the perfect canvas to improve.

We Live for These Moments:

  • A man with painted face surfing inside a barreling wave.

    The Perma-Grin:

    The smile plastered on your face for three hours straight because you're trading fun waves with the crew.

  • A person surfing a barreling wave in the ocean while another person is in the water with arms raised.

    The Level-Up

    That split second of disbelief when you stick that drop or nail a turn you thought was out of your league. You didn't just get lucky—you just leveled up!

  • People gathered around a long dining table in a dimly lit restaurant, enjoying a meal with candles on the table, rustic decor with warm lighting, and a chalkboard menu in the background.

    The Victory Meal

    Breaking down the best rides of the day over a delicious meal, laughing about the wipeouts, and feeling that "good tired" that only comes from a day fully lived.

Your Guides to the Breakthrough

A person surfing a large green wave in the ocean under a blue sky.
A man surfing inside a large blue wave.

With Sam Ray and Zach Bucolo, you will tap into 40 years of combined surfing experience and gain access to the precise coaching cues, ocean safety knowledge and video tools required to break through your surfing plateaus.

Expect to be pushed just enough out of your comfort zone—staying completely safe while feeling the rush of real progress.

THIS TRIP IS FOR YOU IF:

  • You want the specific coaching tools to unlock your next level of surfing.

  • You value genuine connection and want to share the lineup—and the victory meals—with a supportive crew.

  • You are ready to live well and fuel your body.

THIS IS NOT FOR YOU IF:

  • You are looking for a party trip where surfing is just a hangover cure.

  • You are looking for a standard vacation rather than an immersive experience.

What’s Included?

  • A surfer riding a wave in the ocean with three people on a boat watching in the foreground.

    Daily Strike Missions

    Get transported to the exact waves you need for your specific progression, matching the daily conditions directly to your goals. With a variety of breaks within reach, you will always have the ideal canvas to improve.

  • Laptop on a desk showing a surfer riding a wave at the beach with a person in curly hair in the foreground.

    Personalized Surf Progression

    Your progression begins before you even arrive with a pre-trip onboarding to lock in your goals. On-site, you will experience a powerful combination of in-water coaching, surf theory workshops, and targeted video analysis to build your custom roadmap. Finally, you will head home with a personalized Post-Mission Plan so your surfing never stops improving.

  • Person in a yoga pose with hands pressed together and head touching the ground on a yoga mat.

    Daily Yoga

    Recovering after the surf is essential to maintaining your performance. Step onto the mat for daily yoga sessions specifically designed to open up tight surfer shoulders and hips, ensuring you wake up loose, recovered, and ready to charge the next morning.

  • Two tacos on a white plate garnished with lime wedges, filled with vegetables, meat, and topped with sauce and herbs.

    Chef-Prepared Nutrition

    Vital nutrition is the foundation of living well and surfing your best. Fuel your body with chef-crafted meals designed for every stage of your day (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks)—made with zero seed oils or harmful additives, just real food. Whatever your lifestyle—Vegetarian, Vegan, Keto, or Gluten-Free—your dietary needs are entirely covered. View Sample Menu

  • Cozy bedroom with a large bed, rolled towels, a shelf with a small flower, and a window with sheer curtains overlooking a garden.

    Premium AC Accommodation

    Recovery is just as important as surfing. Sleep deeply in clean, private, climate-controlled rooms. No sweating through the night in a hot dorm.

  • Curated Adventures

    Go beyond the surf to deepen your connection with the crew and the raw nature around you. Experience adrenaline-filled wake surf sessions, guided ice baths, breathwork, and a local Temazcal sweat lodge—all intentionally designed to elevate your vibe and turn the crew into family.

  • A white vehicle parked on a sandy beach with the ocean and waves in the background and a partly cloudy sky above.

    Zero Friction Logistics

    From the moment you land at the Managua Airport to the moment you leave, your logistics are completely handled. No haggling with taxis, no stressing over Google Maps. Just get in the van, drop your bags, and relax.

  • Surfboards leaning against a wooden rack under a small roof shelter surrounded by green trees and plants.

    Board Rental

    Need to rent a board, or just want to try something completely different? You will have full access to a premium quiver of boards available to test and ride in all conditions.

  • A shirtless man standing in the ocean, holding a camera and taking photos, with waves crashing around him.

    Media Package

    Put your phone away and stay in the moment. You will have a dedicated professional photographer and videographer capturing high-res images and footage of your best waves, giving you all the proof you need to show the crew back home.

Everything Inside your Vital Mission:

Total Real-World Value: $3960

Your Vital Mission Price:

$2500 per person shared room (gender specific)

$2950 per person single room (limited availability)

Secure your Room

Your Ocean Mentors

A young man with a surfboard walking on the beach, smiling and making a shaka sign with his hand.

Sam Ray: The Strategist and Host

As a San Diego, CA native living in Nica, Sam has spent thousands of hours studying this coast. You'll benefit from his deep knowledge of every rock, wind shift, and hidden sandbar. Having scored the sessions of a lifetime here, his ultimate goal is to take you straight to them. You'll have your biggest fan in the water, rooting for you to win.

Certifications:

  • Lifelong surfer (20 years)

  • Water photographer

  • Boom Specialist (over 1000 hours surfing the break)

A man surfing inside a barrel, wearing a black wetsuit, with water dripping from his face and hands.

Zach Bucolo: Retreat Leader

Zach doesn't just surf; he charges. Having spent years traveling the world hunting the heaviest waves, he earns respect the moment he paddles out. You'll learn his complete lifestyle approach to performing in heavy conditions—prioritizing nutrition, mindset, and physical vitality. His level of preparation will give you the confidence to step outside your comfort zone and find your own breakthrough.

Certifications:

  • Surf Coach with 10 years experience

  • Water Safety Specialist

  • BWRAG (Big Wave Risk Assessment Group)

Let’s Clear the Air.

You have questions. We have honest answers. Here is what you need to know before you commit.

Have a question that’s not listed here? write us an email.

  • Not at all. Whether your goal is to nail your pop-up, master a bottom turn, or pull into your first tube, your coaching is tailored to your exact level. You just need to be comfortable in the ocean and ready to push your limits..

  • Absolutely. Many surfers join these missions solo. You will immediately plug into a supportive, tight-knit crew of like-minded individuals who share your exact drive for progression and good living.

  • We recommend bringing whatever board you love to ride.

    In March, the waves are typically waist-to-head high—perfect for everything from longboards and mid-lengths to shortboards. If you prefer to skip the airline hassle and travel light, you will have access to a full premium rental quiver on-site to test in all conditions.

  • You will be fueled by chef-prepared, performance-focused meals. Expect high-quality proteins, fresh local ingredients, and absolutely zero seed oils or harmful additives. If you have specific dietary needs (Vegan, Keto, Gluten-Free), your lifestyle is entirely accommodated.

    • Breakfast: "Plato Nica" (Eggs, plantains, rice & beans) or GF Banana Pancakes.

    • Lunch: Fresh Catch Ceviche with plantain chips or Mediterranean Salads.

    • Dinner: Grilled Fish/Steak Tacos, Pad Thai, or Vegetable Curries.

    • Dessert: Cacao Nib Brownies or Passion Fruit Ice Cream. (We cater to Vegan, GF, Keto, and Paleo diets upon request).

  • Northern Nicaragua is one of the most consistent swell magnets in Central America. But if the ocean takes a rest, your progression doesn't. You will dive deep into land-based surf theory, video analysis, and recovery protocols so your momentum never stops.

  • Absolutely. While the news often lags behind reality, Nicaragua is statistically one of the safest countries in Central America—often ranked safer than Costa Rica. The region we operate in (Northern Nicaragua) is rural, quiet, and incredibly welcoming. Furthermore, your safety is our logistics priority: from the moment you land in Managua, you are in our private transport and under our care until you fly home.

  • Yes! Amaru Resort is a stunning beachfront sanctuary. While you are hunting waves, your partner can enjoy the oceanfront pool, yoga deck, massage services, and incredible food. We offer a "Non-Surfer Rate"—just email us for details.

  • There is an appropriate spot for surfers of all abilities almost every day here in Northern Nicaragua. While the region is famous for its prized wave, "The Boom" (a heavy beach break), there are many other waves around. We are "Ocean Mentors" first—safety is our priority. Your sessions are always curated for safe, steady progression.

  • We know you can’t always completely unplug. Amaru Resort uses Starlink high-speed internet. You will have plenty of bandwidth to take Zoom calls, check in with family, or upload your surf footage without issue.

  • Definitely. If you have a group ready to level up together, you can lock in a fully private mission. Just reach out to secure your custom dates.

  • To secure your spot in the lineup, we require a $1000 non-refundable deposit. The remaining balance is due 30 days before the retreat start date. We recommend travel insurance to cover any unexpected life events!

Ocean waves crashing on a sandy beach with some green plants and driftwood in the foreground.

Ready to Level Up?

Imagine the flight home.

You aren't sitting there dreading the return to reality; you are sitting there buzzing with new energy. You have salt in your ears, a camera roll full of epic memories, and a body that feels more capable than ever.

You won't just be thinking about the waves you rode. You will be thinking, "Thank goodness I finally did this for myself."

Take the trip!