Nicaragua – A Spontaneous Adventure

January 2012.

“Hey, what’s up Shane.”

“Hey Buddy. I’m booking a trip to Nicaragua. You gotta come.”

“That sounds awesome, but I’m already back to work.”

“Talk to Scott. Ask for a week off. But do it soon, because I’m booking my flights right now. I leave in two weeks.”

“I’ll let you know.”

Click.

After six long years of surfing nothing but cold water — wetsuit required year round — I decided it was time for a little spontaneity that would lead me to warmer waters. So, with less than two weeks notice, I told my wife, my family and my boss that I was headed to Nicaragua for a surf trip at the beginning of February. It was a birthday gift to myself. And well worth it.

Below are some of my 120mm film grabs from the trip.

: Morning surf check.

: Finding peace and tranquility.

: Unknown surfer taking to the air.

: Unknown surfer scoring a tiny right-hander.

: Unknown surfer scoring on 2nd point.

: Stuart – a British surfer traveling with his girlfriend – stretching before our last session together.

: Shane & Stuart getting ready.

: A 30 minute walk to morning happiness.

: En route.

: Morning session before heading to the airport.

: “La pelota, la pelota!”

: Posing for the American girls.

: The owner of the resort we stayed at built this beachfront ramp for the locals to enjoy.

: Perfection

: Pristine, undeveloped land.

: The road into the resort…a 3 hour drive from Managua, Nicaragua’s capital.

: View from the point facing north.

: View from the point facing south.

: A 30 minute walk to a perfect breaking left.

: One of many group surf sessions.

: Pace of life.

: Inspired by the Nicaraguan lifestyle of surfing and hammock napping, we now have an authentic Nicaraguan hammock on our balcony. Quite possibly the best $27 I’ve spent all year.