Rise Up Surf Retreats is a popular surf and yoga retreats company based in Central America. They have locations in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Barbados. Phil, the founder, is originally from Barbados but fell in love with the waves of Nicaragua and decided to establish roots there. He started offering surf packages in this unique part of the world in 2009, and since then his surfing familia has grown and grown. Today, Phil and his partner Corina (along with the support of their daughter) run Rise Up.
Guests from all corners of the globe have been coming to Central America for years now to get a taste of the Rise Up experience. More than just a surf camp, travelers see it as an authentic community where they can make new friends and live out a healthy holistic lifestyle in the process. When you throw in the charitable children’s projects that Rise Up champions, and the eco-friendly business practices, it’s no wonder they have such a high rating on review platforms like Tripadvisor and gain so many repeat customers.
The Most Amazing Surf Retreats in Central America
Each retreat with Rise Up has been carefully selected and curated to ensure your surfing dreams come true. In Nicaragua, for example, the Eco Bay retreat paradise is located on the Northern Pacific coast of Nicaragua right on the beachfront – with palm trees dotted around the property and plenty of waves to tear up nearby. The yoga studio at Eco Bay is thatched in palm and has epic views of the sea, and the beach-style cabanas make for the perfect place to rest and unwind after a morning or afternoon surf session.
In Costa Rica visitors can book an eco-luxury lodge that is surrounded by lush vegetation, and is a short stroll to the beach and point breaks. The nine differently designed cabins at the eco-luxury lodge are the epitome of luxury. And if Guatemala is on your bucket-list, you will be pleased to know that Rise Up has a retreat here as well in the laid-back Pacific coast town of El Paredon. This surf lodge boasts a rustic, boho-chic aesthetic that oozes pleasure and joy. The waves at El Paredon are ideal for beginner surfers.
How Rise Up Take Surf Lessons to the Next Level
No matter which retreat you choose, be it in Nicaragua or Guatemala, the one constant running through each is the attentive surf coaching you receive. Rise up call their instructors coaches because the level of support they provide goes well beyond standard surf lessons. The coaches get to know you on a personal level to give the specific surf guidance you need to excel out in the ocean. By the end of the week, you would have improved your skills dramatically and formed close friendships along the way.
By utilizing world-class surf theory and video analysis, the coaches are able to explain things in detail and take the time to ensure you understand where improvements could be made. While that might sound serious to the casual surfer, everything at Rise Up is done in a heart-felt and fun way. Even if you don’t quite achieve your surfing goals, you will still have the time of your life with an incredible group of people – swimming in the sea, soaking up the sunshine, partaking in cultural activities and so much more.
Why Yoga is a Big Part of the Rise Up Package
If you would like to feel rejuvenated after hooning through the barrels and long peelers of Central America or you see yoga as the main drawcard itself, then you are in for a real treat with Rise Up. Yoga has always been a big part of their offering because it compliments surfing in such a beautiful way. Not only is yoga fantastic for stretching out sore muscles and stiff joints, but it also calms the mind and provides a sense of inner tranquility. It’s a holiday after all and there is no need for any stress to creep in.
The daily yoga classes are suitable for all-levels, whether you practice yoga regularly or are new to the discipline and want to give it a go. Phil is passionate about the subject and even completed a yoga teacher training course with the Sivananda School in Northern India, so you are definitely in good hands. As well as being led by experienced instructors, you will also be doing the various poses and breathing exercises in stunning spaces. These include everything from outdoor shalas to rustic yoga decks.
Hands Down the Best Surf Retreats in Central America
There is so much more to Rise Up than surfing and yoga, despite those two being core components. To get a break from either activity, you can go on other adventures that focus more on the destination’s culture. Visiting local schools, horseback riding, jewelry making, tortilla making and chocolate making are a few examples. Even the little things like falling to sleep to the sound of waves, waking up to birds chirping and eating delicious food in the company of friends makes the experience truly unforgettable.
