Amigas Surf A Long Period Swell in Nicaragua

When a particularly big and unseasonal swell popped up on the surf forecast in February, the team of instructors at Surf With Amigas responded with excitement. It was an opportunity to teach the crew how to read a surf forecast and just what it means when there’s a long period swell (vs. a short period). The waves were pumping, and while it was a bit too big on the very biggest waves, we got some really great rides, along with some awesome wipeouts.

Amigas Charge Huge Waves in Nicaragua

I absolutely love getting Amigas into big waves. Ok, i’ll admit it, I do prefer when looking at the surf forecast while planning the retreat week, it shows small to medium sized surf. It just makes life easier that way. But when I saw a swell forecasted to be 22″, I also got really excited. During the retreat, we offered a course on how to read surf forecasts to explain what the period number actually means. Standby for a blog post on that….
For now you can check out the photos below to see what that long period swell means! (hint. big waves!).

Our team of surf instructors were on it, guaranteeing that all the Amigas stayed safe even amongst very large waves breaking over a rock bottom. Each of the ladies who challenged the point got at least one large wave, and many rode theirs all the way to the beach to the cheers of the ladies on the inside. It was a magical and inspiring day! Check out some photo highlights below…

The 3 Best Face Sunscreens for Surfing and Other Strategies to Stay Protected From the Sun

Wondering how best to protect your skin while surfing?

Here are our top three picks for sunscreens that stay on your face for surfing, as well as other strategies to minimize sunscreen use but still stay protected.

1. Shiseido 

Shiseido offers a variety of water resistant sun care products that work greta in the surf! Our favorites are the SPF 50 Sunscreen Stick and the Wetforce Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion. The Wetforce sunscreen is mineral based and free of chemicals. Both of these broad spectrum, water resistant products are have a matte finish that leaves your skin feeling smooth and dry.

2. Raw Elements 

Raw Elements, Surf Coach Alex’s sunscreen of choice, makes sunscreen products with certified natural and organic ingredients. The sunscreen is hypoallergenic, broad spectrum, and stays on in the water. The company, founded by an ocean lifeguard, is dedicated to creating a positive impact on the world.

3. Shade Sunscreen

Another great option not mentioned in the  video, which is the sunscreen of choice of SWA founder Holly Beck is Shade Sunscreen. It’s a mineral based broad spectrum sunscreen free of chemicals, parabens, animal derived ingredients, and glycols. It has a matte finish (yay!) and leaves your skin feeling smooth and silky (rather than oily). The face stick and liquid products are both water resistant, so take your pick! If you’re traveling we recommend using the stick so you can leave it in your carry on.

Other strategies to stay protected from the sun:

In addition to staying lathered up with sunscreen on your face, neck, and hands, we highly recommend investing in other surf gear to keep you safe from the rays. Cover up! Hats, long sleeve rash guards, and leggings are a must if you plan to surf for years to come and spend many hours in the sun. These are some of our favorite small brands that make awesome surf gear for all women (and some men too)!

Fave hats: Kaiola Co.

Fave rashguards: The Seea

Fave leggings: Salt Gypsy

Highlights from Jan 15-21 in North Nicaragua

This week not only did we surf our brains out but we also got to help out our local non-profit, waves of hope, by painting the local high school! Don’t worry, we managed to fit in all the other awesome activities of our Women’s surf and yoga retreat program including yoga, sliding down a volcano, a fun girls night out and sunset cocktails at a neighboring resort!