Desperate for surf? Instead of waiting around for swell, some Texas surfers took the search for surf into their own hands. Follow me as we go through their journey to surf Nicaragua and come home again.
Shane Cantrell and Sam Davenport arrived in Managua, Nicaragua, at around 8pm Nicaraguan time. They grabbed their board bags and walked across the street to catch a taxi (for lower fares). They negotiated prices with the cabi who dropped them at a hotel for $36/night. Sam raved about their free breakfast with his fast favorite being gallo pento (a reddish bean and rice). Shane referred to gallo pento as a “staple.” The next morning around 7am, the same cab driver returned to take the Texas pair on a 2 ½ hour long ride to Guasacate and Popoyo. It was an $80 fare. When they arrived, there was currently a guest staying at the Kenton’s guesthouse. They had made arrangements with Keith Kenton, the owner of Surfs Up Travel. As a result, Shane and Sam set up their hammocks on the porch for 3 days. Upon arriving in Popoyo, Sam noticed the rural lifestyle. Pigs, cows and chickens were roaming freely. Both Sam and Shane were excited to be staying on a hill overlooking both Guasacate and Popoyo beach breaks.
The third world surf trip experience came in its entirety. Sam and Shane did not just sleep outdoors, they cooked over an open bbq. Their diet consisted of arroz (rice) with lizano salsa (made in Nicaragua). Using half beer cans as utensils, they gained sustenance by eating tostados, bread, and potatoes. The first night, it took 2 hours to cook the meal. Sam recalls feeling famished by the time that the food was prepared. On the morning of day 2, Keith dropped them off on the way into town. “At Guasacate, it was closing out during low tide,” posited Shane Cantrell. After the first surf session, Cody McNeil joined Sam and Shane. The Texas trio spent their time surfing all day long. They ate arroz y langosta (rice and lobster). Lobster cost $2/lb.; they ate a generous portion of over 3 lbs at this thrifty price. Having bought forks earlier that day, Sam was exceedingly grateful.
Sam also expressed his gratitude for the surf conditions: “The best part about surfing Guasacate and Popoyo is that they are a 20 minute walk apart. Popoyo breaks at low tide while Guasacate breaks in high tide. So, you can alternate between the two breaks and surf all day long.” The final day, they all decided to pay for an all-inclusive package with Surfs Up Travel.
For more info:
Surfs Up Travel by Keith and Daniela Kenton
US: 1-321-960-3519
Nicaragua: 011-505-453-1965
Keith@SurfsUpTravel.info
Stay tuned: What happens on day 4? Next, join me as we follow Shane, Sam, and Cody embarking on 3 surf trips/day.
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