They may not be at the World Cup, but hey – they have surf in Nicaragua

Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America. Honduras on their northern border made it to Brazil 2014, and Costa Rica, their southern neighbour, were the surprise outfit in game one when they defeated twice winners and 2010 semi-finalists Uruguay 3-1.

Nicaragua lies north of the equator between 11 and 14 degrees in the Northern Hemisphere, which places it entirely within the tropics. The Pacific Ocean lies to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east.

The population of Nicaragua is approximately 6 million. The capital, Managua, is the third-largest city in Central America. The main language is Spanish. The biological diversity, warm tropical climate, active volcanoes and surf in Nicaragua make it an increasingly popular holiday spot.

Nicaragua has more than 30 volcanoes. The entire Pacific coast is diverse surfer territory. That is it is full of nooks and crannies, rocky outcrops, bays and coves with  nearly every sort of wave on offer. There are wedgy beach breaks, offshore bombies, slabs, river-mouths and points.

Nicaragua has much surf potential, the 15 mile stretch, Popoyo Surf Zone, is a must-visit surf destination. Popoyo offers consistent year-round swell and offshore winds.

The Popoyo Surf Zone is on the southwest coast and runs from Manzanillo in the south to Playgrounds in the north. It is to Nicaragua what the North Shore is to Oahu,

The swell is generally shoulder to head high. There are 12 to 15 quality set-ups in the area and there is usually something fun for most skill levels.

Oakley team riders Perth Standlick from Bondi and fellow WQS pro’s Eric Geiselman and Billy Stairmaid went on an old fashioned surf trip to refresh away from the contest scene. Whilst they didn’t score epic waves, the boys still went ham, busted a bunch of new moves and took in the scenery.