About US

WHO WE ARE

We are the Abate family. 8 years ago our sandy feet stepped onto Playa Colorado on Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast for the first time. Think year-round offshore breezes, crystal clear water and white sand beaches. With our own family history built on surfing, surf schools and seeking out surf adventure from the shores of Brazil to the coastline of California’s USA, it didn’t take long for us to feel the draw of Playa Colorado in this undiscovered paradise.

Years later and barrels of fun down the waves of time, we’ve established our home here in Hacienda Iguana, a gated community that fronts onto Playa Colorado and every day, through Playa Colorado Surfing School, we’re proudly giving people the opportunity in life to become surfers they’ve always wanted to be.

Affiliated with our award-winning San Diego surf school, Pacific Surf, our dynamic team of certified surf instructors follow the surf seasons between California and Nicaragua offering private, semi-private and group lessons to all walks of life. Here at Playa Colorado Surfing School, we will help you bring out the confidence you have within, to not only ride the wave with skill, but become the surfer you want to be.

Learn to surf today, ride the wave, and feel the love of Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast from the best view possible- riding the board!

TRIP ADVISOR REVIEWS

					  Both my boyfriend and I had a great time out there as first-time surfers today! Alyssa is a wonderful instructor, she is patient and thoughtful, and her passion for surfing... read more and the ocean made the whole experience even more wonderful!				
botostu
February 6, 2023 

					  Surf Lesson 10/10 (Group Lesson) - Did this activity for my bachelor party with a small group of childhood friends and it was absolutely my favorite aspect of my bachelor party. It was a humbling experience... read more and you will get an absolute workout in your time on the water. It's a full body workout and is exhausting cardio. I gained a lot of respect for surfing and it is something I want to continue to do in my life going forward -- I can thank our instructor for enhancing our experience!

Paul G. was absolutely amazing! He matched our energy and allowed us to not only have a good time but be our goofy selves. This only made our experience better. After giving us group instruction he followed up with some individual instruction as well. On the water he gave all 5 of us individual instruction/pointers as we are a group that ranges from 5'7 to 6'7, this personalized instruction was needed. Each one of us were given how to not only get up onto the board but to stay and ride the waves to match our own journey on the water. A testament to Paul G. is ALL 5 of us were able to get up and ride the waves which made our day even better! I now need to teach him how to ice skate! 

As our instructor Paul noted, it was more rough than usual, so if it is your first time it should be early in the day. 9AM being the best time. We went at 10:45. Later in the day, the rougher the waves. 

Thanks for a great experience Paul 

-The Minnesotans				
mfalves21
August 9, 2023 

					  I'm a 41 year old male, never surfed before, and my wife set me up with a private lesson as an anniversary present.  We surfed at Mission Beach starting... read more at 10:30am in September.  Great weather, great beach, consistent medium waves.  My instructor was patient, friendly, chatty, and helpful.  90 minutes was plenty of time to get comfortable and stand up a few times, and then be ready for a rest since wading out over and over takes a toll.

The team was professional and friendly, and the merch is great.  While I didn't pay for the photographer add-on, he still took pics of me, which I later was able to buy.

Other things to know:  There is no restroom at the office so go at home, the beach ones are very used.  They supply the wetsuit so you just need underwear, but you change in public on the beach so be prepared.				
pilotBostonDave
October 2, 2019 

					  I had the BEST experience here! It was my first time ever trying surfing and David was a great instructor. Super professional, patient and fun. 

Robbie was also... read more super awesome, and took the best photos of us while we surfed.  Would 100% recommend trying this spot, especially if you’re new to surfing!!				
Sarah G
September 21, 2019