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
Erik was our instructor, he was very friendly and easy going. First up, I don’t know swimming. I felt very comfortable despite me not knowing how to swim. I took... read more a couple of breaks and was able to surf after I fell flat many times. But hey, I did it. 🙂 thanks to Erik.

November 29, 2019
Amazing time - Jesse Hodsman was an amazing instructor. He was very attentive and he made sure I would get the best experience and become a real surfer, and also shared a lot... read more of important information on safety. From his instruction I was able to get up on the board easily as a "day one" surfer. I also got pointers from other friendly instructors that were close by and cheering me on.
Pacific Surf School definitely exceeded expectations and would recommend to anyone.

September 17, 2022
My wife and I surfed for the first time with Angelo and Alex. We both had a ton of fun and would definitely recommend it!


October 4, 2022
Most Fun I had on Vacation - I had Kenyt as my instructor and he was extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and patient with me. He created a very comfortable learning environment and as a first-time surfer, I was... read more able to get up several times! It was so much fun. It's so peaceful paddling out and waiting sitting on the board, then BAM the wave comes and you get hit by a surge of adrenaline. I stayed in San Diego all week doing many activites, and by far, surfing was the most fun! I'm itching to get back out on the water. If I lived there, I'd surf every day. 10/10 experience.

November 14, 2022