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
Outstanding Surf Experience - We had a great time surfing with Cole. He was extremely patient, easy-going and knowledgeable. He made our first time surfing excellent and we couldn’t have asked for a better... read more experience! Thank you Cole and Pacific Surf School for the great time!

February 24, 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

August 9, 2023
Learn to surf with Alex! - My daughter and I had a surf lesson with Alex, and it is hands-down our favorite experience visiting San Diego. Alex patient and clear and willing to answer questions. He... read more was flexible in letting the two of us try things on our own but always willing to help once again when we wanted his help holding our boards and getting us set up with the right waves.

February 20, 2023
Amazing surf lesson with Edwin - I had a great surf lesson with Edwin. First we talked about some basics and important safety tips. Then we spent the whole lesson in the water. Edwin was a... read more very encouraging, friendly and knowledgeable surf guide. His calm demeanor made me feel very comfortable right away. And as promised I stood up and surfed some waves. I had so much fun, thanks again Edwin. Highly recommended.

December 19, 2022