If you’re a surfer traveling to Northern Nicaragua, chances are you’re coming here to surf the Boom. The Boom is the Central American beach break to which all other beach breaks are compared. Like most superb waves, the Boom was once a well-guarded secret. While southern Nicaragua has seen massive developments in San Juan del Sur and Popoyo, Northern Nicaragua has remained rural and undisturbed for decades. The first Boom surfers charged some of the best sand bottom barrels on this side of the planet without another surfer in sight. Today, Northern Nicaragua remains on the periphery of surf travel and offers surfers a range of waves for all skill levels with minimal crowds. If you’re an experienced surfer looking to push the limits of your surfing and chase warm water barrels in Northern Nicaragua, continue reading below for Surfing the Boom 101: Everything You Need to Know about Surfing Northern Nicaragua’s Most Iconic Wave.

Ideal Conditions for Surfing the Boom

If you’re planning on surfing the Boom during your stay in Nicaragua, you won’t need to track swells and pull the trigger on last-minute flights for a strike mission. While we are blessed with various river mouths and points that handle XL swells, the Boom prefers small to medium-sized swells. If the buoy is reading 6 feet or higher, the Boom tends to close out. During the dry season, which falls during the North American winter, the Boom has favorable winds and small, fun-sized swell. During the rainy season, which falls during North America’s summer, the Boom is at its best. With constant south swell, the Boom performs day in and day out. Surfers will find the best conditions early in the morning before afternoon onshores set in. When it comes to surfing the Boom, the high tide is your best friend. The wave is ideal from mid to high tide. During low tide, the Boom becomes rip current riddled and closes out.

What Level of Surfer Should Surf the Boom

The Boom earns its name every time it breaks. The lip detonates in shallow water creating a thunderous roar that can be heard far from the beach. The break has often been labeled a mini Puerto Escondido for its hollow, barreling, and rip-strewn nature. While the Boom breaks close to shore, it’s one of the heaviest waves in Central America and should only be surfed by those comfortable with steep, fast-breaking waves. The Boom breaks boards daily and poses a serious threat to those who are not skilled enough to surf it. Surfing the Boom should be reserved for advanced surfers. Fortunately for other surfers, our Nicaragua surf & yoga resort sits on the edge of the Boom Beach and faces both the Boom and our favorite beginner friendly/ intermediate wave Aposentillo.

What Makes the Boom So Good

Like the famed big wave spot in Portugal, Nazaré, the Boom possess an offshore canyon that magnifies incoming swells and increases the force and intensity with which they break. This canyon transforms 2–3-foot swells into head-high barrels that break with an incomprehensible force. The Boom works best with a short to mid-length period, south or southwest swell ranging anywhere from 2 to 5 feet. The wave is best with a Northeast/East wind that blows offshore and grooms the Boom into glassy, barreling perfection.

Where Should I Surf If I’m Not Ready to Surf the Boom?

There’s more to Nicaragua than surfing the Boom. Northern Nicaragua is one of the most wave-rich regions in all of Central America. If you’re not up for surfing the Boom, we have several beginner-friendly and intermediate wave options within walking distance from our Nicaragua surf and yoga resort. If you’re an advanced surfer looking for turns, not barrels, we’ll head to one of the many world-class points by car or boat.

Experience all that Northern Nicaragua has to offer, in and out of the water, with a stay at Amaru Wellness Resort. Immersed in the natural beauty of Northern Nicaragua, we are here to reconnect your source of well-being in paradise. Whether you're searching for empty waves, a yoga retreat with like-minded individuals, peaceful family time, or some soulful reflection, we offer it all.