Make your dream of shortboarding a reality with Amaru’s comprehensive shortboard progression program. Experience approachable waves perfect for dropping down in volume, personalized coaching, and tailored workshops designed to help you finally transition from your longboard to the shortboard you’ve been striving for.
Program Dates:
March 29–April 5
About This Retreat
Join us for an unforgettable week-long surfing retreat dedicated to shortboard progression. This specialty program is designed for surfers looking to refine their skills, push their boundaries, and gain a deeper understanding of wave dynamics and board control. Set in the stunning coastal paradise of Nicaragua, this retreat combines expert coaching, hands-on drills, and immersive surf sessions to help you unlock your full potential. Whether you’re aiming to perfect your bottom turns, master rail-to-rail transitions, or take your carving to the next level, this retreat is your ultimate shortboard training experience.
Main Objectives and Goals
Drop down at least a foot on your surfboard length.
Understand the importance of the lines you draw for the maneuvers you want to perform.
Master positioning in the line-up for optimal wave selection.
Learn how to correctly distribute weight through turns for better flow and control.
Learn The Essentials for Shortboarding
Practical Skills
Mastering your mid-line and balance for improved control.
Proper weight distribution through turns and when paddling on a shortboard.
Advanced paddling skills to improve efficiency and power.
Perfecting the duck dive to handle larger waves.
Advanced techniques for catching waves with precision.
Learning to perfect popping up on smaller boards.
Technical Maneuvers
Importance and mechanics of a bottom turn.
Two different types of bottom turns and when to use them.
Effective techniques for pumping to generate speed.
Shallow versus drawn-out cutbacks—how and when to use both.
Mechanics of frontside and backside turns for powerful and dynamic surfing.
Additional Workshops and Trainings Included
Daily Video Analysis: Receive personalized feedback with recorded surf sessions reviewed by you and your coach.
On-Land Surf Skate Coaching and Training: Practice rail-to-rail pumping, carving, and turns on land.
Breath-Holding Workshop: Develop your lung capacity and breath control for greater confidence and safety in challenging conditions. This hour-long session incorporates in-water and out-of-water exercises inspired by professional big wave surfing techniques.
Functional Movement and Mobility: Daily yoga and stretching sessions designed to improve flexibility, balance, and core strength—key components for powerful, fluid surfing.
Theory Classes: Focus on balance and core strength in a controlled environment.
How to draw your lines and anticipate your maneuvers.
Understanding the physics behind fins and how they affect board performance.
Advanced surfboard theory to optimize your equipment for progression.
Meet Your Coach
Gerritt Cooper
Meet Gerritt, not only the co-founder of Amaru, but also the visionary behind Amaru’s signature surf school and specialized shortboard progression program. Hailing from the island of Kauai, Gerritt brings over 30 years of ocean expertise and more than 15 years of professional coaching experience in Hawaii, California, and Central America. Beyond his practical knowledge, Gerritt has studied meteorology, surf history, and physics, enriching his theoretical classes with scientific insights that seamlessly complement his in-water coaching.
Gerritt’s coaching philosophy is rooted in building strong foundations, likening progress in surfing to constructing a house—brick by brick, with time and integrity. Drawing from his Hawaiian upbringing, Gerritt not only teaches you how to be a skilled surfer but also how to navigate the ocean safely and respectfully, transforming you into a well-rounded waterman.
Want to see if this program is right for you? You can speak 1:1 with Gerritt. Click the button below to schedule a call with him today!
Sample Schedule
Morning:
Surf Session: 5:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Breakfast: 9:00 AM
Midday:
Theory and Skills Workshop: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Yoga Session: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Lunch: 2:00 PM
Afternoon:
Video Analysis: 3:00 PM
Surf Session: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Evening:
Dinner: 7:00 PM