Surfing The Boom

Surfing The Boom by NomadInMe. In this post, I will share my experiences working as a surf photographer in Northern Nicaragua at a wave known as The Boom. As well as information on the wave itself, I will discuss this part of Nicaragua and other must-see location and must-do activities.

The Boom is a wave on the north Pacific coast of Nicaragua, nestled between two remote fishing towns Aposentillo and Aserradores. They are about an hours drive north of Chinandega which is the capital city of the Chinandega region. It is Nicaragua’s 6th most populous city, as the name implies, sugar cane production is the areas main export along with, you guessed it.. rum!

The area’s landscape is dominated by the regions sugar cane production, which benefits from the regions volcanic activity. Volcan Cosiguina overlooks the entrance to the Gulf of Fonseca to the North. With the peak of the extremely active Volcan San Cristobel to the south. Both Volcanoes offer some of the best hiking in the country and heavily contribute to the regions dramatic natural beauty.

The Boom itself is a shore break offering heavy barrels and vertical drop-ins going left and right. It is better suited to intermediate and advance experience levels and works the best on high tides and during the first couple of hours of light in the morning.

Have no fear, for less experienced surfers or low tide mornings the area offers a variety of surf spots, from offshore sand bars to estuary point breaks. There really is something for every experience level, not dissimilar to the rest of the Nicaraguan Pacific Coast. Except with far fewer people than the southern districts and a far friendlier vibe with the locals.

Where To Stay At The Boom

Although several accommodation options exist in the area, Chancletas Beach Resort is by far the closest to The Boom as well as being the most convenient. Offering accommodation for every budget, a family-friendly atmosphere and a variety of tours and amenities.

Chancletas is owned and operated by Shay O’Brien, a local legend originally from the United States, who has been building up Chancletas since 2003 with his family. With a massive focus on supporting the local communities. Their knowledge of the area really provides the best experience possible from a complex part of the country.

Their local and foreign guides have a wave or activity for every age, experience level, swell and tide. When staying with them you become a part of the family which means being let into the areas little known secrets.

What To Do At The Boom

If you think that surfing is the areas only activity prepare to be proven wrong. From fishing, volcano hiking, bird watching to paddleboarding. The areas have all you can expect from a central American vacation and more. Even world-class rum at the Flor de Cana distillery in Chinandega which makes an ultimate dry day or even post-surf experience.

Accessing the area is best done via shuttle or rental car from the capital Managua. It’s an easy drive down the Pan-American highway, a continuous road running from the northern United States all the way to southern Panama.

Aserradores offers some of the best fishing in Nicaragua both blue water game fishing and inshore estuary fishing is accessible from the impressive, Marina Puesta Del Sol. Big money has been spent on the game fishing scene in the area and that is not reflected in the crowds found here.

Also accessible from the marina is a vast, diverse mangrove system hosting some extremely underrated bird watching and fishing grounds. Kayak and paddleboard tours are available from Chancletas, and there is enough exploration available to keep you amused for weeks on end.

Volcan Cosiguina and San Cristobel offer some incredible hiking. Chancletas run guided tours up Volcan Cosiguina. A 2-hour drive followed by a 3-hour hike will take you to incredible views of the crater and surrounding area. To find out more about the volcano hike view this post-https://www.nomadinme.com/volcan-cosiguina/.

If you were not already familiar with Flor De Cana rum, then you will be very quickly after arriving in Nicaragua. All jokes aside it is very good rum indeed with a great history. Although the tour itself is not anything particularly special, it is a must-do and will give you an opportunity to taste some of the rarer vintages not available in the shops. As well as learn about the history of Nicaragua and this family-run operation of 130 years.