Surf Competition on Playa Maderas

In San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua I want to Playa Maderas all day for three days straight. I fell in love with this beach in person and from behind my camera lens. I was there from 7:30am until 5pm on different days and saw how the beach completely changed in different lighting throughout the day. I was lucky enough that on two of those days there was a surf competition happening, where local surfers from beaches surrounding San Juan came to compete.

I think when most people from North America think of surf culture, we picture blonde California-types, but I loved seeing how surf culture represented itself in Nicaragua The surfers have their own unique, proud 100% Nica, style but still encompass that laid back surf philosophy. I’m not going to lie, I was nervous asking for pictures at first. My spanish isn’t great, and it was a little intimidating approaching a group of guys you don’t know and asking to take their picture – but my nervousness was for nothing because everyone was so welcoming and friendly. I just had to get over my own nerves, and I’m glad I did.

It was an amazing chance to see Nica surf culture, and take some pictures. I obviously don’t have a telephoto lens to take crazy action shots, but I wanted to capture the people and the feel of the competition from shore, including spectators watching intently, and two little girls who stole the show in the women’s category. Below are a few of my favourites. Enjoy.