Learning to Surf and Finding Christmas Magic at Dreamsea Nicaragua

I didn’t want to spend Christmas alone, and after a bit of last-minute research, I booked myself a week at Dreamsea Resort in San Juan del Sur. Perfect for beginners, perfect for a solo adventure, and, as I soon discovered, perfect for making friends fast.

Arrival and First Day at Dreamsea Nicaragua

I arrived at Dreamsea Resort in San Juan del Sur around 1:30 PM, just as everyone was heading out for their free afternoon surf session. The camp was quiet, the warm breeze carrying the scent of salt and sunscreen make the place feel calm and welcoming. While I waited to check in, I was treated to a banana-passion fruit smoothie—sweet, tangy, and exactly what I needed to feel like my adventure had officially begun.

My private room wasn’t ready yet, so I spent my first night in a shared dorm. Only one of the six beds was taken, giving me plenty of space to settle in. Soon after, Rabea, another solo traveler, arrived. We shared a few laughs on the terrace, talking about travel, life, and the nervous excitement that comes with trying something completely new. It felt comforting to have someone to share that first moment with.

By late afternoon, everyone slowly started to return to the camp. Carla and Jules were among the first to arrive, and their warm, friendly greetings made me feel instantly at ease. That evening, dinner was served at 7 PM, offering a choice between meat or vegetarian options. We had chicken tacos and an Oreo “cheesecake”, which was more like a frozen ice cream cake—messy, fun, and delicious. Afterward, most guests headed to their dorms, and I ended up sharing the room with Luc, Rachel, and Rabea for the night.

Monday – My First Surfing Adventure

I woke up to the soft sound of birds and the gentle rustle of palm trees swaying in the morning breeze. The day began with yoga at 8 AM with Hernan, a gentle yet energising session that loosened up my stiff muscles and got me mentally ready for the adventure ahead. I felt my nervous excitement mix with a growing sense of anticipation—I was about to try surfing for the very first time.

Breakfast followed, a delicious spread with plenty of options to fuel the body for the day. Afterward, some of us took the shuttle to town to stock up on snacks. I joined briefly, picking up a few essentials before heading back to the camp for our surf theory session. The theory class was surprisingly fun—we learned about the different parts of a surfboard and practiced our pop-ups. Standing up on the board on dry land felt awkward but doable; I knew the real challenge would be transferring that to the water.

Finally, it was time for the first surf session at the beach. I was given a softboard 8’6, and my instructor Luis guided me, along with Rabea and Emmy. We started on the sand, practicing pop-ups and positioning, before venturing into the whitewash. The waves seemed alive, unpredictable, and a little intimidating. I fell more times than I care to admit, but then—magic—I stood up and rode my first two “waves” all by myself. The exhilaration was unlike anything I’d felt before: part triumph, part adrenaline, part pure joy.

After drying off, the camp organised a trip to HUSH, a stunning infinity pool venue with live music, to watch the sunset. Golden light shimmered across the water, the sky turned soft pinks and oranges, and laughter floated on the breeze. I sipped my drink, feeling completely content, grateful, and more excited than ever for the days ahead.

Dinner back at camp was warm and satisfying. That night, I finally moved into my private room, my little sanctuary for the week. Exhausted, sun-kissed, and buzzing with excitement, I drifted off to sleep, dreaming of waves, new friendships, and the adventures still to come.

Tuesday – Surf skate and Madera Beach

Tuesday started even earlier than our first day, but the excitement of a new day kept me moving. I rolled out of bed for yoga at 7:30 AM, letting the warm morning sun stretch across my skin as I focused on balance and breathing. Breakfast followed—avocado on toast—perfect fuel for the adventures ahead.

Some people headed into town, but Jules and I decided to try something different: a surf skate lesson with one of the camp instructors, Rex. I had never even thought about skateboarding before, and at first, it felt hilariously awkward. My legs wobbled, I almost toppled over more than once, and I probably looked ridiculous—but Rex was incredibly patient. He laughed with us, encouraged every small success, and made me feel like even the clumsiest attempts were part of the fun. By the end of the lesson, I could actually glide a little, and the confidence carried over into the rest of the day.

Back at camp, we jumped into surf theory, practicing pop-ups and going over tips from our instructors. Then came the afternoon surf session at Madera Beach, this time with Nestor. He gave us more detailed feedback than the day before, helping me adjust my stance and focus on my timing. The waves were gentler today, and I managed to catch some whitewash waves on my own—that feeling of standing on a board while the ocean carried me forward was addictive. After our surf session, we lingered at Madera Beach, letting the day slowly fade around us. The sky transformed into a canvas of pinks and oranges, and we all sipped drinks, laughing and chatting while watching the sunset. A quick dip in the warm water cooled us off, and as the sun sank below the horizon, I felt grateful for the simple magic of the evening.

By the time we returned to the camp, the sun was starting to dip, and I was tired in the best possible way. Dinner was delicious and filling, and the evening was meant to be a movie night—original Point Break with Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves—but my body was exhausted from surfing and skateboarding. I ended up heading straight to bed.

Wednesday – Christmas Eve at Marsella Beach

Wednesday started early, thanks to the tides. For us “inside” surfers, lessons began at 7:30 AM, giving just enough time to wake up and savour a quick breakfast before heading to the beach.

I was back with Luis for the morning session, and I’ll be honest—it wasn’t my day. No matter how I positioned my feet or timed my pop-up, I kept falling off, spending more time under the waves than riding them. Frustration bubbled up, and I felt tempted to call it quits and head back to camp. But there’s something humbling—and addictive—about the ocean. Each fall reminded me that progress often comes in tiny, messy steps.

After the surf, we had surf theory at 11 AM, which helped me reflect on the morning’s mistakes and gave me some concrete tips to work on. Then came yoga at 3 PM, a much-needed stretch for sore muscles and a chance to reset mentally for the evening ahead.

The highlight of the day was an afternoon trip to Marsella Beach for a Christmas Eve picnic, bonfire, and sunset. The golden sun dipped slowly toward the horizon, while the ocean shimmered like liquid gold. We shared snacks, laughed, and swapped stories around the fire, feeling completely immersed in the beauty of the moment. For some of us, this was our Christmas celebration—sand beneath our toes, the ocean’s rhythm in our ears, and the kind of warmth that has nothing to do with a sweater.

Returning to the camp, we were treated to a fancy Christmas dinner. The table was beautifully set, the food delicious, and the atmosphere cozy and festive. I lingered over drinks with Emmy and Philip, savouring the laughter and camaraderie, while others planned to head into town to continue with celebrations. I chose bed, knowing another early surf session awaited.

By the end of the day, despite the falls and frustrations, I felt grateful and content. Christmas Eve had unfolded in the most unexpected way—surrounded by new friends, the magic of the ocean, and the simple beauty of being fully present.

Thursday – Green Waves and Pop-Up Progress

Thursday started bright and early, but this time I felt ready and excited. After a few challenging days, I was eager to put my new skills to the test. The morning surf session with Nestor felt different from the start. The waves were gentle, the sun warmed the sand, and I felt more in tune with my board and the water.

This was the day I finally managed to catch some small green waves on my own. The feeling was incredible—standing upright, balancing, and gliding forward on my board, however briefly. Each wave built my confidence and reminded me why I had come here: to push myself, fall, get back up, and discover a new side of myself.

Surf theory followed, focusing on practicing pop-ups. I experimented with the “chicken leg” technique, which surprisingly felt easier than I expected. It was fascinating to see how small adjustments in movement and timing could make such a difference once I was back in the water. After the surge theory I enjoyed yoga at 2 PM, a perfect way to stretch sore muscles and reset mentally after the morning’s efforts.

In the afternoon, we took a trip to “Jesus”, a lookout with a towering statue of Jesus overlooking the bay of San Juan del Sur. We arrived just in time for sunset, and while the view was beautiful, I found the hour-long visit a bit unnecessary for my taste. Still, it was a calm moment to admire the town from above and reflect on the week so far.

Afterward, we headed back to camp for dinner, and I opted for another early night. The day had been full of progress, fresh experiences, and small victories, and my body was ready to rest. Some of the others chose to explore the local nightlife, but I was happy to see my bed.

Friday – Chilling, Catching Up, and Saying Goodbye

Friday began like most mornings at Dreamsea: with an early surf session. I finally changed the size of the board and tried the 8’0 for the very first time. To my surprise I found it a slightly easier on the shorter board, as I felt I have a little bit more control over it. The water was calm, and while we had to wait a bit to catch the occasional wave, I thoroughly enjoyed my time out there. There’s something meditative about floating on the board, listening to the ocean, and waiting for that perfect moment to ride a wave.

Afterwards, we had surf theory at 12 PM, going over techniques and tips from the week. Normally, I would have gone to yoga in the afternoon, but today I decided to skip it. Instead, I settled by the pool, soaking up the sun, chatting with fellow surfers, and enjoying a slower pace for once. With new arrivals each day, it felt nice to have some time to just relax and get to know everyone a little better. I soon enough became friends with Noa, Wilson, Alina, Lisa, Liz and Jess.

In the afternoon, there was another surf skate lesson, but I chose a different adventure. Eleni and I wanted to see Emmy and Philip one last time before they left San Juan del Sur, so we headed into town to catch up over a few drinks. It was a wonderful, low-key afternoon—laughing, reminiscing about the week, and soaking in the easy rhythm of the town. I felt genuinely grateful for having met such kind and warm-hearted people—Emmy, Philip, and Eleni had become friends I knew I’d carry with me long after the trip.

Back at the camp, I followed my usual routine: dinner and an early night, letting the day wind down peacefully. Some others headed to Machete for pizza night and nightlife adventures.

Saturday – Paddling, Progress, and Pool Party Energy

Since the weekly package only included five surf sessions, Saturday gave me a choice: rest or go back into the water. Unsurprisingly, Eleni and I chose surfing. We booked a semi-private lesson with Felipe, and this time, things got real.

For the first time, we moved from the inside to the lineup. I won’t lie—it felt a little scary. And oh my god… I had no idea how much paddling is involved once you’re out there. My arms were burning, my shoulders were questioning my life choices, and I gained a whole new level of respect for surfers who make it look effortless. Still, it was so much fun, and Felipe gave us amazing feedback that helped everything click a bit more. It felt like a real step forward in my surfing journey.

Later in the day, I attended the final surf theory session, where Nestor explained how to read a surf app and what all the different numbers and symbols actually mean. It was incredibly useful—one of those practical lessons that suddenly makes surfing feel a lot more approachable and less mysterious.

After a quick visit to town and a yoga class, the camp slowly shifted into party mode. Everyone was buzzing with excitement for the famous Dreamsea pool party. Eleni and I decided to grab some food and spend a bit of quiet time together before joining the rest, enjoying a slower moment amid all the energy. The pool party itself was exactly what you’d expect—music, laughter, drinks, and people having the time of their lives. After dinner, most of the group headed into town to keep the party going. And as for me? Well, you can probably guess. If you guessed my room, you’d be a hundred percent right. Exhausted, happy, and completely content, I ended the day the way I had so many others that week—grateful and ready for sleep.

Sunday – Mixed Emotions and a Perfect Goodbye

Sunday arrived quietly, carrying all the emotions with it. It was my last day at Dreamsea, and waking up that morning felt different—heavy, reflective, and grateful all at once. Eleni was leaving early, heading back to the USA, and the rest of us were preparing for the free surf session, a chance to practice everything we had learned throughout the week. I wasn’t entirely sure I wanted to surf that morning. My body felt tired, my arms still remembered Saturday’s paddling marathon, and when I realized there was no 8’0 board left, the decision was made for me. Honestly? It felt like a relief. Instead, I chose to slow down.

I spent the morning on the beach, soaking up the sun, enjoying some much-needed downtime, and letting the week settle in. I had a few drinks, watched the waves roll in, and eventually found myself joining the locals for their Sunday session—not surfing, just being part of the rhythm of the place. It turned out to be the perfect way to end the week: relaxed, unforced, and fully present.

Afterward, we headed back to camp, where my packed backpack was already waiting for me—a clear sign that this chapter was coming to a close. And since it was Sunday in San Juan del Sur, there was only one logical plan for the afternoon: Sunday Funday. It was fun, lively, and exactly what you’d expect, but after the second bar, Liz and I decided we’d had enough. We made our way back into town, choosing rest over one last party push. By 8 PM, I was already in bed—this time not at Dreamsea, but at Nala House in San Juan del Sur.

Lying there, I felt nothing but gratitude. For the waves I caught, the ones I missed, the people I met, the confidence I gained, and the unexpected magic of spending Christmas learning how to surf in Nicaragua. Dreamsea had given me far more than a surf lesson—it gave me memories I’ll carry with me long after the salt has washed off. 🌊✨