Surf: The peak at Popoyo displays alluring symmetry over the flatfish reef and sand slab at the southern end of Playa Guasacate. Peels off predictably at a nice pace for vertical whacks and the odd crumbly cover-up. Better at low incoming tide, the peak will hold up to double overhead with longer barrel sections before closing-out and a considerable crowd as well. The Outer Reef, found 400m offshore, is only really an option for the very bravest and skilled big wave riders. The lefts look deceptively perfect from distance but close inspection reveals shallow rocks, boils and riverine currents sculpting heaving, bloodthirsty barrels with a do or die end section. Easily handles 20ft faces at this higher tide spot and it gets scarier by the minute on the drop, which doesn’t deter the local hellmen that have it wired. Environment: One of the most consistent and crowded waves in the country, but worth the effort when it is firing. Park at south end of town (leave nothing of value in the car) and cross the river to get to the break. Surf: General: The break at Popoyo's Main Reef is often compared to Lower Trestles, and the comparison isn't totally off ... in a couple different ways. First, it's more of a flat slab of rock reef than a configuration of cobblestones, and the left is more similar to the Lowers right, while the right is more like the Lowers left. Second, it's one of Nicaragua's most classic and popular spots due to its relative close proximity to Managua and the incessant offshore winds from Lake Nicaragua.

The best waves at Popoyo offer enough speed and face to schwack and carve to your heart's content ... every day, all day given the offshores and good on all tides. When a bigger swell fills in, especially from the SW, there are a few barrel sections to be had on both the lefts and rights, though it does tend to close out regularly when the waves begin to reach the double overhead range. If all-day offshore winds aren't enough of a treat, Popoyo pretty much breaks with equal character on all tides, though mid tide is when it is at its best. And for the more advanced chargers, there is Outer Reef Popoyo, which is a fifteen-minute paddle offshore.

As mentioned, Popoyo has long been the first place to come to mind for surfers considering a trip to Nicaragua, therefore there is plenty of accommodation (from gritty to luxury) to choose from in the area. This notoriety makes for a pleasant vacation experience but certainly not a solitary one. For ease and consistency, Popoyo is hard to beat, but a little exploration to parts south and north along the serpentine Nicaraguan coast hold their fair share of perfection, too. Tides: Medium to high Size: Chest high-2X overhead Wind: Calm or light to moderate offshore E to NE. Swell: S to SW Bottom: Rock reef Paddling: Depends on size and consistency, but usually a lot of paddling as it breaks far out and long rides. Spot Rating: One of the best, most ripable waves in Nica offering good rights and lefts. Access: Park at the very south end of the one road that leads into Popoyo, then walk across the rivermouth to the south, you can't miss it. Or come by boat from wherever. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Crowded with locals and tourists. Local Vibe: Competitive. Drop-ins. Environment: Usually always clean, but there is a rivermouth nearby, which can get dirty after heavy rains. Hazards: Crowds, shallow reef sections. Season: All summer. Prime season is April through September. Much of October typically sees onshore wind and heavy rain, while November is a sleeper month with late season pulses and good conditions.