Surf For Life and our leaders, Lisa and Lara organized a life changing experience with the help of their local partners in El Manzano Uno. We were met at the airport in Managua and set off on a beautiful drive north, past farmland and volcanoes. Coco Loco's cozy cabins are nestled in the Palms adjacent to an incredible beach and surf break. We have never experienced a more warm, welcoming and friendly community. Each day brought one delicious meal after another served with big smiles and attention paid to all dietary needs. Every person in the community was genuinely excited to meet us and connect with us while working together to build the shed that was designed to protect the potable water pump that served the entire village of El Manzano. We were all excited to get to the work site each day, but to be sure, it was not all work and no play; the daily schedule included surf, yoga, chocolate making, ice baths, sunset walks as well as other fun and restorative activities before and after our service work. The highlight of our week was spending time with the local children during "Kids Club", the after school program sponsored by Coco Locos. It was hard to leave our new found Nicaraguan family and we hope to join another Surf for Life trip in 2026!

Amazing! Cultural exchange in Nicaragua where we got to immerse ourselves in the local community, learn about a new culture, contribute to a needed brick and mortar project, surf in a beautiful spot and leave with friends for life.