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LIFE IS SHORT. TAKE THE TRIP.

Don’t waste your vacation days on bad waves and crowds.

Welcome to the surf experience you actually deserve.

Two people in the water celebrating near a large barrelling wave at the beach.

Next Mission: March 21–28, 2026

Location: Amaru Resort, Nicaragua

Reserve Your Spot
A white off-road vehicle parked on a sandy beach near the ocean, with a barreling wave in the background under a clear sky.

THE REALITY AT HOME

Let’s be honest about where you are right now.

Between the demands of your job and family, your free time is already accounted for.

When you finally do escape for a quick session at home, you usually aren't finding peace; you’re battling cold water, aggressive crowds, and mediocre waves.

It’s frustrating to feel your surfing plateau, knowing it’s not a lack of talent—just a lack of access.

THE GAMBLE OF TRAVEL

Standard surf retreats promise paradise but deliver chaos. Loud dorms. Amateur surf coaches. 40 strangers in the lineup.

That isn't a recharge; it's just stress in a tropical location.

We built Vital for the surfer who knows better.

We curate experiences for those who want to bypass the crowds and go straight to the goods.

  • No "Getting Wet": We surf to progress.

  • No Guessing: We use 10+ years of local intel to put you on the best waves of the day.

  • No Compromise: Better waves, better crew, zero hassle.

  • A large ocean wave breaking under a clear blue sky.
  • A person surfing on a large ocean wave near a green island or coastline, wearing a hat and blue wetsuit, with cloudy sky overhead.
  • People surfing and riding a motorbike on a beach at sunset with a colorful sky and clouds.
  • A surfer riding inside a large barrel green wave
  • A small boat floating on the ocean with left point break waves on a clear day.
  • point break waves crashing against a rocky shoreline under a clear blue sky.
  • A woman surfing on a large ocean wave, wearing a blue shirt and black shorts, with clear blue water and sky in the background.
  • Ocean barrel waves crashing on a sandy beach with a clear sky.
  • People enjoying the ocean, some surfing on a frame waves and others swimming near rocks on a clear, sunny day.
  • A grassy path leading towards the ocean with small trees, a thatched shelter, and a perfect point break wave crests visible in the distance under a blue sky.

A LINEUP WHERE THE ONLY HASSLE IS CHOOSING WHICH SET WAVE IS YOURS.

Why do we run these trips in Northern Nicaragua? Because too many perfect waves go unridden here.

It sounds crazy in 2026, but it’s true.

We realized perfect setups were firing with nobody on them, and we made it our mission to bring the right crew to surf them.

THIS IS WHAT THE VITAL EXPERIENCE FEELS LIKE:

  • A man with painted face surfing inside a barreling wave.

    It’s having a smile plastered on your face for three hours straight because you just traded perfect rights with your friends.

  • A person surfing a barreling wave in the ocean while another person is in the water with arms raised.

    It’s hooting for each other in the lineup instead of fighting for position.

  • People gathered around a long dining table in a dimly lit restaurant, enjoying a meal with candles on the table, rustic decor with warm lighting, and a chalkboard menu in the background.

    It’s about the “Victory Meal” at night—sitting around the table with the crew, breaking down the best rides of the day, laughing about the wipeouts, and feeling that "good tired" that only a surfer knows.

WE ARE OBSESSED WITH PROGRESSION (ARE YOU?)

A person surfing a large green wave in the ocean under a blue sky.
A man surfing inside a large blue wave.

Full disclosure: We are just two guys who are absolutely addicted to getting barreled.

We aren't interested in the party scene.

We are interested in finding the best wave of the day and riding it as well as humanly possible.

But here’s why that’s great news for you:

Because we are obsessed with high-level surfing, we know exactly the steps you need to take to get there.

Between Zach and Sam is over 40 years of surfing experience. We have the safety knowledge, the video tools, and the coaching cues to take you from "budding surfer" to "charger."

THIS TRIP IS FOR YOU IF:

  • You are hungry to fix that one bad habit holding you back.

  • You want access to waves that fit your level—whether that’s a fun wall for turns or a heavy slab.

  • You want to be surrounded by a crew that pushes you.

THIS IS NOT FOR YOU IF:

  • You are looking for a party first and a surf session second.

  • You prefer generic advice over personalized coaching.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

  • A surfer riding a wave in the ocean with three people on a boat watching in the foreground.

    Unlimited 4x4 and Boat Transport

    We don't wait for the waves to come to us. Whether it requires a 4x4 strike mission or a panga boat to an outer reef, if it is firing, we are going there.

  • Laptop on a desk showing a surfer riding a wave at the beach with a person in curly hair in the foreground.

    Daily Video Analysis

    This is the game changer. We film your sessions and break them down every evening. You will see exactly what your body is doing versus what you think it is doing. This is the fastest way to improve.

  • Two tacos on a white plate garnished with lime wedges, filled with vegetables, meat, and topped with sauce and herbs.

    Chef-Prepared Nutrition

    We fuel you for 6-hour sessions. Our private chef prepares three filling, healthy meals a day using fresh local ingredients. We accommodate all protocols including Vegetarian, Vegan, Keto, and Gluten-Free. No seed oils, just real food. View Sample Menu

  • Person in a yoga pose with hands pressed together and head touching the ground on a yoga mat.

    Daily Yoga

    Surfing multiple sessions a day demands serious recovery. Our daily yoga practice is specifically designed to open up tight shoulders and hips, ensuring you wake up loose and ready to charge the next morning.

  • A man practicing yoga outdoors among palm trees, with his hands in prayer position, eyes closed, basking in sunlight.

    Holistic Health Workshops

    Led by Zach, these sessions go beyond the physical. You will learn breathwork techniques to master your nervous system and stay calm in heavy situations, along with holistic tools to optimize your health long after the trip ends.

  • Cozy bedroom with a large bed, rolled towels, a shelf with a small flower, and a window with sheer curtains overlooking a garden.

    Premium AC Accommodation

    Recovery is just as important as surfing. Sleep deeply in clean, private, climate-controlled rooms. No sweating through the night in a hot dorm.

  • A white vehicle parked on a sandy beach with the ocean and waves in the background and a partly cloudy sky above.

    Zero Friction Logistics

    From the moment you land at the Managua Airport to the moment you leave, we handle everything. No haggling with taxis, no Google maps. Just get in the van and relax.

  • Surfboards leaning against a wooden rack under a small roof shelter surrounded by green trees and plants.

    Board Rental

    Caught in a bind and need to rent a board, or just want to try something different? We have a range of boards available for you to test and ride in all conditions.

  • A shirtless man standing in the ocean, holding a camera and taking photos, with waves crashing around him.

    Professional Media Package

    Put your phone away. Our photographer and videographer capture high-res images and videos of your best trip moments, so you have the proof to show the crew back home (add on, $200)

PRICE: $2500 per person shared room (gender specific)

$2950 per person single room (limited availability)

Secure Your Room

YOUR OCEAN MENTORS

A man surfing inside a barrel, wearing a black wetsuit, with water dripping from his face and hands.

Zach Bucolo: Retreat Leader and Charger

Zach doesn't just surf. He charges.

He has spent years traveling the world hunting the biggest, heaviest waves he can find. He is a business owner and a goal chaser who earns respect the moment he paddles out.

He knows how to read the ocean when it gets serious. He pushes himself hard, and he will help you push your limits, too.

Certifications:

  • Surf Coach with 10 years experience

  • Water Safety Specialist

  • BWRAG (Big Wave Risk Assessment Group)

  • Breathwork practitioner

A young man with a surfboard walking on the beach, smiling and making a shaka sign with his hand.

Sam Ray: The Strategist and Host

Sam is a San Diego, CA native that lives here in Nica. He has spent thousands of hours studying this coast. He knows every rock, every wind shift, and every hidden sandbar.

He has 6 years of experience guiding  surfers to perfect, empty waves while everyone else is stuck in a crowd. He has scored the sessions of a lifetime here, and now he wants to take you to them.

Sam is your biggest fan in the water. He loves a good crew and lives to see you win.

Certifications:

  • Water Photographer

  • Boom Specialist (over 1000 hours surfing the break)

Let’s Clear the Air.

You have questions. We have honest answers. Here is what you need to know before you commit.

Have a question thats not listed here? write us an email.

  • Absolutely not. That’s why you’re coming to us. You just need to be comfortable catching your own waves and navigating the lineup. Our goal is to teach you the ocean IQ, positioning, and technique to help you hunt your first barrel or get deeper in the ones you already find.

  • We recommend bringing your "daily driver" (standard shortboard) and a step-up for when the swell fills in. Don't want to travel with boards? No stress. We have a fleet of high-performance rental boards included in your package. Just let us know your specs when you book.

  • We focus on whole foods and high protein to fuel your training.

    • Breakfast: "Plato Nica" (Eggs, plantains, rice & beans) or GF Banana Pancakes.

    • Lunch: Fresh Catch Ceviche with plantain chips or Mediterranean Salads.

    • Dinner: Grilled Fish/Steak Tacos, Pad Thai, or Vegetable Curries.

    • Dessert: Cacao Nib Brownies or Passion Fruit Ice Cream. (We cater to Vegan, GF, Keto, and Paleo diets upon request).

  • Northern Nicaragua is arguably the most consistent surf region in Central America. However, our advantage is mobility. We are not stuck at one beach. We have 4x4 transport ready to hunt down the most exposed breaks in the region to ensure you get your wave count, regardless of the forecast.

  • Absolutely. While the news often lags behind reality, Nicaragua is statistically one of the safest countries in Central America—often ranked safer than Costa Rica. The region we operate in (Northern Nicaragua) is rural, quiet, and incredibly welcoming. Furthermore, your safety is our logistics priority: from the moment you land in Managua, you are in our private transport and under our care until you fly home.

  • Yes! Amaru Resort is a stunning beachfront sanctuary. While you are hunting waves, your partner can enjoy the oceanfront pool, yoga deck, massage services, and incredible food. We offer a "Non-Surfer Rate"—just DM us for details.

  • Northern Nicaragua is famous for its heavy beach breaks, but we check the conditions daily to find the spot that matches the group's ability. We are "Ocean Mentors" first—safety is our priority. We won't throw you into conditions you can't handle, but we will push you to expand your comfort zone.

  • We know you can’t always completely unplug. We have installed Starlink high-speed internet at the lodge. You will have plenty of bandwidth to take Zoom calls, check emails, or upload your surf footage without issue.

  • Yes. We offer Full Private Expeditions for groups who want the lineup and the resort to themselves. This allows us to customize the dates, the coaching focus, and the daily itinerary specifically for your group's goals. If you are interested in a private strike mission, please contact us directly to discuss availability and rates.

  • To secure your spot in the lineup, we require a $1000 non-refundable deposit. The remaining balance is due 30 days before the retreat start date. We recommend travel insurance to cover any unexpected life events!

Ocean waves crashing on a sandy beach with some green plants and driftwood in the foreground.

Ready To Level Up Your Surfing?

They will ask what changed.

Imagine your first session back home. You paddle out. You sit a little deeper. You catch the set wave of the day and ride it perfectly.

Your friends will notice. They will see that your pop-up is faster, your turns are sharper.

They will ask, "What happened to you?"

You can just smile and show them the footage of the insane barrel you got in Nicaragua.

Take the trip!