Gigante · Nicaragua
Surf ClubNicaragua
Giving young people in Nicaragua's coastal communities access to surfing and the skills to build a future.
The Opportunity
Waves the world visits. Kids who can't reach them.
Surfers travel from around the world to experience Nicaragua's warm water and world class waves. Their visits support surf camps, lodges, instructors, guides, photographers, and videographers. Yet many young people growing up beside those same waves cannot even afford a surfboard, and do not benefit from the surf tourism around them.
Surf Club Nicaragua gives young people ages 8 to 18 free access to surfing and helps older participants build skills connected to the local surf economy. The first club will launch in Gigante and serve at least 30 young people during its first year.
Matteo Blevins, former head coach of Nicaragua's national surf team, leads operations on the ground. The club was founded by Benjamin Kaye, a San Francisco student and surfer.
- 8–18
- Ages served
- 30+
- Young people in year one
- 1
- Pilot community: Gigante
Our Approach
Three connected opportunities
Surf Club Nicaragua will launch a pilot program serving young people ages 8 to 18 in Gigante.
01
Access & Safety
Free surfboards and supervised instruction, with swimming assessments and water-safety education.
02
Skills & Mentoring
Local surfers help participants build skills, confidence, discipline, and relationships with adult mentors.
03
Career Pathways
Older participants train as assistant coaches and in photography, videography, and editing, with chances to earn income.
Begin with one community, learn from the experience, and build a model to replicate across Nicaragua's coast.
From the Founder
Why we started
"Surfing has taught me perseverance in a way I'd never experienced before. Those who surf know what it feels like to spend 30 minutes paddling out just to catch one mediocre wave. But every surfer also knows that feeling, indescribable, once you're up and riding. When I visited Nicaragua, I met kids who live near the ocean, but have never had access to a surf board. I started Surf Club Nicaragua because local young people should experience the same benefits of surfing that I have had."
Join Us
Help us launch the first club in Gigante
The waves attracting surfers from around the world are part of the communities where these young people are growing up. With safe equipment, skilled local instructors, and sustained community support, young people can become surfers, coaches, photographers, videographers, mentors, and leaders.