The Program
How the pilot will work
Gigante Pilot
A club near the beach
The Gigante club will operate from a rented space near the beach. The space will provide secure storage for surfboards, safety equipment, cameras, and computers, along with an area for photography, videography, and editing instruction.
Each participant will register with permission from a parent or guardian and complete a swimming assessment. Participants will then be grouped based on age and surfing experience.
The club will offer regular supervised surf sessions, mentoring, and access to shared equipment. Programming will be adapted to each age group. Younger participants will focus on water safety, beginning surf skills, confidence, teamwork, and equipment care. Older participants may also choose to pursue the coaching and media pathways below.
The first year will allow the team to test the model, gather feedback from young people and families, and strengthen the program before considering expansion to another community.
Career & Income
Two pathways for ages 16 to 18
01
Surf Coaching
Participants who develop strong surfing and safety skills may train as assistant coaches. They will learn how to support beginning surfers, care for equipment, communicate with families, and help lead safe group sessions.
02
Photography and Videography
Participants will learn how to use cameras, photograph surfers from shore, edit images and videos, work with clients, and deliver finished products.
The program may offer supervised photography and video services to visiting surfers. These services will provide education, work experience, and opportunities for older participants to earn income. Revenue will support participant stipends, equipment maintenance, and continued youth programming.
Where We Work
Playa Gigante — a fishing and surf village on Nicaragua's Pacific coast, and home of the first club.
Measuring Progress
What we will track
Surf Club Nicaragua will measure participation and program quality, and use the findings to improve the Gigante club and guide future expansion.
- Number and age of participants
- Attendance and retention
- Completion of swimming and safety requirements
- Surfing skills gained
- Photography, video, editing, and coaching skills gained
- Older participants completing work-based learning opportunities
- Participant and parent feedback
- Feedback from local instructors and community partners
Long-Term Vision
A locally led network
The long-term goal is a locally led network of young Nicaraguan surfers, instructors, photographers, videographers, mentors, and community leaders. Future opportunities may include:
- Expanding the model to eight additional coastal communities
- Training experienced participants to become paid instructors
- Offering advanced photography and video instruction
- Creating apprenticeships with local surf businesses
- Providing transportation for young people who live farther from the beach
- Purchasing a van to reach additional surf locations
- Supporting local leaders to operate and adapt their own clubs
- Building connections among youth surf clubs across Nicaragua
Expansion will occur after the Gigante pilot demonstrates strong participation, safe operations, local support, and a sustainable funding model.