About This Retreat

Join us for an unforgettable week-long surfing retreat dedicated to shortboard progression. This specialty program is designed for surfers looking to refine their skills, push their boundaries, and gain a deeper understanding of wave dynamics and board control. Set in the stunning coastal paradise of Nicaragua, this retreat combines expert coaching, hands-on drills, and immersive surf sessions to help you unlock your full potential. Whether you’re aiming to perfect your bottom turns, master rail-to-rail transitions, or take your carving to the next level, this retreat is your ultimate shortboard training experience.

Choose from Two Retreat Dates:

• March 29–April 5

• April 19–26

Main Objectives and Goals

• Drop down at least a foot on your surfboard length.
• Understand the importance of the lines you draw for the maneuvers you want to perform.
• Master positioning in the line-up for optimal wave selection.
• Learn how to correctly distribute weight through turns for better flow and control.

What Will Be Covered

Our program is tailored to ensure you progress both in and out of the water. Key skills and techniques include:

Practical Skills You Will Acquire:

• Mastering your mid-line and balance for improved control.
• Proper weight distribution through turns and when paddling on a shortboard.
• Advanced paddling skills to improve efficiency and power.
• Perfecting the duck dive to handle larger waves.
• Advanced techniques for catching waves with precision.
• Learning to perfect popping up on smaller boards.

Fundamental Shortboard Maneuvers:

• Importance and mechanics of a bottom turn.
• Two different types of bottom turns and when to use them.
• Effective techniques for pumping to generate speed.
• Shallow versus drawn-out cutbacks—how and when to use both.
• Mechanics of frontside and backside turns for powerful and dynamic surfing.

Theoretical Classes

• How to draw your lines and anticipate your maneuvers.
• Understanding the physics behind fins and how they affect board performance.
• Advanced surfboard theory to optimize your equipment for progression.

Additional Workshops and Trainings Included

Beyond your daily surf sessions, this retreat offers specialized workshops to enhance your surfing capabilities:

• Daily Video Analysis: Receive personalized feedback with recorded surf sessions reviewed by your coach.
• On-Land Surf Skate Coaching and Training: Practice rail-to-rail pumping, carving, and turns on land.
• Breath-Holding Workshop: Develop your lung capacity and breath control for greater confidence and safety in challenging conditions. This hour-long session incorporates in-water and out-of-water exercises inspired by professional big wave surfing techniques.
• Functional Movement and Mobility: Daily yoga and stretching sessions designed to improve flexibility, balance, and core strength—key components for powerful, fluid surfing.
• Pool Training: Focus on balance and core strength in a controlled environment.

About the Coach

Meet Gerritt Cooper, the co-founder of Amaru and the visionary behind its signature surf school and specialized shortboard progression program. Hailing from the island of Kauai, Gerritt brings over 30 years of ocean expertise and more than 15 years of professional coaching experience in Hawaii, California, and Central America. Beyond his practical knowledge, Gerritt has studied meteorology, surf history, and physics, enriching his theoretical classes with scientific insights that seamlessly complement his in-water coaching.

Gerritt’s coaching philosophy is rooted in building strong foundations, likening progress in surfing to constructing a house—brick by brick, with time and integrity. Drawing from his Hawaiian upbringing, Gerritt not only teaches you how to be a skilled surfer but also how to navigate the ocean safely and respectfully, transforming you into a well-rounded waterman.

Sample Schedule

Morning:

• Surf Session: 5:00 AM - 9:00 AM
• Breakfast: 9:00 AM

Midday:

• Theory and Skills Workshop: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• Yoga Session: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
• Lunch: 2:00 PM

Afternoon:

• Video Analysis: 3:00 PM
• Surf Session: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Evening:

• Dinner: 7:00 PM

This retreat is your opportunity to immerse yourself in the art of shortboard surfing while connecting with like-minded individuals in a supportive and inspiring environment. Ready to take your surfing to the next level? Reserve your spot now!

NOTE: When selecting your trip dates on WeTravel, please choose one of the following options for the start and end dates:

• March 29–April 5

• April 19–April 26