All posts by adm1n

Blog

Local Nahua Community Blog | Dental Care

Leave a comment

Help us to make dental care accessible for all Northern Nicaraguans!

Palm trees, perfect waves, friendly people and sunshine all year round… That’s generally what you think about Nicaragua. On the flip side, Nicaragua is also one of the poorest countries in the Western hemisphere. Nearly 48% of the population lives in poverty and 17% in extreme poverty. This has many consequences for the area and its people. Are you curious what you can do to help? In our community blogs, we’ll explain!

How does Surfing Nahua play a role in this?

Surfing Nahua is aware that tourism and real estate can have a huge impact on a small surf town, like Aposentillo. For that reason, we are focused on the sustainable development of this area and community. One of the ways we do this is through supporting a number of vital community projects. 

For the majority of these projects, we partner with Margarita Boren. She came to the area 15 years ago to do missionary work and has since done everything to make a difference in this impoverished coastal community. She has set up many cool and interesting projects, such as a sponsored health clinic where the locals get almost free healthcare and service trips for American PTT veterinarian and nurse students. For the poorest kids in the area, she arranged a school bus, Saturday School and she leads a young leader workshop. Her efforts have increased school attendance from below 50% to above 90%! 

Her latest dream is to make dental care accessible to everyone in the Aposentillo area! She wants to do this by setting up a dental clinic, where she can provide dental care for an insignificant amount, educate future local dentists and start dental care classes on the local preschool in the area.  

Are you wondering, “Why does the Dental Care in Nicaragua need help?”

Due to the underemployment and lack of income in Nicaragua, many people have to live off only $2 per day! Raising a family from this amount of money is more than a great challenge. Over time, many local people didn’t only stick with their traditional diets and started eating more sugary, processed and junk food because it is easy and sometimes cheaper. Some people started replacing nutritious food by drinking a lot of colas or pure sugar water to be able to get enough energy during the day. Can you imagine what this means for the Nicaraguan teeth?

Any dentist in the western world will tell you that your dental care and diet is very important, but what they not exactly explain is why it is so important. Well, an unhealthy mouth may increase your risk of serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, poorly controlled diabetes and preterm labor. That is why the case for good oral hygiene keeps getting stronger. 

In Nicaragua, education and hygiene can definitely use a big upgrade. In fact, the majority of the population has never had or seen a toothbrush! And, if they were given one, it was soon used for other purposes. Dental care is definitely not priority number one and many people in rural areas of developing and underdeveloped areas continue to be deprived of basic oral health care. 

If they really need dental care, they have to visit a private clinic, which very expensive and out of range for most of the population. With as result that almost 42,000 kids and adults don’t have dental care or end up in the inexperienced and poorly facilitated hospital to extract their teeth…

But, together we want to make a huge difference!

We have to be grateful for loving and powerful pioneers like Margarita & Dan, who notice this silent cry for help and started making a huge difference.

So far, the construction of the dental clinic has been finished and Margarita also received her first equipment with great thanks to Daniel G. Oliver, DDS (Barry’s dad). After the retired dentist had visited the area and heavily interviewed Margarita he decided that Margarita’s Dental Clinic was the place for his used equipment and that it would be put to good use. Brad Gebert from Stone Yard Inc. packed and loaded the chairs, the X-Ray machine and all the other items that have been donated (valued at $30,000) and wonderful anonymous client plus our friend Joel Willins donated for the shipping ($4750).

Now almost everything is there, we are close to getting the clinic up and running. We only miss the finishing touches, like pressurized air, a well-functioning water system and two set-ups for the chairs to be able to perform drilling and filling. 

How can you help?

Have you always enjoyed good dental care; are you thankful for your healthy teeth and touched by this story? Help us raise the last $1000 to get the local dental clinic running and Margarita and Dan’s dream come true to make dental care accessible for everyone in Northern Nicaragua.

  1. Get in contact now via belen@surfingnahua.com
  2. Donate to make dental care accessible for everyone in Northern Nicaragua.
  3. Please help us generate awareness and make some noise by sharing this campaign!
  4. And, see for yourself how you can make the change! 

What’s next? 

Read more about other community projects soon!

Blog

The lifestyle of Northern Nicaragua: Fishing

Leave a comment

The lifestyle of Northern Nicaragua: fishing

Fishing Nicaragua. Early in the morning, you leave your house, head to the boat lounge in Aserradores. In this small fishing village in Northern Nicaragua, the local captain is waiting for you to come on board. From the beautiful estuary out to open waters. With volcanoes, palm trees and beautiful sunset in the background, you hope to drag in your exotic catch while sipping your Toña. Who does not dream of a life surrounded by this idyllic environment?

boat trip / fishing nicaragua

Northern Nicaragua is not only known for its world-class surfing. The Pacific coast of Nicaragua is the new, exciting place for big game fish in Central America. Join us for blue water adventures in search of fish.

A first-hand account of the action 

Our friend Peter Corselli, the owner of the Rental Casa Corselli (located right on the Boom/Playa Aserradores) reeled in this beauty from the estuary. ‘I made a few casts in the surf and caught a small jack. It was a perfect size but I didn’t have a hook tied on my other rig so I left it on the hook and tossed it back while I ran up and rigged my other rod. I got a hook tied on, dragged a small tree close to the water so I could lean my other rod on it, and quickly hooked the bait. It took about a minute and then got hammered by the snook. The fight didn’t last too long, took place in small surf. I dragged the fish up the sand and then all the way home.
It should make at least 4 meals for Michelle and I plus a couple for the caretakers. They will make soup out of the carcass plus the filet I gave them. Pretty great down here in Nicaragua.’

fishing Nicaragua

Do you dream of a fishing experience like this? Surfing Nahua m it happen for you! A local captain will take you out on his fishing boat, share his knowledge makes sure you will catch the best fish of your holiday. After coming back from your fishing trip, don’t forget to have a local cook up your prize catch or prepare it “ceviche-style” for the full Nicaraguan experience.

Fishing Nicaragua Tournament

Besides just hobby fishing in Northern Nicaragua, Marina Puesta del Sol hosts a highly successful and prestigious IGFA sanctioned tournament once a year. This year will be celebrated with their 14th edition! This three-day event brings top anglers from 10 different countries. Flor de Caña, Nicaragua’s premier, world-renowned and award-winning rum sponsor the event, which objective of promoting tourism in the region.

However, one tournament a year is not enough to quench the appetite for sports fishing competition. For that reason, Marina Puesta del Sol also hosts an annual Marina Puesta del Sol Tournament. This event includes boats of all sizes with prizes for the most successful teams and individuals, as well as special categories for ladies and juniors.

What is the best time to come to go fishing Nicaragua?

There is not really any bad month to go fishing the Pacific coast of Nicaragua. Something is biting every month of the year. Roosterfish, sierra mackerel, jack crevalle, bonito, houndfish, snapper and grouper in the inshore waters and roam black, blue and striped marlin, sailfish, yellowfin, wahoo, and dorado in offshore waters.

fishing nicaragua calendar

So what are you waiting for?

Come quickly for a unique holiday & fishing experience in this beautiful country.

Blog

Investing in Northern Nicaragua : Stephen Kuhns story

Leave a comment

Investing in Northern Nicaragua, Stephen Kuhns story

Let me introduce myself to start with. My name is Stephen Kuhn, I am a Realtor from Chicago, IL, USA. I took the step of investing in Northern Nicaragua myself and am now the proud owner of a 3 acre parcel with a lovely casita in the Los Clavos area. It is a beautiful area just north of Nahualapa Bay. Here is my story of how my investment in Northern Nicaragua came to life.

Visting Nicaragua for the first time

Let’s back up a little bit…. I first visited Nicaragua in 2000.  At the time I was just out of college and got laid off from a job. That was when I decided to take a sip of the good life. I packed my bags and went of traveling around Central America for about three months.  We ended stayed in Nicaragua for three weeks or so. You have to realize that it was a lot different back then. Especially in the San Juan del Sur area.  I just loved the scenery, the people and the feeling of letting go of the rush I was used to.

Returning to Nicaragua

With Nicaragua in the back of my head all that time I returned to Nicaragua in 2012. I studied Spanish for a month in San Juan del Sur. During this study I lived with a host family and actually did not see the party tourist aspect of it. I was going to class and studying and was in bed by 9 or so, but you could tell there was a lot of energy.  Since I work in real estate, I ofcourse was interested in seeing what was available.  You could tell there was a lot going on, but with North America still in a recession, there were a lot of unfinished unsold developments.  That wasn’t what I was looking for.

Gaining Interest in North Nicaragua

I kept looking to the north along the coast.  I asked the realtors down there about what it was like up there. They all told me it was really slow paced, far fewer tourists, and that there are very few people investing. That was kind of perfect for me. So I continued my search and eventually I got a Referal to Barry and I’m very glad I did.  I went up to North Nicaragua and was so amazed I bought a lot the same day. Boris, Barry’s partner, took me around the area and showed this lot to me. The difference between this and what I had seen down south was quite big. It was far cheaper and so much closer to the water. Also the process of buying my property was not nearly as hard as I had expected. The Surfing Nahua team walked me through it all with great confidence.

Investing in Northern Nicaragua

My own development in Northern Nicaragua

After that I came down a few times and camped on my land. I met a neighbour who was looking to sell. I told Barry I wanted to pick it up and he and his team walked me through that process also.  The Casita that was already on the property needed some work.  With the help of the Surfing Nahua group we renovated it to give it a fresh new start. We put in plumbing, a well system, a rancho, a screened in porch area and an outdoor shower.  They got the job done on time and on budget which is hard to do when I am 2 miles away much less 2000 miles.  After that, I’ve been investing in Northern Nicaragua properties more and I couldn’t be happier with the service and attention I’ve received.  We now have a vacation rental right by the beach and the Surfing Nahua team takes care of a full time gardener/watchman, all the cleaning for guests and even works out things like airport transfers for guests.

Investing in Northern Nicaragua

A Northern Nicaragua investment for the whole family

I think the future is bright for my piece of paradise, and for the area in general.  For me, I have a young family and we plan to spend as much time at our Nicaraguan dream house as possible.  As my kids grow, they will learn to surf, speak Spanish and love the Nicaragua culture.  As for this area, I think that the way it’s developing is great to see.  There are so many activities in the area with kayaking the estuary and hiking the many volcanoes, horseriding,  fishing, etc that even if you’re not a surfer, there’s still so much to do.  Obviously for surfers, it’s world class.  Now with the new developments offering yoga, massage and wellness programs, my wife is as excited as I am to get down to Nicaragua.  I think that the Surfing Nahua team has played and will play a vital role in helping to preserve the beauty and slow pace of life in the North.  They are helping clients to add amenities that add to instead of detract from the quality of life.

Advice too future Nicaragua property buyers

The only advice I would give to future clients is to go to Northern Nicaragua, make sure it’s a good fit for you and then go for it.  The Surfing Nahua team will take very very good care of you.  Take it from me, they have helped me buy, sell, renovate and rent out properties in Northern Nicaragua and I’ve been very pleased with all of it.

News

Change of Office: From Century 21 Gold Coast Realty to Surfing Nahua

Leave a comment

Change of Office: From Century 21 Gold Coast Realty to Surfing Nahua

Aserradores, 21 February 2017 – We would like to announce that Century 21 Gold Coast Realty headquartered close to Aserradores, in the Chinandega province in Northern Nicaragua, has changed its office to “Surfing Nahua Realty” effective today.

  •         Old Company Name      : Century 21 Gold Coast Realty.
  •         New Company Name    : Surfing Nahua
  •         Effective Date                 : February 21th, 2017

New phase of Northern Nicaragua real estate

We very much appreciate the past twelve years under the Century 21 banner. However, now is the time for us to upgrade our operation into a fresh and exciting phase of northern Nicaragua real estate. As Surfing Nahua we are diving both further into community involvement in addition to expanding real estate platforms into a more personalized, boutique level experience for our guests.

About Surfing Nahua

Surfing Nahua is a community driven real estate company providing real estate, vacation rental and surf photography services in Northern Nicaragua. You are in the most experienced hands with Barry Oliver and his team. Barry’s real estate experience along the Pacific coast of Nicaragua is unparalleled. In recent years Barry has sold off the San Juan del Sur & Popoyo operations to focus on his true love: North Nicaragua.

Century 21 Gold Coast Realty

Blog

Surfing Nahua is proud of Nicaraguan women!

Leave a comment

Surfing Nahua is proud of Nicaraguan women and does not want to support them only on international women’s day, the 8th of March, but always… Why? You probably would not expect Nicaragua, a third world country, to be one of the leaders in feminism. But wow it is true! Nicaragua has a 10th place in the gender gap 2016. Did you know Nicaragua is the only country worldwide having over 50% female elected muni leaders?

sunset northern nicaragua

Nicaragua has a lot of female mayors and most of them are operating in political empowerment. This all goes back to the revolution. During this period of time a lot of Nicaraguan women joined the Sandinista movement (against the Somoza dictatorship). They were emerged as active participants and/or leaders and the level of involvement was indescribable in the history of independence struggles. Women made up almost 30% of the army and became very important in the success of the revolution. They filled positions as organizers, supporters, communications, persuaders and etcetera. They got the chance to develop their independence and voice. Nicaraguan women actually fought a double battle, for national freedom and for gender equality. Despite the Sandinista government providing the women instant emancipation, Nicaraguan women were then empowered to conquer any feminist challenge in the future.

A good example and the most popular public figure is: Aminta Granera. Aminta is from a wealthy family in the colonial city of Leon. She had the chance to attend the Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. However after two years she decided to become a nun. She went to the convent of the Sisters of the Assumption in Guatemala City to begin her novitiate, but in 1979 she abandoned her religious training to join the Sandinista. After the successful overthrow of Somoza, she became a cop and helped setting up special units to combat violence against women, crime against children and fought police corruption. In 2011 the center-right predecessor to Sandinista President Daniel Ortega named Granera Director General of the National Police of Nicaragua. During her five years of being chief, the police has seized 50 tons of cocaine, $25 million in cash, 1,200 weapons, 1,400 vehicles, 180 boats, 18 aircraft and 128 properties. “We are the smallest police force in Central America, with the lowest salaries, but with the best results of any in the region,” Granera said in an interview. That is quite impressive, right? Not only Surfing Nahua respects her also many other people view Granera as honest, fair and incorruptible.

However in daily life values, beliefs and social customs between different sexes are largely in tact and most of the women have to undergo the pain and suffer of being a woman. They still have to deal with sexual harassment, double workdays and low wages. Even at this moment most of the girls in Nicaragua are under educated and almost 30% live below the poverty line. Of course we hope the political gains are a good starting point for helping all women moving up the social ladder.

But, every little bit helps. So with these facts in mind, Surfing Nahua wants to support a better future for women and extend a financial helping hand towards some of the ambitious local girls in the area. Surfing Nahua started the project with: Marjorie and Masiel.

Marjorie:“I started working as a receptionist for Century21 (now Surfing Nahua) in 2007. I finished High School and Accounting Technical. Secondly, I started studying Law at the University. At that time I worked Monday to Friday in the office and followed Law classes on Saturday. Century21- Surfing Nahua offered me an extra English course on Sunday and paid the course for me. In 2009 I started working as a Rental agent at Century21, but in 2012 I promoted and became the office manage. Eventually, I finished my bachelor Law within six years. Two years ago Century21 helped me to complete an International Diploma Program in Business Administration for Lawyers in INCAE (Latin America Business school) in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama & EEUU (Georgetown University, Washington) and at the moment I am studying the Master Degree in Business Law in Leon. Last year I also started to work as an Attorney/ Legal adviser for our clients and the office. However ten years from where I started, I reached all the goals I aimed for. I am studying, own a business, married Jorge Andrade and we have a beautiful house. And most important, Century21 – Surfing Nahua has been part of each success! In particular Barry Oliver has contributed in my entire daily learning in an integral way. I am so blessed to be part of Surfing-Nahua family and I’m more than grateful.”

Masiel: Masiel has been the secretary of Surfing Nahua since 3 years. Last year she started studying English, financed by Surfing Nahua. She is married, lives in Chinandega and has two kids.

But also at this moment we support some ambitious girls in the area. Meet Ana Janci Martines, 18 years old and lives in Comarca Manzano #2 (daughter of Nelson Martines, surfing Nahua’s care taker). She always desires improvement and personal development. Her dream is to go to university and become a nurse. This is not only for herself but also to be able to help her community. However, for a lot of girls in Nicaragua it is difficult to go to University, not only moneywise, but also because of passion, desires and culture. Surfing Nahua believes that a real striver deserves a better chance. Therefore Surfing Nahua will support Ana by paying her University UCAN in Chinandega and help her with her expenses (such as bus tickets, food, books, etc.) to be able to stay true to her idealistic mind-set and to make her beautiful dream comes true.

surfing nahua women project ana

We are super proud of all these women and hope we can support many more. Do you also think all Nicaraguan women deserve an equal chance? Contact Surfing Nahua and help us support these amazing girls. Because, a better future starts with them!

Blog

The lifestyle of Northern Nicaragua: Come and enjoy the ‘Dale Duro’

Leave a comment

Like homes, dreams need a good design to support them, but what is a greater design than life itself? Probably everybody has thought about ‘the dream life’ and hell I was sure to have ended up in mine upon my arrival in Aserradores, Nicaragua. I was just stunned by the beauty of it all… The green undulating landscape, the sun rising behind the volcanos, beautiful clean waves with offshore winds, good food, nice and friendly people, it is all just so pure down here. So when you are stunned by that much beauty and see a beautiful way to live, why not just do it?! Barry Oliver is one of the people who got his design for a ‘lifestyle’ figured out quite well. We pick up the story to get a glimpse of what it is like for him to be living in Nicaragua by getting to know his daily activities.

As it is a cliché when talking about lifestyle, he sincerely believes that life is what you make of it, or ‘Dale Duro!’ as he might say. And what he made of it is definitely not a cliché at all. With an adventurous and all out approach he is giving it everythi   ng he has got each and every minute of the day. This dedication has made it possible for him to continuously develop himself, his family, his businesses and also communities. And damn he makes sure there is enough challenge, joy and happiness to keep pushing himself to another limit every day. In the end that is exactly what Dale Duro stands for: Just do it, give it all you got, seize the day, go hard or go home or SUBU as they would like to say in Popoyo: Show up to blow up!

As far as challenges goes he always makes sure to find one. His latest goal is to compete at the Xterra world championship. This world’s premier off-road triathlon, combining a 1,5 kilometer swim, a 32 kilometer mountain bike and a 10,5 kilometer trail run. At the moment he spends a lot of his time training and competing in different challenges. And what better way for it prepare in the beautiful Nicaraguan nature. From going for a ride on the bike or a run in the undulating landscape with the sun in the back blushing through the trees, to going for an early morning ocean swim session, to hiking the volcanoes with stunning views as reward. He even holds the unofficial record for climbing the San Cristobal Volcano in 1:45.

16998669_1219434734830498_3509630720765562609_n 16806804_1219434784830493_2975976662148943092_n 16939476_1219435151497123_9052527650449495275_n

But by taking the step moving to northern Nicaragua that is not all that was on offer for him. Spending time with the family and enjoying their company in a calm and friendly atmosphere, playing tennis with friends, kayaking the stunning natural reserve with a dugout canoe are just some of them. As a fanatic surfer and guy who likes challenges enjoying the huge surf at ‘The Boom’ or any other of the numerous excellent breaks nearby with the blessed everyday offshore winds could not lack as well of course. And while he is at it he can also enjoy these beautiful orange glowing sunsets from either the water , the yoga platform at Chancletas or Azul, or in one of the various restaurants in the area. Living in Nicaragua offers it all and he is planning on taking and enjoying it for the rest of the days to come.

As you might have figured out by now, the guy is one energetic guy. It is so nice to see he is able to channel this energy in his everyday work as a real estate agent. With his adventures approach he was able to discover new countries and area and gave him the opportunity to see the potential that Northern Nicaragua has. With his channeled energy he is making sure his clients are satisfied in all their needs and have the optimal experience within the area. ‘It is nice to get to see, know and learn about all this amazing places. And at the same time to give clients the possibility to get their own piece of the dream is an amazing experience. One that we try to make more powerful by giving back to the community.’

‘Nicaragua offers a beautiful getaway for all those who are willing to enjoy all that life is possible to give you. Dale Duro! Come and see for yourself, living in Nicaragua is great and we got you covered’

16939132_1219434724830499_7022916310660915708_n 13726632_10211942846189998_547030688349163823_n 16832220_1333621823362574_1301007326515478049_n