When I visited Rancho Santana, Nicaragua, I had one clear goal: surf a barrel. Despite almost 15 years of surfing experience, I had never successfully ridden inside a barrel and been spit out. Surfing Northern California's point breaks rarely presented opportunities for barrel riding, so this felt like my moment. To give myself the best shot, I enlisted the help of a surf instructor. Here’s how it all unfolded.
Barrels at the main break of Rancho Santana. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Day One: A Humbling Start
From the first wave, I realized this wasn’t going to be easy. The steep drops were relentless. Sometimes I’d make it to my feet, only to flip upside down and start the session tumbling through the washing machine. My surf instructor quickly identified areas for improvement.
“Use your front foot to steer over the boil,” he suggested. Wipeout.
“Tuck more — these waves aren’t that big,” he coached. Wipeout.
“Find the peak, then drop,” he emphasized. Another wipeout.
By midday, I was exhausted from the endless cycle of paddling, wiping out, and paddling back out. For someone used to long rides and carving turns, barrel riding was an entirely new challenge. It required flexibility, quick reflexes, and a willingness to get thrashed. Fortunately, Rancho Santana’s pool and hot tub offered a relaxing reward for my sore muscles after a tough day.
Scouting the break and showing Kristin where I am surfing. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Day Two: Finding My Groove
Determined to improve, I decided to surf solo the next day. Rancho Santana boasts five beaches, with two prime surfing spots and a few panga drop-off locations. I opted for one of the local breaks, enjoying the vastness of the property. The shuttle rides between beaches highlighted just how expansive and self-contained Rancho Santana is — more like a community than a resort.
Once at the break, I spent another hour getting pounded by waves. But something started to click. My positioning improved, and I began to understand the rhythm of the waves. It wasn’t perfect, but progress was progress.
In the afternoon, my girlfriend and I took a break from surfing and went mountain biking. Rancho Santana’s single-track trails wound through the property, offering scenic routes and thrilling descents. We pedaled to the highest point on the property, then raced downhill, zigzagging through a mix of terrain. By the end, we were both exhausted but exhilarated. After a quick nap, I paddled out for a mellow sunset surf in front of the property. It was the perfect end to the day — easy waves and a breathtaking view.
Day Three: Achieving the Goal
Refreshed and ready, I returned to the original spot with my surf instructor. This time, I felt more prepared. A hearty breakfast and strong coffee had me energized as we paddled out to the peak. I noticed another surfer effortlessly catching barrels; he only had one leg. Inspired, I focused on making it happen.
Wave one: I nose-dived and got a sinus rinse.
Wave two: I stood up but got tomahawked by the lip.
Wave three: A complete disaster.
Then, on wave four, everything clicked. I stood up, angled my board toe-side, and tucked down, dropping my back knee. As the wave curled over me, I found myself inside the barrel. Time seemed to slow down as I sped through the tunnel, and then, just like that, I was spit out. I’d done it — I rode my first barrel.
I kept trying for the rest of the session, but nothing matched that initial success. While I wasn’t catching barrels left and right, breaking the ice gave me the confidence and knowledge to improve.
Almost getting clocked by a surfboard, but catching a barrel at Rancho Santana Nicaragua instead.. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Why Rancho Santana?
Rancho Santana is the ideal place to chase barrels. The variety of breaks ensures waves for all skill levels, and the surf instructors are invaluable for shortening the learning curve. Beyond surfing, the property offers a range of activities, from mountain biking to dining, making it a perfect destination for surf trips and beyond.
If barrel riding is on your bucket list, I can’t recommend Rancho Santana enough. With patience, practice, and a good instructor, you’ll be riding inside the tube in no time. Who knows? Maybe you’ll catch your first barrel here too.
