Surf and learning spanish - only possible in SJDS?

[oats]

Hello!

Are there any other places besides SJDS where I can attend spanish lessons AND go surfing?

I'm hoping for waves that are suitable for a beginner and can be reached without having my own car.  Is that going to be a problem in SJDS?

Jiquilillo sounds like an awesome place, but I guess there's no chance of spanish lessons out there?

If there isn't anywhere else, then does splitting my time between SJDS and the Proyecto Ecologico school (which sounds awesome in the book) sound like a good idea for striking a balance between busy and quiet?

Many thanks!

[Randall Wood]

For waves and classes in the same place, SJDS is really your best bet.  That said, some of the waves in that section of coastline are definitely NOT beginner's waves.  As for vehicles, you'll wish you had one, but there are a huge number of group rides around that will take you out to the line up - ask around you hospedaje for starters.

Needless to say, the waves in Esteli suck 

[oats]

Thanks!  Looks like I'll be starting my lessons in SJDS then...

> "some of the waves in that section of coastline are definitely NOT beginner's waves"
Really?  Aw, man.  There are some beginner waves though?!  What about further north e.g. Jiquilillo - are they tougher or easier than SJDS? I thought the south was suppose to be the easiest to surf!?

[Randall Wood]

Don't worry, there are beginners' waves as well, always subject to wind and swell conditions.  But some of the breaks are on the fast side!  Give it a try, you'll like it.
Hey, I don't notice you asking many questions about classes.  Looks like a surfing trip with a little Spanish on the side to me I highly approve.

[oats]

Looks like a surfing trip with a little Spanish on the side to me Wink I highly approve.

Ha, it certainly sounds that way!

I figured that if I'm going to make the effort to lump my bodyboard and fins all the way from the UK then I ought to make sure I'll be able to use them!   It's also been way too long since I was last in the ocean... it's been 5 years since I spent a few months body boarding outside Melbourne in Oz.  I've convinced myself that I've forgotten how it all works though so I figured I'd start gentle!   Have you heard much about the surf in El Salvador?

I thought about playing the language schools by ear; sorting it out once I'm in Nic.  I originally came across this co-operative run school, http://pages.prodigy.net/nss-pmc/#intro, via this website (UK-based Nic Charity), http://www.nicaraguasc.org.uk/tours/volunteering.htm (the school is mentioned at the bottom of the page).  I couldn't find it in the book though, but I guess they re-branded as Latin American Spanish School in the book?  Either way, I was going to ask around the three schools in SJDS once I got there.  Hopefully I'll have enough time in Nic, before my money runs out, to move between the SJDS schools and the Proyecto Ecologico on Laguna de Apoyo... *crosses fingers*

Can I ask you a personal question?  I noticed that on http://therandymon.com/ you are interested in technology and that you do a fair bit of web development.  I was wondering which you got into first; economic development work, travel writing or technology?  I'm currently working as a web developer you see (new media advertising type stuff ), but I'm hoping this trip would be the kick up the bum I need to move into development or at least do something more useful with my skills other than advertising.  Did you make a similar transition?

[Randall Wood]

I noticed that on http://therandymon.com/ you are interested in technology and that you do a fair bit of web development.  I was wondering which you got into first; economic development work, travel writing or technology?  I'm currently working as a web developer you see (new media advertising type stuff ), but I'm hoping this trip would be the kick up the bum I need to move into development or at least do something more useful with my skills other than advertising.  Did you make a similar transition?

I'd say it all kind of happened at the same time.  You'll probably find that Nicaragua inspires you to use the skills you have in new ways, to learn skills you'd never thought of before, and to combine what you know with what you can do.  It's a land of opportunity, since there is so much need.

Enjoy the trip!