Shop Name: Arena Caliente Surf Shop
Location: Half a Block North of the San Juan del Sur Market, it’s a small town and easy to find
Store Hours: Nicaraguan Hours, but they also run a hostel so it’s always open
Website: http://www.arenacaliente.com
Contact Information: use the website form for most questions or call the store phone (505) 8815 3247
Number of Employees: 5 plus, depending on the season
Years in Business: Since 1999 (that’s 10 at the time of this review)

Arena Caliente Surf Shop originated 7 years ago when the Lopez Brothers – Byron, Kervin and Sergio – decided to open the first “Tienda de Surf” (surf store) in San Juan Del Sur. Not only as a way to make a living, but also to spread the surfing experience with the growing tourist population. Thru [sic] the years Arena Caliente has provided many of the items that you might need or want while in San Juan Del Sur – everything from Surfboard Rentals to a bar of wax.

The Review: … Nicaragua’s little fishing town turned surfing launch pad for Nicas and Ticas (Costa Ricans to you gringos) has undergone a transformation over the last five years. San Juan del Sur is not a one surf shop town any longer, but the original shop is still alive and kicking! Established in 1999, SJDS saw Arena Caliente become the first and only surf shop in town. And although it has retained that honor ever since, 2004 saw the rise of other surf shops in the sleepy town that has presented itself as viable competition for the original.

Arena Caliente runs double duty as a surf camp/hostel fronted by a surf shop/tour shop … in SJDS, it pays to be many things to many people. And with countless other surf stores offering the same day tours, boat trips, surf excursions, we focus in on what makes this shop different from the rest. If you want slick, polished, and completely organized to the last detail, then you may want to look elsewhere. Arena Caliente has the dubious charm of actually being run by surfers. Get it? People who surf first, then run a shop second.

The shop does not carry a whole lot of surf-related inventory. No sun block, no surf magazines, no rash guards for purchase (although there are tee shirts), or other things that adorn other shops. Some extra leashes, a few stomp pads, and some goggles. Luckily, the market and the surrounding stores are stocked plenty. Remember, these guys are about surfing, not show.

The ‘charm’ is double sided at times, with the plus side coming up on top. The shop has a wide selection of surfboards that are tailored for the beginner surfer. You can read that as long boards. And in addition, there is a choice selection of shortboards and boogie boards/fins. Although some of the boards are not as visually ‘pleasing’ as some other shops, these are very rideable boards with a lot of life left in them.

The charm comes from the often all too jovial nature of the boys that run the shop and take you on surf tours to places like Playa Remanso (a beginner’s surf break) or Playa Maderas (often times a mid-skill to advanced surf break). They can be quirky and off beat, but the prices are decent. The departure times change daily – sometimes based on the tides, and sometimes based on the rides – so make sure you check with the store often on when departures are actually set. The good thing is that they will often accommodate you and your group on where and when you go.

There are not a lot of amenities with these surf excursions, so make sure you stock up on essentials like surf wax and sunblock … and stop by the mercado (market) for water if you are surfing for a lengthy period, Remanso and Maderas are bare bones surf breaks.

On slower days, expect to pick up extra passengers in your caravan or truck, as these surfers are local Nicaraguans and they still live that lifestyle. Getting rides and hitch hiking are a common way of doing things in Nicaragua, especially in SJDS.

Overall, these guys are a happy-go-lucky bunch of surfers that run a shop and will be more than delighted to take you for a surf excursion or arrange a surf boat trip for you. But the core business is short distance surf trips – Remanso and Maderas – and a ride in some interesting vehicles. If character and a good story is what you want, then come to Arena Caliente. If you want a polished, anti-septic surf tour … there are other guys … but I recommend you at least try one trip with these guys!