Unpunk Photography shoot out

Last week I was fortunate enough to meet up with James from “unpunk photography” and his long time friend Kendall, who is also a photographer. My good friends at Surfguru sent James and Kendall down to shoot, although they were only here for a short amount of time we managed to capture some great shots. James and Kendall were on it every morning with all their toys, everything from standard gear, water gear and even video. It was awesome to have someone on the beach and in the water at all times, it allowed us to capture the some sick crossfire images. When they first arrived the swell had dropped and it was only about head high but the conditions were perfect. The winds stayed offshore all day long for five days during their... more Posted to Lost in Central America by Ricky Hitchcock on 07/29/09 | with 0 comments

Getting Involved

During our time spent here in Central America, we have been privileged to enjoy the benefits of the numerous activities that the countries have had to offer. We’ve been able to enjoy everything from surf, fishing, observing nature and even helping out in the community. Recently we decided to get involved with some activities outside of surfing, and really show our appreciation to the people and community that have taken us in as their own. One afternoon we joined several locals to help clean up and rebuild part of the elementary school in the village that we are staying in. The turn out was amazing, there must have been about twenty five people in total and everyone lent a helping hand. They all came with smiles from ear to ear and... more Posted to Lost in Central America by Ricky Hitchcock on 07/09/09 | with 1 comments

Segundo Destino

Over the past few days we had been scoring epic waves at our first stop, but it was time to try our luck elsewhere or atleast that’s what we thought. We decided to head south to the all famous Popoyo, Nicaragua. We were in search of the year-round off-shore winds and the perfectly groomed A-frames that litter the coast, like most the travelers that visit Nica. We set out early one morning for the 7 hour trip, everything seemed to be going so smoothly, but there is always some kind of twist here in Nicaragua. Once we made it to Managua we had to Unload from one taxi and reload into another taxi that would take us the second half of the trip. The taxi ride was actually quite enjoyable, lush forest, mountains and volcanoes lined the... more Posted to Lost in Central America by Ricky Hitchcock on 06/25/09 | with 1 comments

Inner City Experience

The other day a friend of ours, Brian, was heading into town so we decided to catch ride. We had been waiting for this opportunity for quite some time now, we had to stock up on a few things….Rum, bread, peanut butter, Rum, snacks and Rum! The rum here is delicious! It’s called “ Flor De Cana”  and is made right here in Nicaragua. The car ride to town takes about 30-45 min depending if you get stuck behind traffic, by traffic I mean a horse cart, a motorcyclist towing another man on a bike or anything else of that nature. Once we got into town we headed straight to get some local food. We pulled up to this little “ hole in the wall” diner and it had to be the cheapest, best meal that I had ever ate.... more Posted to Lost in Central America by Ricky Hitchcock on 06/18/09 | with 4 comments

On The Hunt

Over the past week Nick and I have been searching for different waves to escape the closeouts of the beach break. The swell had maxed and the beach break was like a death pit. We tried to surf it one afternoon when it seemed to mellow out, but after two waves I got caught in the inside and took about ten waves on the head and nearly drown. Later that day we set out to find a couple waves that some local groms had told as about that were two or three bays away. The trek was quite the adventure, what we thought would take 30 min turned out to be over an hour. We had to crawl threw tree’s, climb over rocks and then finally make our way down a steep hill side to make it to the beach and it was worth it! As soon as we got to the beach a... more Posted to Lost in Central America by Ricky Hitchcock on 06/10/09 | with 2 comments

Pointbreak Pleasure

Friday morning I woke up to the crack of waves pounding the shoreline, the swell had finally filled in. After our usual morning routine we decided to devaite from the hollow barrels of the beach break and set out for roping lines of the point. The walk to the point was an adventure in itself. To get to the point there are a series of obstacles that you must pass. The journey starts with a twenty minute walk, a fifteen minute paddle across the estuary, another ten minute walk through the middle of the island and finally the rock dance along the cobble stones which line the point. Although this seems like an extreme mission, the rewards are far worth the excursion. We paddeled out only to be greated by a few local fishermen and three other... more Posted to Lost in Central America by Ricky Hitchcock on 06/06/09 | with 1 comments

New Swell, Empty Line Up!

The past four days have been the best since we arrived, Friday being the biggest and best. Its crazy to look in the line up and see thirty guys out in the water. I remember last year the most that were out was like 12 people...its getting crowded!! The crew consisted of a bunch of guys from back home too, kyle garson, eric oed, mark dawson and few more but it was nuts out there. Luckily there are plenty of waves to go around and everyone got their fare share. Check out the shots at Nicaraguasurftour.com, they should be up soon. As the swell started to winde down in the last two days the boys decided to split. I on the other hand am staying, there is a new swell filling and everyone is leaving. Finally we will be able to get this spot as I... more Posted to Lost in Central America by Ricky Hitchcock on 06/02/09 | with 1 comments

The Swell has Arrived!!

Over the past few days the waves have been flat, well atleast by Central America standards. Everyday has been about waist high and fun, but we were ready for some juice. Friday night we paddled out for and evening session, through out the surf the waves were growing by the minute. I saw Nick get a wave that was easily two feet over head and we knew it was on for the morning. When we woke up this morning the waves were pumping!!! About 2-3 feet over head and perfect, I mean there wasnt a drop of water out of place! As we ran down the beach we could see these waves just roping along the sandbar and spitting gallons. There were plenty of barrels to be had and everybody got their fair share.   We got some photos today and I will try ... more Posted to Lost in Central America by Ricky Hitchcock on 05/30/09 | with 3 comments

Day One

The first morning was average, about waist to chest high with bigger sets. Fortunately the waves here still barrel at that size, and yes, we got plenty. After my first tube I let out a big "yew!!!!!", it finally set in that this was going to be my way of life for the next three months. I couldnt believe how perfectly round and hollow these little waves were, it was perfect( especially coming from florida). After about twenty barrels and three hours in the sun it was time for some breakfast to refuel. After that we headed back out for round two. The wind had picked up and the tide had dropped, it looked like Florida, we were bummed. With nothing else to do we paddeled out, to our surprise it was really fun. The way the wave wedged... more Posted to Lost in Central America by Ricky Hitchcock on 05/26/09 | with 2 comments

The Journey Awaits

It was Thursday night and I help but smile while thinking about the approaching three months that I will be spending in Central America. As I sit on the couch and watch surf videos, I cant help but day dream about big round barrels and endless point breaks. My friend Nick and I have been amping for weeks and now we are only three days away! Our departure date is May 25th, Memorial day. We figured that it would be a pretty good day to fly on because people are usually just partying at home anyways. We arrive at our first destination at 1:30 pm and then we have a 3 1/2 hour drive to our first stop of the trip. We hope to get a evening session in, but if not we will atleast be able to see it and get ready for the first morning.Our first stop... more Posted to Lost in Central America by Ricky Hitchcock on 05/21/09 | with 0 comments