FAQ: Logistics

Where is SwellWomen located?

MAUI retreats are hosted on the west side of Maui approximately 3 miles north from the historic town of Lahaina. The Sheraton Maui Resort is a premier location that offers  23 lush tropical acres of gardens, large expanses of flourishing lawns, an inspiring lagoon pool, and sits along side nearly a mile of beautiful beachfront with breathtaking views of the ocean and the islands of Lanai and Molokai. During non-retreat times, our SwellWomen office is located on the north shore of Maui.

NICARAGUA retreats are hosted at our Ocean Front Luxury Surf Villa located in Hacienda Iguana Golf & Beach Club, a private gated community in the spectacular Tola coast of Southwest Nicaragua known as “Pacific Riviera”.  This secure community is on a pristine sandy beach.  The villa literally sits directly in front of the world class surf break Colorados and only a 5 minute walk down the beach is Panga Drops and Los Perros.

Which airport do I fly into and what time do I schedule my flight?

The first and last days of your trip are travel days but also include retreat activities and some meals.

MAUI TRAVEL ~ It’s recommended to book your flight into Kahului Airport (OGG Code) to arrive between the hours of 11:00am-2:00pm and to depart after 2:00pm. Resort Check-in is at 3:00pm and Check-out is at 11:00am (early check-in and check-out may be available and  is based on resort availability).

NICARAGA TRAVEL ~ It’s recommended to book your flight into  Augusto C. Sandino Managua Airport (MGA).  Villa Check-in is at 3:00pm and Check-out is at 11:00am. Keep in mind that the travel distance from the airport to the villa is  2.5 – 3 hrs, so you’ll want to book your flights accordingly.

Is air travel and airport transfer included?

MAUI ~ Air travel and airport transfer are not included in your rates. Speedi Shuttle provides transfers from the Kahului Airport (OGG Code) to our resort accommodations for approximately $54.00 per person (one way). The return is approximately $47.00. If you are traveling with a group or another individual the rates are discounted. Upon completed registration with us, additional shuttle service information will be provided to you.

NICARAGUA ~ Airport transfer are included.

Should I rent my own car?

MAUI ~ Our surf packages include transportation so renting your own vehicle is not a necessity at our surf camps. Transportation will be provided during surf instruction and any programmed excursions. For a minimal fee, there is also a shuttle that takes guests into town every 30 minutes or so. If you would like to do some additional sightseeing on the island or you are planning additional activities, you may want to look into renting your own vehicle. The daily parking charge is covered with your package cost.

NICARAGUA ~ It’s not necessary and not recommended.

What will the weather be like?

The weather will be pleasantly warm during the day, approximately 78-88 degrees. At night, temperatures cool slightly to approximately 72-78 degrees.
What is the water temperature?
The water temperature is approximately 75-79 degrees.

What is a typical day like at SwellWomen?*

• 6:30am Breakfast Buffet
• 7:15am Surf Lessons and Surf Snacks
• 10:00am Free Surf
• 1:00pm Lunch on your own
• 2:00-5:30pm Activities vary in the afternoon and include;
free time, afternoon excursions, massages, surf etiquette workshop, shopping, recreational stand-up paddle boarding, recreational surfing, and lounging by the pool or beach.
• 4:00pm Yoga Class
• 7:00pm Dinner on your own excluding welcome and catamaran dinner
• *Schedule and times may change
• *Nicaragua meals are included in your package.

Can I bring my own surfboard?

Most certainly! Please check with your airline regarding extra charges and restrictions and let us know if you will be bringing your own board. Our surf company also has an extensive selection of boards of all different shapes and styles from which to choose, from soft tops to hard tops and everything in between.

What kind of beach attire do I need to bring? What do I need to pack?
Bring a couple of swimsuits that you feel comfortable surfing in. Board shorts are also recommended. We recommend visitingCarve Designs for your surf wear needs. They have a wonderful selection and we love their board shorts for women. You will receive a packing list prior to your surf retreat.
Do I need a wetsuit?
The reason we love surfing so much in Hawaii & Nicaragua is because you don’t need a wet suit. The water temperature is perfectly warm and falls between 75-79 degrees. If you are a person who tends to get cold easily or chilly being in the water for a couple of hours, we suggest bringing a neoprene ‘surf shirt’ or a spring suit.
Who Attends?
What are the ages of the guests that attend SwellWomen?
It doesn’t matter how old you are to learn how to surf. You can learn at any age! We get first time surfers in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and 60’s who come to SwellWomen. Women who follow their bliss never let age be a factor in doing so.
What is the age maximum and minimum?
There is no maximum age limit. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a family member and must be at least 14 years of age or older to attend.
Is it o.k. to attend by yourself?
We applaud you for coming solo to our women’s surf camp and many women do. We view our wellness week as both a personal and group experience. One thing is for sure, you will end up leaving Maui with many swell friends from all over the country.
My friend, husband, sister, etc… wants to stay with me in my room, but doesn’t want to participate in the surfing. Is that ok?
Although guests are typically coming to learn how to surf or refine their existing surfing abilities, you are not required to take our surf lessons. There are many other activities like yoga, stand-up paddle boarding, pool swimming, snorkeling, beach walking, ocean swimming, etc..  that you can also enjoy while at our wellness retreats. SwellWomen offers a complete program of events, lessons, activities, and workshops. All activities are optional and guests are free to pick and choose from our extensive program or participate in all of our scheduled activities. However, all guests must be registered with SwellWomen to stay in a room.
Preparation
Do you need to know how to surf to attend the women’s surf camp?
Not at all. Our specialty is teaching never-evers how to surf. We can also accommodate guests from beginner to beginner-intermediate levels.
I’ve never tried yoga. Is it difficult?
Yoga is one of the most wonderful forms of exercise. Not only will you be experiencing countless benefits of yoga during your wellness retreat, but you can carry on your yoga practice at home and throughout your life (many of our guests do!). Our yoga classes will help you in your surf lessons. For the first timer yoga student, the first couple of classes can be a little challenging, but it does get easier.
If you are brand new to yoga, we encourage you to take a yoga class or two before coming to our surf and yoga retreat. Our yoga instructors are experts at teaching classes with multi-level guests so that each pose is adaptable to all levels. You will do great!
Do I need to be a good swimmer?
Although beginners will be learning at a gentle break, it’s important that you feel comfortable in the ocean. All our surfing happens in the ocean, close to shore. For a fulfilling and positive surf experience, we ask that our guests be competent swimmers and in reasonably good physical condition. You are responsible for your own physical abilities and conditions when you join the surf camp.
How can I prepare physically to make the most out of my women’s surf camp vacation?
Swimming is one of the most useful ways of getting into shape for surfing. Swimming works most of the main muscle groups needed for surfing and it builds up stamina. Cycling, running and general workouts in the gym will all benefit you in the ocean, as well. If you want to experience the highest optimal level of fun at your women’s surf retreat, be prepared physically. Start training early for your adventure by swimming as much as possible and building up your cardio and muscle strength. You won’t regret the extra time you put in to ‘train’ for your surf vacation, as your surfing rewards will be plentiful.
However, don’t worry, if you do not have the ‘time’ to physically prepare for your surf vacation. You will still have a fabulous time! And your attendance at the week long retreat just may be the jump-start that you have been looking for to incorporate fitness into your daily life.
If you would like more information on how to get in shape for your surf vacation, please read our article titled, “The Ultimate Fitness Program for the Ultimate Women’s Surf Camp.”
Miscellaneous
I hear that there are sharks in the water. Is that true?
Yes, there are sharks in every ocean around the world, including the Pacific waters. In all the years that we have been surfing, we have not seen a shark, nor have any of our guests. They tend to stay in the deepest areas of the ocean and away from the shoreline.
If you have a fear of sharks, we recommend watching Shark Water. Believe it or not, it just might have you feeling sorry for those underwater creatures.

Do you offer discounts or scholarships?
We do not offer scholarships at this time, but we are looking into providing scholarships for future surf and yoga camps. If your business or company, would be interested in speaking to us about a scholarship fund, please contact us.
We do offer Aloha discounts for early reservation (90 day advance payment). We also have discounted rates for a Triple or Quad occupancy.
Is the staff at SwellWomen Retreats all Female?
Although our retreats are composed of all female guests, we may have male surf instructors or male staffing in other areas of the retreat. Our past SwellWomen guests have really enjoyed having a mix of both female and male support during their vacation on Maui.