Testimonials

Photo of Giant's Foot Surf Nicaragua guest paddling out


It’s been a great week of surfing, drinking, eating, and hanging out. I can’t imagine a more accommodating group of people. I can’t imagine how much the word “accommodating” would score on a Scrabble board. This week Zach and company moved the tree out front, two turtles got busy off Colorado, and Scott wailed on the banjo while Mark strummed guitar. Surgery was performed as Scott sutured a nasty cut on Mark’s right arm. This week the boat was pulled out of the water due to heavy surf. Todd shared a million funny stories about his surf travels around the world. This week we hear that a category 4 hurricane named Rita is apparently bearing down on Houston. We’ve been lucky enough to have strong onshore blown-out conditions for two days because of Rita. This week Nica is still pregnant, and Buffalo flows freely. This week Carol cooked gourmet, Bob body surfed like a professional, and Chapin tore up the swell. Good luck, Jack.

I’ll be in the Bay area for awhile. Feel free to look me up!

Jason Sloan, CA


Gigante crew,

Thanks for all the good times, I will never forget this place and hope to return. Good breaks, clear water, good hospitality; keep it going! With Nicaragua growing so quickly you have a huge influence on how this country’s tourism will evolve. I have great faith in all of you and know you create a positive, respectful vibe.

Thanks,

Todd Buynak, CA


Chapin, Bob, Marlon, Carol, Zach, Susan, Jack,

What a great experience. Not only the waves, surroundings, and accommodations, I really enjoyed hanging with your crew. You helped put me in a state of mind that will last for a while. Each of you inspired me in different ways, from surf, to the food, to the camp, to the ways of life, I learned a lot. I am happy you have such a sweet operation in such a beautiful place. It’s a great vibe I hope to return someday soon.

Continued good luck!

Mark, CA


Gigantinites,

Thanks amigos for this mediocre surfer, it was an awesome experience. The ethos of actually enjoying what you do was totally present here. Will likely be back. Don’t hesitate if you guys need anything,

Thanks,

Scott Mayfield, CA


Chapin and friends,

Thanks for letting me stay, I’m glad to see you guys are all doing well and you guys got a great thing going. This was a great way for me to experience Nicaragua for the first time and I definitely plan on coming back—hopefully during “surf season.” Take care of Chapin, he still has a lot of the world to see. Thanks, again for making me feel at home.

Elena, CA


Hey Chapin and everyone,

Thanks for everything I was only here for two days but you guys made me feel so at home. You are all doing an amazing thing with this place. It takes some balls to be able to leave everything and start over. I was so nervous coming to this country but now I totally would come back. If I’m every in the area, I’ll stop by but until then, take care. Good luck and thanks again!

Love,

Pia, CA


El Gigante Locos,

Way cool set-up you got here. I’m so jealous, but it is back to the rat race for now… hopefully “I’ll be back” and the surf will be good! Thanks for everything; Scrabble, ping pong, body surf, hiking to the top of Pie de Gigante, you guys have a good energy. Take care and if you every need a hand…

Aloha,

Seth, CA


We’re not ready to leave… After 2+ months in Nicaragua, Jeff and I have some of our fondest memories here. I loved chatting with everyone over coffee, magazines, salsa fresca, ping pong, and of course, great waves. You all do an amazing job making Gigante feel like home. We will miss you all & look forward to the next reunion…what’s that I hear about a surf camp in El Salvador?

Visit us in San Diego,

Con carino,

Jeff & Sarah, CA


Sarah and Jeff said it! You guys do an awesome job here. Thank you so much for creating a perfect home away from home. This is my last visit this year but I am positive I will be back. Best of luck with everything. Stay happy!

Will Acworth, Australia

P.S. Always a home in Sydney for all of you.


Thanks for showing us such a good time—We’re digging the Nica lifestyle. Good luck to all of you and mucho offshore wind in the future. If you’re ever in NYC you’ve got friends there—just email and we’ll hook it up!

All the Best,

Evan & Adam Erlebacher, NYC


Second trip was a blast! I’ll be back again—You guys Rock!

Andy Bratz, CA


Mis amores @ the Gigante Beach Hotel,

Thank you for everything—your clothes, patience, good conversation, and ever-welcome smile…I had a great time. Y’all are making it happen and it’s beautiful. I will for sure miss this place, and you guys are the heart of it. Take it easy.

Much love and respect,

Peace,

Courtney Hull, CA


Hey Team,

Thanks again for a sick time! It’s always a pleasure. Love to see Jack and Chapin charging that left reef.

Will Acworth, Australia


Jack, Zach, Carol, Chapin, Casey, & Marlon,

Thanks for making our visit such a memorable one. All your hard work has really paid off. You have a very special place here and hope to be back soon. Stop by if you guys are ever in San Diego.

Aloha,

John, Joan & Eric Gillem, CA


Hey guys,

For a non-surfer point of view. I loved it! Thanks for everything. You all are special people and it shows up in this place! Good luck!

Joan Gillem, CA


Jack, Zach, Chapin, Casey, & Carol,

Thanks for making this visit to Nicaragua a great trip. I’ve been to a few places over the years and they are all memorable, but you all have the air of authenticity and hospitality to make this one stick on many levels.

Thanks, you are a very cool group of individuals,

Paul Aho, FL


Jack, Chapin, Carol, Zach and Casey,

Thanks for such a great reprieve from the rat race back home. The surf just happened to be epic, the food & hospitality was top notch, & the a.c. in the room was icing on the cake. For your first season of operation, you guys are doing a great job. This place is magical and I am happy for you guys to have found your piece of paradise. Thanks for the soulful and family like atmosphere. I’ll miss you guys, but will be back for sure. If your travels bring you back to so-cal, be sure to look me up.

Best of luck and keep living the dream,

Devin Byrnes, CA


Jack, Casey, Chapin, Zach, and Carol,

Thank you for the great hospitality and for making all the great grub in the morning. This place is awesome and definitely filled with great vibes. You all have made this trip a wonderful and relaxing vacation. Keep up the great work and best of luck with the rest of the season. We will be back and look forward to seeing the changes keep in touch and best of luck with everything.

Best wishes,

Christian Garfield, CA


Hola amigos!

Thanks so much for these amazing 4 days! It’s been definitely one of my highlights of this 6 week trip. Thanks for surf, quesadillas, pasta with peanut butter sauce…you can’t beat that!!! Hope, your surf camp story’s workin’ out.

Wish you all the best!!!

Jochen Haar, Germany


Thanks for the good times. When the surf isn’t on…the pong is on. I always enjoy making new friends in interesting places.

The “Old” Guy from U.C.S.B.

Chad Turner


Thanks for everything! I had a great time just relaxing and hanging out. The whole trip just felt like being with family.

Gaucho Pride!

Paul Sporleder, CA


Hey guys,

Thanks so much for such a wicked time. It was so nice to spend the first part of my trip here with all you guys. All the best with everything,

Will Acworth, Australia


To the Gigante Crew,

Thanks so much for the amazing experience. I will be back soon for more boat rides & barrels J –your team is genuine & it was much appreciated. I will miss meep & eduard the most.

John Rinek, CA


Jack, Zach, Carol, Chapin, and the rest,

Your place here is astonishing. The time and energy you all put into this place is unbelievable. Thank you all so much for the beautiful memories and thoughts. I hope to return again some time soon.

Love and peace,

Shannon Lindsey, CA


Your love and hospitality have gone far. The paradise we shared with you will shine forever in all our hearts. Who knows if I can make it back. If I have the chance you know I will. Jack thanks for showing your guitar to me.

Matthew Robinson, CA


Dear Giant’s Foot Crew,

It was a pleasure meeting you all. Thank you for making my first visit to Nica a memorable one. I will be back!!! Wish you luck in future plans. Hope to see you all again soon.

Ciao amici,

Franco Zamboli, FL

Ps. Grazie di tutto


To the Giant’s Foot Crew,

I had a great time at your special place. You guys were so hospitable, it couldn’t have been easier and more tranquillo. I have to come back and surf that left point.

Peace,

Greg Frehling, Fl.


To Jack & Co.,

Fantastic time in Nica. My part: Nothing beats the chicken in the shower. You guys are the greatest. We wish you all the luck.

Gary & Seth, FL


Jack, Chapin, Zach, Carol—

Damn’ what a fine crew! I can’t tell you how much this experience has changed my life and made me a better person. It is so beautiful to know how good human beings can exist and survive in harmony especially when times get tough! I have so much respect for all of you and see how hard you work. The whole experience of seeing our panga sink was heartbreaking, but all in the same day my heart was lifting to see a whole village come together. I have a lifetime of good memories in a short two weeks. Thank God, I almost forgot the waves are pretty damn good tambien. I believe it is all “Vale de Pena” x2 and many more.

Muchas gracias te quero mi amigos,

Eli Rinek, CA


Yo Jack, Zach, Carol, Chapin, Susan, Ed, Nica, Scarlet, gatita, Felipe, guinea hens, regular hens, bats, and rodents,

You have all been so kind to me! Mi pies may leave but the spirit of the Gigante gringo will live on! Keep the “No Vale la Pena x2” afloat and show the peeps a good time. Remember that rock beats scissors and shovels beat knife. If you ever need a “veggie chef” let me know & I’m here y’all.

Paz, amor, y granoca

Casey Fox, CA


Jack, Zach, Chapin, & Carol (plus all those hard workin’ Nica locals!) –

What a beautiful piece of the planet you all have found. Treasure it forever and keep it a place for all to enjoy. Good, no GREAT surf! Keep the boat floating because it really is “Vale la Pena.” I look forward to many more visits to your chunk of paradise and seeing Ed and gatita grow up into responsible adults!

Peace, love, and friends!

Chris Proudman, CA


Jack, Chapin, Carol, Zach,

Thanks so much for the great time and allowing us to invade Gigante I had a great time surfing the various breaks and getting to know each of you. I’m already scheming on how to get back next year with a larger group. Jack practice your nica-pong, and poker. I’d hate to come back and win again.

Thanks for everything,

Lanny Holm, OR


The crew,

This was my first surf trip and all you made it an amazing experience. Carol the breakfast was awesome. Zach you saved my ass when I got locked in the bathroom, good luck with the skimboards. Jack and Chapin you both rip at surfing and can also put up a fight at ping-pong.

Thanks for an awesome trip,

Nate Babst, OR


To all,

Your place here in Gigante is incredible. It is clear you all put so much effort into taking care of your guest. It was a pleasure to be in your company for a week. See you all soon.

Jay Dembro, MA


Jack, Zach, Carol, & Chapin,

For a trip that was planned about three weeks before I got here, it was so much better than any trip I’ve taken for so long. Great waves, great people, great times. Be back soon for sure, thanks for all your hospitality & warm vibes.

Cheers,

Josh Bryer, CA


Jack, Zach, and the rest of the crew,

This has been one hell of a vacation! It doesn’t get any better than this. You all were such great hosts and new friends. I hope you get all the business you can and good luck with it all. I will not forget the time I had here or in the “rumble ‘n the jungle” room—the a.c. was a plus. I will be back to paradise!

Love ya all,

Andy Bratz, CA


Giant’s Foot Crew,

It was a pleasure. Everything I was looking for and a little bit more

Bradley Witt, CA


Dear Gigante Beach Hotel

Thanks for the hospitality and for helping us bring in the New Year with style. Your place was a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of our high stress Peace Corps volunteer existences. Carol I hope you get to bust out with your Great Barrier Reef factoid in some future conversation where it’ll be correct. Zach surely you and Nicki can become better friends… she’s a great beach companion. Can’t we all just get along?

Thanks so much for everything,

Quincy Howard, TX


Gigante Beach Hotel,

Tenga una feliz y prospero ano nuevo! Muchisima gracia por todo. Thank you so much for everything. I could not have imagined a better new year. Zach and Carol, you are both awesome! I want to come back and play.

Laura Kaneshiro, CO


Gigante Beach Hotel,

Thanks so much for your generosity—for helping a group of great friends bring in 2005 in style. Much luck and love to you all, and remember that you always have a place to stay in our adopted Honduras.

Buenas Suerte y Feliz Ano Nuevo 2005

Julie Behrens, NYC


One word sums up the stay: SWEEEET! Thanks for going out of your way to make it that way.

Best,

Brad Winer, NYC

Ps. Drop a line when you’re in the ‘hood


The Gigante Beach Hotel was a great way to spend the New Year… unexpected surprise that worked out like a charm. Great facilities… this place on its way up. Next time I’m coming back to hike that rock… Good luck and I hope this takes off for you like it should.

Peace,

Adam, CT


Gigante Beach Hotel,

Usually my New Years is a big let down, but this was far from that. In fact it was friggin’ awesome. I wish I could stay longer, and I’m sure I’ll come by again. Thanks for the hospitality, great time, tasty food, beautiful location, and small escape from Peace Corps reality to a beach paradise.

Zachary Job, NYC


Happy New Year!

Wow guys this place is remarkable. The hotel’s uniqueness and potential reflect that of its operators. We all had a truly great time here with you. Thank you for the warm hearted hospitality and the good times. I’m coming back for sure. Wish you could have been here John.

Best of luck,

Nick Mucha, CA

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  • "Thanks for all the good times, I will never forget this place and hope to return. Good breaks, clear water, good hospitality; keep it going!"
    -Todd Buynak, CA

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