Hola to my chicas in Nica!

I’m enchanted every time I hear anything about surfing, but none the less Nicaragua. I visited the camp on Thanksgiving week in 2014 by myself as a first time solo traveler and had the time of my life. There are very few instances in life where things fall so beautifully into place. Chica Brava had the whole package and all of my feelings about surfing, learning new things, and adventuring with loved ones had been so mutually given back to me.

I have learned so much from those at the camp:

…anything new? TRY IT. someone new? MEET THEM. learn spanish? Working on it now, can’t wait to be able to communicate, connect, and get to know the people of Nicaragua and other spanish-speaking countries on a different level. Originally, I was nervous about traveling by myself to a spanish speaking country without knowing anyone or how to speak to anyone. That paid off. I was welcomed with open arms upon arrival and challenged to reach out to try to communicate and learn some spanish by those around me. I enjoyed every word I could add to my vocabulary and couldn’t wait to learn more.

…waves like heaven DO in fact exist and the lineup is just as magical and welcoming as the beautiful uniform sets rolling in. Having a group of chicas who want to see your moves, feel your vibe, learn about you, and support your efforts and actions in and out of the water is certainly one of those feelings you can’t find just anywhere.

…give your surf sessions and your time in the water all you’ve got. The waves will just keep on coming and even when I felt tired, or my ribs tender, I couldn’t imagine not paddling into these waves that go on for days. I will always value the time I have to do things I love to do and spread as much happiness to others doing them with me. Every day your paddle is a little stronger, your pop-ups are a little faster, and your angling turn onto the wave face is more swift. It only gets better. Few things in life are guaranteed to always get better, it just requires dedication and work.

…all of the instructors had genuine patience and support. How many times did I repeatedly go to my knees? How many times did I give up paddling into a wave? How many times did I not cut the side of the board into the wave face? TOO MANY TO COUNT and you know what? The chicas were there for EVERY wave, every repeated mistake, and every wipe out, without fail. They never gave up or held back any support. I am working to incorporate that kind of patience and support into my relationships and interactions with others. I don’t want to give up or lose patience, I want to support and watch those trials really turn into something amazing over time.

Currently, I am back at school at Georgia Southern University finishing my B.S. in Biology and my B.A. in Geology with a minor in Geography. The light at the end of the tunnel for my college career is near; I’m graduating in December 2015! I have been busy with summer classes, did a little research on horseshoe crabs on Saint Catherine’s Island, and making coffee as a barista. I haven’t had as much time as I’d like in the water, but I’ve been skating, biking, and spending time with my loved ones. I’m already itching to be back in Nicaraguan waters and can’t wait to see you chicas again one day!

A huge thank you to Ashley, Naomi, Elsi, Sarah, Noelani, Annaleigh, Denise, Candace, Lindsey, Norman, and Jerson!