Here at Chica Brava we are all about the journey, not the destination…The journey, of course, being surfing. We love having women from around the world here with us in San Juan del Sur for a week of surfing, fun and sun, and especially love sharing our joy and passion for surfing. Often they are on the path to discovery, or perhaps already deep into their surf journey, or somewhere in between. But wherever our CHICAS are, once they leave we love to get the occasional check in to see…where you at, girl!
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So much in life can either go good, bad or simply be, status quo. We all do things that we enjoy doing and have done for a long time. Most days, on doing (insert what you do here) it’s status quo. Take for example, running. Running (for us runners) is status quo. “I went for my 5 mile run today.” Unless I sprained my ankle (That would be bad) or broke a personal record (That would be good. Very good actually.) Then for the most part, it was simply an enjoyable run.
Let me tell you a story. I am someone who has surfed since I was a teenager. Let me rephrase that. I was taught how to surf as a teenager. I surfed a few times a year in those early days then didn’t touch a surfboard again until I was in my mid 20’s. I then surfed a few more times until I moved to Santa Cruz, California in 2001. I told people I surfed because, well, I did surf (a little). After moving to Santa Cruz, I thought it was time to be a part of the surf culture here. Become a more consistent surfer. I always enjoyed surfing. There is nothing else I do that gives me “that” feeling. I bought everything I needed and started to surf! Okay, maybe not “surf” to go PRO, but, I was out there doing it! There were good days, bad days and of course status quo days. (Meaning, I didn’t try new things like I said I was going to do before getting in the water. ) ANY day surfing is a great day!
Here’s something else I’ve done for a long time. Fondue. Yep, I love to make fondue. My mom in the late 70’s introduced me to it. As an adult, I make fondue several times a year. I usually make a killer fondue. Friend’s request fondue parties! However, my usual good or status quo fondue party did not go as planned last night. I ended up with a tough (but still delicious) ball of cheese. Ugh! Frustrating! It all worked out. Everyone still really enjoyed the meal and I had an extra martini. Even though I have made fondue and surfed for many years, that doesn’t mean things always go the way you think it’s going to go regardless of how good you think you are at it. (Think: Tiger Woods)
Even though I have surfed for a long time, I had a lot to learn. I randomly came across Chicabrava online. I went in January 2014, May 2014 and my next trip is booked for September 2014! I have become a better surfer after going to Chicabrava! I had some great surf sessions in Nicaragua. However, I also had what would be considered bad! Or were they? What does that really mean. . . .bad? For me, it was I fell A LOT!! Ugh! Frustrating! I was on the shortest board I have ever tried to ride. There was a huge learning curve for me! But just like the fondue. I learned a lot from my “failures.”
Good, Bad or Status quo. . . as long as your LIVING, just enjoy!
Cathy Bramanti
Santa Cruz California
