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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A dear friend I met at Chica Brava wrote me today. “I am going back, you wanna go?” This will be her third trip to Chica Brava and may be my third as well. We became friends in January while staying at the Surf House. She is one of the many special chicas I got to know on my two adventures at Chica Brava. I love how many of us keep in touch hoping our paths will cross again.
Since my last trip to Nica in May, I have had the good fortune to surf waves in Hawaii and local waves in Folly Beach, South Carolina where I live (Johns Island) with my two young boys. I have to admit, I have much respect for those Folly Beach surfers. Some may joke that the waves are small, but it takes talent to catch those quick, don’t-blink-now-it’s-gone-waves. I am still challenged by them. Noe, I need you here!
I mention my dear friend because the more I surf, the more I realize that there is so much more that happens out in the water than catching waves. Surfing with friends (especially other chicas) creates a setting for wonderful, lasting friendships to bloom. Sometimes it is through camaraderie and other times just sitting on your board out in water is the perfect place to bare your soul.
My goal at Chica Brava was to improve my surfing confidence enough to start taking my boys out with me. As a mom, I can’t think of a better place to talk about the highs and lows of life than out in the water. This summer both boys started catching waves and love it. Holden (8) is the cautious one, always playing it safe and taking his time. Oliver (6) simply charges and never wants to stop surfing. I think we will make a good trio out in the water, I can’t wait to enjoy those times…and I have no doubt they will always be better at catching Folly waves than me.
Jeanine
South Carolina
