Down south here in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, we had some ladies staying at the ocean front surf house. Five friends joined us from San Francisco, two friends from Cali, and three solo travelers all from different parts of the world. These ladies checked out our four local beaches, Playa Hermosa, Playa Maderas, Playa Remanso, and right here in the front of Chica Brava, the Bay! The Peilican Eyes Sailboat was defiantly the highlight activity! All the girls had a blast and afterwards enjoyed a home cooked meal at the Chica Brava surf house.
This week we decided to switch up the blog and had all the girls write their own summary of the week. They all described a little about themselves and their favorite part of the week!
Stephanie
Before I got to Chica Brava I thought surfer chicks were the hottest girls out there. What I didn’t realize is that they are also some of the strongest, most resilient, independent, and brave women. I’m so grateful to get to join the Chica Brava tribe.
Frenchie
My name is Monica French. I’m a pediatric nurse from San Francisco. I love yoga, swimming, travel, getting ‘crafty’ (knitting, sewing, and making stuff). I have never surfed. This week, I worked on mastering the pop-up. My favorite things about Chica Brava were being in the ocean, my last and best ride (which was the best five seconds of my life!), and hanging out with awesome women. I love the supportive environment and all the teachers were encouraging, nurturing, and awesome.
Paola (Pao)
I’m a software engineer for SurveyMonkey in the Silicon Valley. In other words, a completely different world from San Juan del Sur. Surfing is my escape from the office day-to-day. I picked Chica Brava because it combines my biggest passions surfing, the ocean, and being surrounded by women that make me feel empowered. Sometime i get caught up in the day-to-day! The ocean grounds me and reminds me of what is really important. Oh and, I’m originally from Nicaragua but while I was here I never got to enjoy the beautiful ocean.
Danielle
I’m a pediatric registered nurse at USCF Benioff Children’s Hospital in San Francisco, California. This was an awesome week with such amazing surf instructors. Each instructor both challenged and protected me in the water, I felt safe and I fought the best wave of my life thus far! I could eat the breakfast Belky served everyday, food was delicious. Taco Spot fish burritos with guac, pico, and cheese, wish they had these in SF. A week spent with such great athletes and fun friends was relaxing and the best use of my vacation time! Chica Brava Rules! All the activities they lined up for us were perfect! Thank You!
Rachel
I had the most amazing experience coming here to Chica Brava. I came her not expecting much of myself-afraid of being in the ocean, not very athletically inclined. Not only did I make good friends but I am walking away with more confidence in myself and now love the ocean and surfing. We all encouraged each other and pushed each other to do better. The instructors wee supportive and inspiring. I am walking away with memories I will always cherish. I recommend every women to come to this camp who wants to challenge themselves.
Olga
I’m a scientists, studying for my PhD in Bioinformatics in San Diego. I’ve surfed a bit before with friends or in classes but the attention and direction you get here is far better that anything I’ve experienced. Not only are the instructors extremely knowledgeable but they are also so encouraging and humble. They help you feel like every wave and every attempt is an accomplishment, regardless of the outcome.
Jodie
I’m a 22 year old student from Calgary, AB, Canada. I have grown up snowboarding and just over the past few years have fallen in love with surfing. I love Chica Brava so much, I never want to leave. My favorite part of the camp was getting to know these amazing women, who truly inspired me. I also loved how positive the instructors were, and they rip! A definite highlight was going down the line in the green, and of course the sailboat trip!
Kate
Absolutely amazing week at Chica Brava! I’m impressed by my progress, particularly as a beginner, and comfort in the ocean, and I owe it to the positive attitudes and experienced feedback from the Chica Brava instructors as well as our solid group of chicas! Thank you!
Monica C.
I came to Chica Brava to learn to surf. I was attracted to this specific came because I wanted to learn in an environment where there wouldn’t be any potential sexist dynamic in the instruction. I told myself not to expect too much because I didn’t want to be disappointed, but this week has been better than I really could have hoped. I’ve learned how to surf, made a lot of great friendships, and I can’t wait to surf again. The best part of CHIACBRAVA is the sincere and genuine effort of the staff.
Cat
Cat, a solo traveler from Australia, is on an extended vacation and Chica Brava was one of her first stops! She wanted to learn how to surf and build confidence in the ocean. By Monday she was cursing all the way to the shore! Have fun at your next stop, Panama!
Thanks for all the awesome memories! You girls rocked it this week!
Check out our video and see what makes them a Chica Brava!
