This past week was our last of the season here at Chica Brava, until we open back up for camps on November 1st. Per usual, things were done right as we said ‘adios’ to September and rolled into October with a group of six determined ladies ready for waves, new experiences, and of course, fun!
Four of our campers were childhood friends traveling together to surf and connect, without the worries of daily life. Elaine and Catherine came from Maryland while Rachel and Mel traveled from Virginia. Rachel and Elaine are cousins, and have known Mel and Catherine since childhood, so there’s definitely some roots there. It was great to see these old time friends bond in the surf through both challenge and triumph, hooting and hollering in support of one another.
Our solo travelers were Nicole, who lives in Fort Lauderdale, and Cathy of Santa Cruz, on her third trip to Chica Brava this year! These roomies got along fabulous and it was a real treat to have Cathy back again since the last time we saw her in May! As instructors, our real stoke was fired up by how much Cathy has improved since her first trip to Chica Brava in January, it’s truly phenomenal to see what a little coaching, focus and practice can bring to fruition! We also got to celebrate her birthday on the 30th, Chica Brava style, with surf, a sailing trip, and an epic dinner at Nacho Libre. What a coincidence that owner/founder Ashley’s little man, Alex, turned a year old on the same day! Check out Cathy’s experience, and her Birthday love!! Happy Birthday, ya’ll!
We began the week surfing at our beloved Hermosa Beach, which was recently opened after being occupied by the filming of ‘Survivor’ over the last 6 months, then surfed Remanso a couple of days and returned to Hermosa mid week. We had a truly special day on Wednesday, with perfect chest high waves and unreal conditions. On Thursday a South-South West swell filled in so we ended up surfing the Bay by the end of the week, where the chicas really got to put their skills to the test!
Aside from loads of surf, these ladies enjoyed the delicious flavors of San Juan’s many restaurants, an epic sunset at Maderas beach, a trip down the coast on the lovely Catamaran, and zip-lining through the green jungle hillside. Nicole also went horseback riding with Rancho Chilamate, which she literally described as a life changing experience. Whether it’s in the surf, on a boat, among fellow chicas in deep conversation, on a horse, or simply floating in the ocean waiting for a wave, life changing, impactful moments are often encountered here at Chica Brava, and I am certain we would not have it any other way. Afterall, why would ladies like Cathy keep coming back if their minds weren’t being blown every time!
On behalf of the Chica Brava team, thank you to all the ladies who continually to blow our minds week in and week out with their epic attitudes, courage, and accomplishments. We are continually inspired, and incredibly humbled…
Let the good times roll, ladies!
Aloha,
Noelani,
Camp Operations Manager
Surf House, September 27 – October 4th, 2014
