This last week of July Chica Brava welcomed three fabulous, strong, and intelligent women to our Cloud Farm location where they enjoyed unforgettable surf sessions, exciting excursions, rich conversation, nourishing meals, and some epic ‘girl time’. Kellyanne took the helm as the instructor and host of the week, with Lauren also hopping in the water to teach since we had two different levels of surfistas. As an added treat, Ashley (owner/founder) joined us for multiple surfs, yoga and meals as well! The small group allowed for ample quality time with one another, as each of us brought our respective personalities to the dynamic, and what resulted was a classic ‘summer camp’ vibe and exceptional progression in the water.
I’ll begin our camper introductions with our now four-time returnee, Koto, who we dubbed the ‘surf ninja’ in September on her last trip with Chica Brava. Between then and now, Koto has gone to Costa Rica, Mexico and Hawaii on surf trips, which are all a far cry from her home in Montreal. But as an accomplished anesthesiologist, Koto knows how to work hard in order to play hard. She powered out an overnight shift before loading her boards and boarding a plane to Nicaragua. She moves fast like a ninja, but knows what keeps her centered and literally says, “Stop. I’m going surfing!” then cruises down the line all zen style, catching more waves than anyone else out! We love your style, Koto, and can’t wait to surf with you again next year, if not sooner!
Then there was Natalie, who is a Florida native but has called New York home for quite some time now. As a Floridian, she used to play in the ocean with her pops as a youngster but drifted away from her ocean connection as she grew up. After transitioning into a job that actually stokes her out (in a cool graphic design firm in NYC), Nat realized that it was about time to do things for herself and have fun….so she said, “Hold up! I’m going surfing!” It was a real treat for all of us chicas to see her connect with her carefree inner child and have a blast in the ocean. Take that stoke back with you to the city, girl! The concrete jungle needs as much salt water love as we can spread!
Our third camper is also between jobs and literally told her boss, “Wait…Let me go surfing” before I officially start!… She also dropped the “Wait, let me take a selfie” line few times throughout the week:) Jordie is a mover/shaker type originally from the East Coast, who will soon be calling San Diego home, with digs only blocks from the beach! Did I mention that she’s a female Rabbi? Yes, you read correctly….This woman holds a masters from Harvard, has taught at Yale and other prestigious institutions and is as humble, unpretentious and fun as they come! While she plays down her accomplishments, we figured out pretty quickly that this chick is kind of a big deal, and could not have been happier to have her! Needless to say, we had many a sacred conversation both in and out of the water and are stoked to know that she will be incorporating her surf and life lessons into sermons. Witnessing a legitimate, female clergy, draw the various conclusions and parallels between surfing and the spiritual realm was truly an honor and quite validating. All us girls at Chica Brava value the ocean as if it were our church, but it was pretty cool to hear the same thoughts from Rabbi Jordie’s perspective. Check out Jordie’s video on her experience at Chica Brava and her awesome wave highlights!!!
The week was definitely deep, and everyone involved took something away from the experience – all of us sprinkled with a fresh dusting of empowerment and ready to take on our new endeavors with confidence, gratitude, humility, and inspiration.
Wishing you all fair winds and following seas, until the ocean brings us all together again…Meanwhile don’t ever hesitate to stop and say, “Wait. Let me go surfing”!!!
Noelani
Camp Operations Manager
Cloud Farm, July 19-26, 2014
