Ashley Blaylock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ashley Sartin

 

Elsis Marin

 

Vanessa Pattison

Who We Are: how we began | our staff

How We Began

The Chica:
Ashley was born and raised in Houston, TX in a large family of eight children. She traded in her life as an attorney in Houston, TX to live and surf along the sunny shores of Nicaragua… and to share the experience with you through ChicaBrava Surf Camp.

The Name:
Ashley came to Nicaragua from Costa Rica in 2003. At that time, the local surfer guys hadn’t yet surfed with any girls. Surprised that a chica could actually surf too, and not just the boys, they’d yell out “ay...chica brava" ("brave girl") when they'd see her in the water.

The Story:
Like so many girls, Ashley never considered that she could actually surf like her brother and his friends. It wasn’t until going to the beach with another girl and seeing her paddle out, that she knew not only was it possible for girls to learn the sport, but they can rip at it too! The experience of being in the water and surfing with another girl gave her the confidence that she could do it and allowed her to become really stoked on trying. Now, surfing with other girls provides the motivation to push harder and reach new levels daily that surfing with guys just doesn’t do. This is the idea behind ChicaBrava.

Our Staff

Owner/Operator:

Ashley Blaylock is the creator of ChicaBrava. She is the current reigning National Champion in Women’s surfing in Nicaragua. Ashley competes internationally with the Nicaragua National Surf Team and holds fourth place over all in Central America. Originally from Houston, TX, Ashley is a licensed attorney and resides full time in Nicaragua.

Surf Instructors:

Ashley Sartin also comes from Houston, TX and brings many years of surf experience and instruction to the team. Between this dynamic pair of two Ashley’s, locally known collectively as “Las Ashley”, you are guaranteed an unforgettable adventure!

 

 

 

Elsis Marin is a local chica, native to San Juan del Sur, and member of the National Surf Team. As one of the first Nicaraguan women to ever surf in Nicaragua, she brings invaluable local knowledge and energy to the team.

Yoga Instructor:

Vanessa Pattison is our beloved Yoga Instructor. She moved to San Juan del Sur from Ventura, CA. and now teaches yoga locally. Vanessa is certified and her classes are highly sought after.