How Did you Hear About Chica Brava Surf Retreat?
I first heard about Chica Brava from a coworker when he told me his niece was a surf instructor in Nicaragua teaching girls how to surf. In my head, I was saying…”Nicaragua? Teaching? Surfing? My Dream!”. At that time, I was at a crossroads in my life; I had just left my job and was preparing to enter Ultrasound school. I was well aware that my life was about to become quite busy. I brought this to my husband. “I won’t be able to take a surf trip for at least 16 months. Can I please go?”. He replied, “This camp was made for you! Go!”. He was probably happy I wasn’t going to try to take him into the monster 13 foot waves of Costa Rica that he had braved with me on our honeymoon. Before I knew it, I flew solo to Nica for my first round of Chica Brava!
The following year found me back in Florida, in the thick of my studies, and discussing the possibility of children in our very near future. Again, I approached my loving husband… “So you know we want to have kids soon…and that I will probably start working right after I finish with school…this could be my last surf trip for a while…. Can I go to Chica Brava??”
He said, “Yes”! What a guy!
I have had the time of my life each time I have gone to Nicaragua to take part of the Chica Brava experience. I love the type of women it attracts–Strong, confident, beautiful women. Not only did I leave from each trip with more confidence in my surfing, but also with more confidence in myself.
Update Since Last Visit
Since my last visit at Chica Brava, I have graduated from Ultrasound school from Palm Beach State College. My official fancy title is now Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. I am excited for the future and it promises to be a rewarding and challenging career field. Also, my husband, Clint, and I bought our first house in Tequesta, Florida. It’s 2.5 miles from the beach, and we have already met some incredible people. I was gifted a new surfboard for Christmas from the hubs.. a 5’5” twin fin! I’ve been trying to familiarize with the surf breaks here, and I have noticed that Jupiter, Fl is lacking female surfers. This makes my heart sad, but I have made it my mission to change that! I know how empowering it is to be a female surfer, and I hope to share that feeling with other women in my area and at my new local breaks!
The Big 3-0!
I’m coming up on 30th birthday next year and every so often I think about “growing up”. I think this can mean many different things–establishing careers or having stable finances. To me, “growing up” means to grow without losing what makes me…well, me. A huge part of “me” has always been and is surfing. So for my “big 3-0” and to assist me in “growing up”, my next surf adventure will take me to Bali in May! With the confidence I’ve gained from Chica Brava, I hope to dominate some waves and hopefully catch my first barrel!
Thank you to Ashley and all the girls at Chica Brava! You are an inspiration, and I hope to see you yearly so you can help me continue to “grow up”!