Here at Chica Brava we are all about the journey, not the destination…The journey, of course, being surfing. We love having women from around the world here with us in San Juan del Sur for a week of surfing, fun and sun, and especially love sharing our joy and passion for surfing. Often they are on the path to discovery, or perhaps already deep into their surf journey, or somewhere in between. But wherever our CHICAS are, once they leave we love to get the occasional check in to see…where you at, girl!
Sarah Colegrove formally known as ‘Powers’!!
So it has been a little over a year since I moved back to California from Nicaragua – During that time I got engaged, got married, went back to Chica Brava to be a part of Camp Bella, and wrote a children’s book that I am in the process of publishing!
Currently, I live in Orange County with my husband Josh. Originally, the plan was to get settled with a good job and a great place in San Diego (where Josh lived at the time I moved back from Nicaragua), so Josh and I could be in the same city and see if we were really serious about being together. Since most of our relationship had taken place via skype, we were both excited for this transition.
Well, plans change… I still had not found a job or a permanent place to live in San Diego when Josh decided to propose to me. After coming to the conclusion that I would never feel adequately prepared to get married, I said yes. Even though I didn’t feel ready to get married at that point, I knew that eventually I wanted to be with him, so why not sooner rather then later?
Four months later, we got married in Sonoma, where I grew up, and then moved to Orange County to live near some of our best friends (one of those friends being former Chica Brava surf instructor, Kate Murray). Even though the whole getting married thing caught be by surprise, I’m so glad I said yes because I couldn’t be happier!
One of the highlights of my year, besides getting married, was being able to return to Chica Brava and volunteer my time to Camp Bella. It was so great to see Ashley and the Chica Brava staff again as well as meet all the new, super hot, super awesome instructors! Shout out to Noelani, Lauren, and Janelle.
Being able to share my passion of surfing with young Nicaraguan victims of human trafficking and to spend time with them during that week at Chica Brava was truly dreamy. I was also excited to not only share my passion of surfing with them, but my passion for writing as well. Before I arrived, my Spanish teacher here in the states translated the children’s story I wrote called, Lily Child, into Spanish. The story is about a little flower who wants to be beautiful. I gave a copy to each of the girls and we read some of it each day. Each day I lead a discussion about themes in the story like true beauty, identity as women, etc. The girls loved it, and each one had the opportunity to illustrate their own story. Telling a story was such a bonding and powerful way to address issues that we as women all face on a day-to-day basis. I was honored to use a passion of mine to inspire them.
Last but not least, I want you all to know that I have not stopped surfing. I am still as stoked as I ever each and every time I get in the water, which is, ALL THE TIME. That’s all for now. Thank you so much for being in my life!
Love Love,
Sarah Colegrove (Powers)
