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!
I Should Have Been Surfing!
A year ago I would have never imagined as a full time middle school special education teacher and as a mother of a two year old and four year old that I’d be writing about my personal surf adventures and the journey they continue to take me on! Last March I participated in a week of Chica Brava Surf Camp at the Cloud Farm. This proved to be a truly incredible experience full of beaches, waves, surf training, girl talk, pool side yoga and the occasional late night pool party. I left that week with newly made friendships and an uncontrollable desire to continue my surf training. Oh, I forgot to mention the closet place to surf near me is the Oregon Coast, a bit different in temperature, climate and wave conditions than Nicaragua. When returning from camp my friends and family thought I was crazy when I told them I wanted to figure out our local surf spots. Well, crazy maybe but that’s what I did. I contacted a surf shop and got set up with the rental gear I needed including a long board, full wetsuit, gloves, booties and a hood. This was indeed a bit of a change from my swimsuit and rashguard I had previously needed when surfing at Chica Brava. I took four lessons from a local making sure I was up for this cold surfing stuff and sure enough turns out I’m not just up for it, I live for it!!!!
I have since bought a board (Birdie), a wetsuit, and all the crazy cold water gear. I’ve connected with other “surfer moms” learned the waves, currents, rips, and undertows of several surf spots in the area. We’ve even got co-op child care happening at the beach. I’ve had the opportunity to visit California and surf with my great friend Shelby Mons, who was one of my Chica Brava instructors. This trip was a great lesson in pride and patience, having to surf with young little rippers and what seemed like 100 people going after the same wave. Shelby has also joined my crew of Oregon ladies on one of our girls’ weekends. I’m on a mission to turn as many women onto surfing as possible.
This fall I also had a great time driving our coastline and catching some waves with Noelani Anderson, another one of my instructors who has since become a great friend. I must admit it was entertaining watching her nearly puke from brain freeze after her first duck dive into our frigid waters! I also enjoyed watching her delight as she saw me passing on some tips about the currents and hidden rocks to a new surfer at one of my favorite surf spots. Both these ladies have not only become my close personal friends but after spending a few day with my family they have become treasured “Surf Aunties” to my children.
For my surf adventures and journey I am soooo excited to write that I leave for Australia in February on a surf trip with my amazing husband. Also in the spring I’m heading to Mexico with a few of my Oregon “Surf Moms” and another friend made while at Cloud Farm to pack in a week of sunny surf adventures. I look forward to planning my next trip with Chica Brava over the summer as well!
Since participating in a week at Chica Brava, I have concurred fears, gained self-esteem, created lifelong friendships and discovered that for the last thirty seven years I SHOULD HAVE BEEN SURFING!!!!
If you’ve ever thought about surfing don’t think, just it DO IT!!!!
Tara Hackett, a.k.a Mama Rad
January, 2014
