Last month, we had the pleasure of taking an amazing day trip to different surf spots in Northern Nicaragua. This was one of the last trips and times we had as a team, before some of our team members were off to continue their rad journey elsewhere. We got in some great surf of course, but we also got the opportunity to bond as a unit one last time.
We started the adventure right here in the bay of San Juan del Sur. Our plan was to leave earlier than the port opened. So, we decided to just paddle out to the panga that would be taken us up north. Well, as we like to think our plans are very well thought out and seamless, they are not. The swell was a bit bigger than we expected in the bay and the captain could not bring the boat in close enough to load everything from shore. So, as surfers, we decided to paddle out on our surfboards with our backpacks. This is where things got a little hairy! A set came in just as most of us were getting to the boat and soaked everyone’s backpacks, except Sarah’s because she was already in the boat with her life jacket on! Everyone else including our photography Jerson, who did not attempt to paddle out, got a ride to the port. After a few laughs at the port, we loaded up in the boat and headed up north.
Seeing as the trip was about an hour long we decided to play some games. We played games, talked, and bonded. This time with the whole team is memories we will all share for years to come. We pulled up to our first spot, Manzanillo! Let’s just say, it was firing! All of us put on our sunblock, strapped our leashes on, and paddled over to the break. Everyone caught waves, but the all-star of the day was of course, Jerson. Air dropping into some sick barrels and carving down the line for what seemed like hours! We ended our session, not because the waves were bad, but because we were all a bit hungry!
Cruising on over to Playa Colorado, we hopped off the boat and caught a few waves before heading on in to the restaurant. Pili’s Kitchen was, as always, delicious! We chatted over kale salads, veggie nachos, and amazing french press coffee. Seriously, I can not say enough about this food! I am not sure what was better the surf or lunch.
Heading back to the boat most of the Chica Bravas had noodle arms from surfing all morning, but insisted on trying to catch Manzanillo one more time. As we pulled up we knew that our second sesh would not be nearly epic as the first. We all tried to catch a few waves, and Jerson tried to snap a couple of photos, but we failed miserable (hence no photos at the end of the post). The waves had passed and night was also closing in us.
Our ride back was a bit silent, as we all reflected on our epic waves and memories of the day. When we arrived in San Juan del Sur, some of us unloaded into the bay while others went to port. The day was an epic adventure and while it started a bit rocky, it ended amazingly.
The trip was a gift from our amazing, beautiful boss lady, Ashley, for all of our hard work. Working for Chica Brava has given all of us amazing opportunities in life, and allowed many former and current employees to pursue their dreams!
From all of us at Chica Brava, thank you Ashley for being our boss, our friend, and the amazing women who started your dream so we could live ours!
