Faced with one week off in between retreats in Costa Rica, the mostly regular-foot SWA staff crew (plus a couple of boyfriend tag-alongs) charged across the bay to score some rights. They scored! Here’s the story from Emily’s perspective…
We didnt really know what to expect at Matapalo but the hope was that it would be the promised land of rights. The crew of seven decided to rent a home since there are pretty much no hotels or hostels in the area. Our original plan was to eat out every night but the grom convinced us we should try and save some money and cook…It was a tricky situation but a good idea since the only grocery store was an hour away and there was only one restaurant where one meal was equivalent to the amount we spent on groceries for the whole trip!
We loaded up the boat with our provisions and set out across the bay…The ride was totally unexpected! Within 15 minutes of departure we spotted some fins. The captain started yelling “tiburone!” I thought it was a school of sharks circling its prey but once we got closer we discovered it was an enormous whale shark!! It was the size of our lancha, totally surreal. Our Costa Rican captain and guide were just as excited to see this amazing creature. We all had to jump in and get an up close look at this gentle giant. Our guide, Ricardo, explained how this is a very special waterway. It’s over 200 meters deep and very appealing to huge creatures like the whale shark. Ricardo also said there are lots of hammerhead sharks living in the area so after a couple minutes in the water I was out of there. We saw two more whale sharks after that and were just as amazed.
Once we arrived on the beach we had no clue where we were. There wasnt a soul in sight. Jackie was able to investigate the area and found our bamboo home. We lugged all 12 surf boards up the path and got frothed up to surf!
Tommy, the grom’s friend from bocas, found some freshly cooked ahi and hot dogs on the bbq and convinced us all to eat some before surfing. I still dont know why we thought that was a good idea as we unknowingly ate the house cleaner’s lunch. Embarrassing!
We were all so excited to finally surf some rights that we mobbed down to the main break as a group of 7… Luckily we had Bo, Carly’s fiance, as our guide through the jungle. 30 min later we made it to the main surf break of Matapalo! Only one person paddling out! Fun little rights rolling in. We tried to head out slowly, so as not to overload the line up but more and more people started coming out of the jungle. By the time we got out there it was a full line up. Some locals, some expats, and us. we were all trying to figure out the wave as it was somewhat tricky with the very shallow inside. By the time I got out, there was fully exposed reef on the inside. It was awesome watching some of the little groms that have the spot completely dialed landing their turns right in front of those jagged rocks.
The next several days were a blur of surfing. Our mornings started at 4am waking up to the howlers yelling outside our window. We would watch the daily monkey tree jump as we had our coffee. Then it was surf mode the rest of the day. We got some epic solo sessions in the rain and lightning, sick longboarding sessions, and crazy gnarly shore pound sessions. Our nights consisted of family dinners and ping pong tournaments. I FINALLY BEAT the champ THE GROM.
One day we made time for a jungle hike and saw the depths of the jungle waterfalls, poison dart frogs, wild turkeys.
Our last day came too soon it was time to pack up and ship out. some how everything seemed heavier. Probably because our arms were noodles from three sessions a day. Three of us girls took on the big board bag, carrying it over our heads like ants with a giant hot dog. Half way through we did some switching around. I went on ahead with another board bag to the boat. At one point I turned around to see Jackie, Carly, and Natalie running away from the board bag frantically. Apparently the girls walked straight into a bee hive that brushed against Carly’s shoulder and smacked poor Jackie right in the face! From a distance it didn’t look to bad. They slowly set down the board bag and then dispersed. When they got closer it was clear they’d been swarmed. Jackie’s face was bright red and she was in shock. Luckily a surf hitchhiker that hopped on our boat brought along some anti sting remedy that quelled the pain.
As we pulled out of the bay we saw one sick head high right roll in. The guy had done at least 5 turns on the wave before we lost sight. We felt like we might be blowing it but we knew that Pavones would be going off also. We were right!
At the beginning of the trip Bo said the Osa was his happy place. I think everyone in our crew would agree by the end of our adventure.
Surf With Amigas is lucky to have several awesome yoga teachers on staff to keep you loose, relaxed, rejuvenated, and inspired between surf sessions. We are pleased to introduce Carly Chivers who will be attending many of our retreats outside of Northern Nicaragua. She’s a great surfer so she knows just how to stretch out tired paddling muscles and get you energized for your next session.
Finishing up our third Costa Rican retreat of the 2015 season, we had another awesome group of 13 Amigas. It was a mix of experienced shredders and some beginners but everyone was so supportive and pushed each other to improve. Here are the highlights!
“Nosendoven”, “froth goggles”, “sloth attack”, and other phrases unique to the Surf With Amigas lexicon are explained in this silly instructional video. Before coming on a trip with us, brush up on your language skills! Then join us for a full on “froth attack”!
At the end of a month in Costa Rica, a few Amigas took a kayak out into the lineup. The result was awesomeness. Check it out and don’t try this at home! At Surf With Amigas, we have the most fun!
Living in Nicaragua for the last three years has taught me the importance and value of simplicity. While I have known this for some time, during my last visit to the States it became very apparent to me. Our tendency to over-consume and over-accumulate may be causing us more stress than we realize.
Did you know that physical clutter or unnecessary “stuff” could be detrimental to your health? Science even says so!
Clutter doesn’t only impact us physically. When our space is cluttered, we often feel chaotic mentally – unable to make decisions, scattered thoughts, feeling over being overwhelmed or stuck, etc.
By creating more space and organization in our homes and places of work and play, we gain clarity, focus, energy and productivity. By freeing the stagnant energy of the clutter, we make room for more of the things we want. In doing this, we are also able to let go of things that we have held onto mentally and emotionally. By the release and freeing of extra ‘stuff’ we feel lighter and more open. Some people even lose weight after de-cluttering their homes!
I recently moved into a new home and took the opportunity to purge myself of clothes that I never wore. Here’s a picture of my new closet space.
Tips for making more space in your home
* clear things you do not use or have not used in over a year
* purge things that you no longer find beautiful and useful
* shed things that are not uplifting and inspiring
* be easy on yourself. don’t try to get rid off too much at once, it can be overwhelming especially if you have a LOT of stuff.
In my yoga practice, stretching the sides of my body make me feel light, and spacious.
Emily, a surf instructor at Surf With Amigas, talks us through how to do a backside cutback and shows examples of Amigas trying it and what they could do to improve.
Come on a retreat with us to work on your cutback but in the meantime, check out this video!
Week 2 of our three week Surf Yoga Jungle Adventure series in Costa Rica saw some serious shredding by Amigas with very little surfing experience riding some big waves all the way to shore and some more experienced shortboard shredders perfecting the art of throwing spray.
It’s so fun to have a wide variety of abilities on the same retreat. Everyone cheers and supports each other no matter where they’re at in their surfing and what they’re trying to work on. As a coach, it’s really rewarding to watch the progression.
One of the yoga instructors at Surf With Amigas, Carly Chivers walks us through her pre-surf warmup to loosen up shoulders back and spine before a session, as well as her mental preparation. Do this before your next session!
Nikki Belcher is the resident yoga teacher at Surf With Amigas and also our dietician, spiritual advisor and moon expert. She is a new mama and also a surfer. Here she gives us a taste of her favorite pre-surf snack.
Often times before I head out for a surf, I want to eat something that is filling and power fueled yet something that is light enough that I don’t feel overly stuffed while paddling out. My go to pre-surf (or post-surf second breakfast dessert) snack is: peanut butter and banana on toast topped with chia seeds.
But why is this simple and easy snack oh SO good?
Peanut Butter: preferably homemade without all the added sugars and oils, peanut butter is a great source of protein (building and repairing muscles) and healthy fats (reduces risk of heart disease). One of the highest foods in the B vitamin Niacin, peanuts can help turn food into energy and keep your skin, hair, eyes and digestive system healthy.
Banana: convenient, creamy and sweet, bananas are known for their high potassium. Adding a banana into your daily diet will help maintain normal blood pressure and overall heart function. Low in fat and high in fiber, bananas also help keep your digestive track well regulated.
Ch-ch-ch-Chia!: a member of the mint family, chia seeds are either white, black or both. Highly nutritious, ‘Chia’ means strength in the Mayan language and the Mayan and Aztec warriors used these tiny seeds as their main source of fuel during conquests. Chia seeds contain one of the highest known plant based sources of protein and essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega -6). This means they are loaded with energy and brain power! They also contain soluble and insoluble fibers – which act as a ‘massage’ to your colon – increasing elimination and detoxification all while decreasing inflammation. The fiber also absorbs large amounts of water, making you feel fuller longer and prolonging hydration. Loaded with antioxidants, calcium and iron chia seeds will make your heart, bones, blood and cells happier and healither! With zero flavor and very few calories, you can sprinkle them on fruits and salads or add them into your granola or smoothie for an extra power punch!
How to make:
* toast a piece of your favorite bread
* slather on peanut butter
* slice one banana on top of peanut butter
* sprinkle about one tablespoon on chia seeds on top of banana