November Surf Coaching Retreat Highlight video

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZqaHtanwVA&list=UU-WG4aszvZeoKSImWQ-4PuQ&feature=plcp]

Check out this awesome video of an amazing group of ladies!
This group was especially fun for me with two returning amigas. Marcia came to Suave Dulce for the first time in January 2011, and Corine in July 2011. Both returned in November and improved their surfing even more! We had 7 ladies with some surfing experience and 3 that had never surfed before. It was so inspiring to watch everyone pushing themselves, improving, and cheering each other on. Thanks for everything ladies!
: )
Holly

Ako Matsuzaki’s Thank You Letter


To Suave Dulce,

I just wanted to quickly pop in say a huge – and I mean HUGE thank you for a making my first trip to Nicaragua a trip I will never forget. What a treat it was to be able to wake up to the sound of the waves, not to mention the natural alarm clock of the birds outside. The past two days, I have opened my eyes to only see concrete walls of my apartment and to the sound of cars. Yes, hot showers and flushing toilets are nice (though I’ve found myself hesitating to flush – ha) but for a lack of better word, being back home has royally SUCKED ASS.

Even though I’m still just a beginner, surfing has taught me so much about life in general; every wave is different and so I need to be flexible and adjust accordingly. The harder I fight things, sometimes the more difficult it gets – and even if I fall, all I need to do is just get right back up on my board because there is always another wave waiting for me. I may get tumbled under water and have no idea what’s happening, but if I just stop and take a moment to surrender, eventually – and naturally, I will find my way up and it’s all going to be okay.

What made this trip even more memorable was to be able to see all the “GOOD” that el Coco Loco and Waves of Hope are doing for the local community. I have walked away from this trip not only feeling touched – but truly inspired by the amazing work and love they are giving back and hope that one day, when I get my “big girl job” back, that I will be able to due my part in making a difference, even if it is to help one little boy or girl at a time. With that said, I will do my best to spread the word about Waves of Hope to my friends and family as well as your camp – but will also be sure to be slightly selective so I don’t crowd the secret and perfect surf spot you have found on the map 🙂

Thank you again for allowing me to have an amazing opportunity to see the world and learn through surfing – and being an awesome & inspiring woman, Holly! I hope this week will be just as much fun as last week and please tell everyone I said hello and I miss them already!

With love, dreams and hopes of making a difference,
Ako

Stacey Jones at Suave Dulce


Stacey did a lot of research and decided that based on price, location, and activities, Suave Dulce is the best Surf and Yoga Retreat out there! She came with high expectations and was still surprised by how awesome it is.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlKnoBZJeZM]

Threesome at Coco Loco – Photo Slideshow

The trio of ladies with Holly on Day 1 of their retreat!

Posing before the first surf session

Casey had never surfed before but was up and riding on her third try!

Casey, post-surf bliss

Afternoon yoga session

Celebrating a volleyball victory against a team of local boys!

Valerie from Colorado, styling on the inside

Hanging out on the porch waiting for the horses to show up!

Horses on the beach. Awesome!

Another gorgeous sunset....

Dinner and red wine at the French Guys restaurant

Sue is a veterinarian from Vacouver Island who was really excited to get into some warm water and empty waves!

We hiked a volcano...

...took some photos...

... then suited up into Volcano Boarding gear for the big slide!

Shopping for cheap treasures in the historic city of Leon.

On top of everything else we were lucky to witness baby sea turtles hatching!

The best part? New friends!

Smiling amigas

Adios!