Bass Lake to Nicaragua – a Blog Post by an Amiga

Below is a very detailed and awesome blog post written by an Amiga named Kelly Fine who recently joined us on a retreat in Northern Nicaragua. To read the full story of her experience click here!

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Nicaragua, Part One: From Sadness to Surfing 

Last year I decided, with the help of my hubby, to finally do a surfing trip, since I was turning forty-five.

I convinced my childhood BFF, Kari, to join me, so we traveled to Nicaragua for a week during the end of May for surfing, yoga and other activities with Amigas Surf and Yoga Adventure Retreats.

Leading up to the trip I would tell people, “I’m going to Nicaragua to learn how to surf before my aching, aging body is unable to try.”

Responses varied: “Wow, that sounds awesome!” and “I would love to do that!” or “Why are you going there? Isn’t that where all the political unrest is?” and  “Are you crazy? Women are stolen from those countries every day!”

But the haters could just keep hating, because I was determined to go. Never mind the thought going through my head as I got ready for the trip…”Am I having a mid-life crisis?” Who in their right mind would decide to travel to a third world country to learn a sport, in a bikini designed specifically for surfing that young women wear, and decide to have ALL their bits waxed in order to do so? Yep, that would be me and, yes, I probably am having a mid-life crisis.

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 To continue reading, click here!

Thanks from the Grom

“Grom” = A young surfer, usually under 15 years old, with ample excited energy who always wants to go surfing.

A few retreats ago we had a Grom by the name of Julia spend a week in Nicaragua. You can check out the video footage of her here.

It’s always fun to get messages of thanks after retreats, especially messages that show such continued excitement and desires to continue improving. Here’s one from Julia.

Julia fell in love with my 5'4 Rusty Dwart Quad
Julia fell in love with my 5’4 Rusty Dwart Quad

 

Dear Holly,

I really appreciate all the help you gave me when I was in Nicaragua. I had such a good time and my surfing progressed so much. After every video coaching session, I wrote down notes so I could keep working at home. Also, thank you for letting me ride your amazing Dwart. Dad contacted the guys at Rusty and we are looking into getting one, possibly with the exact same dimensions as yours! Not only did I have a fabulous time surfing with you guys, I also had such a great time bonding with everyone at the camp, especially Jackie, Nikki, and Jamrock. I had such a great time that I cried when we left El Coco Loco and when the plane took off from Managua.  Y’all’s taking the time to hang with me was really special. Attached are several pictures that Dad took that we thought you’d like.

Grom

Julia watching and listening to the video coaching feedback.
Julia watching and listening to the video coaching feedback.