Surf With Amigas focuses on hiring the very best instructors so that you get the very best instruction. We would happily challenge any other surf camp staff to a surf off! Here’s our skilled longboarder Sherrie “Shezza” Houghton showing off her moves. Surf with Shezza in El Salvador and Nicaragua October – December 2015.
[youtube=http://youtu.be/62G21IDSzmo]
We are obsessed with our Costa Rican location, hidden at the end of the road, on the edge of the jungle. It’s such an awesome spot that we’ve added two bonus retreats in September 2015. Watch the video above for some tidbits of the awesomeness and then email [email protected] for more info on how to sign up.
September 12-19 and 19-26 2015!
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
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* 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.
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!
To open every yoga practice I like to light an incense or burn sage. Students often ask what I am lighting and why. This powerful offering is known as smudging.
Smudging is an ancient |Native American| practice used for healing and energy clearing. Often used in ceremonial and ritual spaces, the burning of herbs is said to purify and protect the physical and spiritual bodies.
It is best to light your choice of herb/plant from the flame of a candle and set a clear intention as it begins to burn. If you are cleansing a room, move the smudge stick in a clockwise direction around the room. It is good to spend extra time in the corners of the room because this is a place where energy can become stagnant. If you are smudging yourself or another person, move the smudge stick in small circles around the body from head to toe. If there is a place in your body that needs extra care, attention or healing it is nice to spend a few moments over that area while calling in a positive intention/affirmation/mantra.
Two of my favorite plants with which to smudge my home, my practice space and myself are:
Sage; said to increase intuition, it is used to ward off evil spirits and negative energies. it offers protection, blessings and clearing.
Palo Santo or ‘Holy Wood’ ; meant to raise your vibration, enhance creativity and bring good fortune. a mystical tree that grows on the coast of South America, it’s scent is both grounding and uplifting.
other suggestions: cedar, sweet grass, myrrh, copal and frankincense
Collect the herbs, light a candle, and smudge! Please let us know how it went and how you feel afterwards.
So many Amigas come on retreats at turning points in their lives. New jobs, breaking out of bad relationships, or just needing a chance of perspective. We love to help guide you towards a new point of view and leave the past behind. Rachel did just that and left the week feeling refreshed and re-inspired.
[youtube=http://youtu.be/DMV7WJzQI1c]
Last year we tried a new location in the South of Costa Rica. We totally scored! Super cute completely uncrowded waves breaking directly in front of where we stayed which allowed long rides and tons of improvement. Amigas joining us on their 3rd, 4th, and even 5th retreats were claiming it to be their favorite surf trip ever!
We’re headed back in 2015 and are super excited about it! The first two retreats are already full but we do have a few spots remaining the week of April 18-25. For all the info click the Costa Rica tab on the homepage or the link here. Email [email protected] to sign up! See the videos below from last year for inspiration.
Enjoy the hilarious musings from an Amiga named Jane as she walks us through her new language skills and discusses tired arms from so much shredding!
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFpQ-r4Kacg]
Part 2 of our late November highlight reel. Hear from the ladies why they loved their Surf With Amigas retreat and why they want to come back! Plus check out all the action…
[youtube=http://youtu.be/I9kfUa_p03w]
I know, I know, it’s December already and we’re still posting about November adventures. The thing is that living on the beach in North Nicaragua means a breezy barefoot lifestyle connected to stone age internet. 4 days after initiating the youtube upload, the video is finally ready to view! Enjoy!!!
[youtube=http://youtu.be/UPob9r4aF3Y]
