Surf Lessons with Helina Beck

20 year old Helina Beck is a model, surf instructor, and college student who will be spending six weeks in Nicaragua helping out with the July retreats. She has several years’ experience teaching surf lessons and also happens to be Holly’s younger sister. Helina will be available for private lessons June 9 – July 1 at Coco Loco or La Bahia.


Surf Lessons with Helina

Lessons available June 9 – July 1
One 90 min lesson: $90
Three 90 min lessons: $200
Five 90 min lessons: $300

Stay at El Coco Loco Resort or La Bahia Beach Hotel

To book a lesson contact: [email protected]

Life Lessons from Surfing



Michelle Steffes came to a retreat a few months ago and stood up on her first wave on day 1. After a few days acquainting herself with the ocean, her board, and her pop-up, she became determined to paddle outside and catch a “green” wave. By the end of the week, after a lot of great support and coaching, she achieved her goal.
A few weeks after her trip, she was inspired to write the following.
Thanks Michelle!

Headed out for one last wave before sunset.

I sit on my board
And watch the wave rise up and tower over me
White foam beginning to crest at the peak
“Uh oh,” I whisper
From miles below

A moment later
As I hang upside down
In the churning maelstrom
One leg yanked roughly toward shore
By the leash around my ankle
The other throbbing from a fresh wound
Lungs aching for air
And ears popping painfully

I think about the choices I’ve made in my life
The many times I’ve lingered sideways
In the path of tsunamis
Paralyzed by indecision

Neither intrepid enough
To charge toward shore
Leap to my feet
And ride to victory

Nor sensible enough
To give up early
Hold my breath
Dive for the sea floor and curl into a ball
While I wait for the worst of the destruction to pass.

Michelle, confidently up and riding on a nice little insider.

New Dates for Summer Retreats Posted!

Surf, Yoga, and Adventure in Nicaragua!
New dates posted for Summer 2011
See below and click links for more info about each retreat and location.

July 2 – 9
Surf Coaching Session for Advanced Beginner and Intermediate Female surfers
Located at El Coco Loco
All inclusive price of $1,400

July 10 – 17
Women’s Only Learn to Surf, Yoga, Adventure, Volunteer
Located at El Coco Loco
All inclusive price of $1,500

August 6 – 13
Co-ed or Couples Surf, Yoga, and Adventure Retreat in Eco Luxury
Located at La Bahia
Couples: $2,450 per person
Single: $3,350

August 14 – 21
Co-ed or Couples Surf, Yoga, and Adventure Retreat in Eco Luxury
Located at La Bahia
Couples: $2,450 per person
Single: $3,350

August 26 – Sept 5
Special 10 day retreat!
Women’s Only Learn to Surf, Yoga, Adventure, Volunteer
Located at El Coco Loco
All inclusive price of $2,100

Surf lessons outside of retreat dates are also available. Email for info.
More retreat dates for fall coming soon. Email [email protected] to be added to the mailing list!

Co-ed or Couples Surf, Yoga, and Adventure Retreat in Eco Luxury


Retreat weeks available:
August 6 – 13
August 14 – 21

Pricing
Couples (price per person): $2,450
Single: $3,350

7 night all-inclusive package includes:
– Two way airport transfer
– Eco-luxury accommodation at La Bahia
– Three deliciously healthy meals a day
– Surf lessons and surf guidance by professional surfer Holly Beck
– Daily yoga classes
– Afternoon adventures (horseback riding, estuary boat cruise, volunteering with Waves of Hope, etc.)

Extras:
Surfboard rentals ($150 per week)
Drinks

Booking: email [email protected]


La Bahia is an intimate peaceful eco-friendly resort located on one of Nicaragua’s most beautiful beaches. Situated on the beach side of a 19 acre teak farm, La Bahia has a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, and four beautifully constructed cabanas.

Each cabana has a king-sized bed, deck, hammock, ceiling fan, open air bathroom, unobstructed ocean views, and a private beach path – perfect for couples or individuals looking to escape city life for peace and tranquility. After spending a week here you’ll be searching through apartment finder websites and all over the internet to make the scenery
permanent! Imagine waking up everyday with this view, rest, relaxation, recreation and surfing.


Circle of Empowerment

Meg “Margarita” Boren is an inspiring woman. She first came to Nicaragua in 1999 as a volunteer nurse working with a local doctor to provide care to remote villages without access to electricity or potable water. She fell in love with the people and decided she had to stay.

Living in a tent for 8 months while a house was being built she founded Circle of Empowerment , a grass roots project focusing on the development of resources that help the people help themselves in the areas of health, education, and economic development.

Meg "Margarita" Boren, the force behind Circle of Empowerment

Working with donations, other NGOs, and public programs within Nicaragua, she has opened a health clinic, provided a school bus, and created a high school program and library in a community that previously had none of those things.

Margarita, giving a tour of the clinic and explaining her program to a group of Suave Dulce guests.

Margarita’s programs focus heavily on education and developing leadership from within the local communities to assure community buy-in and program sustainability.

Giving donations for the local kids to Margarita.

During each retreat we will visit Margarita’s clinic to hear her story and be inspired by her energy.

A few of the local kids that benefit from Margarita's clinic

To learn more or donate to Circle of Empowerment, click here or email [email protected] for more information.

Learn To Surf Philosophy

Surfing is all about feeling the joy of being pushed by the ocean. It’s not about how quickly you stand up or how long you are standing. It is about who’s wearing the biggest smile and having the most fun.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rLsNQyKokI]

Volcano Boarding is So Fun!

Volcano boarding is the most interesting thing you can do in Nicaragua. I could try to explain what it’s all about and why it is so fun, but it’s probably better if you just watch the video and let the ladies show you why it’s something you need to add to your bucket list! Click play to watch!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZjwpKVGpTI]

Surf, Yoga, Adventure Photo Gallery

Here’s a selection of photos to give you an idea of what the retreats are all about. Enjoy!

Headed out for a few waves right out front!

Good waves at the left point just down the beach.

Cold drinks with new friends after a super fun session.

Checking out the local health clinic run by a non-profit nearby.

Loading them up with donations for the kids.

Afternoon cruising.

Horseback riding on the beach.

Hammock lounging.

Checking out the colonial city of Leon.

Gourmet dinner at the French Guys restaurant.

Ready to hike a volcano.

Volcano boarding.

One last wave before sunset.