nikki belcher - Surf With Amigas

Thank You and Testimonial from Amiga Kathy

on December 16, 2012February 18, 2015 By hollybeck27

We love getting thank yous from Amigas. It helps reinforce our feeling that what we’re doing not only provides a ton of fun and surfing knowledge but that it can also be more than that. We often get Amigas coming down who just really need to get away. Whether it’s a recent relationship breakup, job change, family heartache, or just re-evaluating life choices, sometimes it’s more than a vacation that people are looking for. Getting an email like this makes us smile to realize that we were able to help someone beyond just improving their pop-up. See below for Kathy’s message. Thanks Kathy!

I was definitely missing Nicaragua already when I got out of the airport to rain and 5 degrees the other night. Although I did get a pretty excited welcome from this girl (aka best snuggler ever), which mostly made me forget hammocks for a moment.

While I know you can’t take total credit for how awesome the other people in our group were ;), you guys totally set the tone for a supportive, joyful, trusting place. The fact that it’s paradise with a tropical bird chorus every morning doesn’t hurt either, nor do the great teaching skills both surf and yoga-wise.

Oversharing time, but it’s relevant. My dad passed away (cancer) in October, and while that was sad more than painful (if that makes any sense), it definitely ranks up there as one of life’s more stressful events. I was looking to get away, to turn off responsibilities and cares for a little bit and reset my happy meter, and what I found far exceeded my expectations. Don’t get me wrong!! – I’m not conflating surfing camp with Tara’s wilderness therapy (that sounds like a BAD IDEA for both you guys and anyone expecting something like that), but I found the week to be really healing. Having an ear to ear grin for most of the day, doing something like catching a wave, which just like dancing or riding fresh powder or watching my dog wriggle around on her back fills me with pure joy (oh wait, there WAS also dancing and watching dogs be their goofy wonderful selves!), being around people who are fun, engaged in the world and interesting and also are open and compassionate, and beautiful surroundings, good food, getting exercise, being outside all day…..those are my personal ingredients for some serious recharging and self-care. Which is what I MEANT to try to say the morning I left, instead of getting all teary 🙂

Thanks! y muchas besos,

Kathy

In Between Surf Sessions

on December 15, 2012February 18, 2015 By hollybeck27

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gi869QhE81M]
We are not alcoholics! But we do like to have a good time and indulge in the fine beverages available. Nicaragua is world famous for it’s Flor de Cana rum and we think it is delicious. In between surf sessions we get up to all kinds of craziness and fun. We laugh, talk about life, dreams, goals, and create friendships that will last long past the week-long adventure.

“The thing that holds people back from achieving their dreams is self-doubt” – Jackie George
Believe in yourself and anything is possible!

“the music that prompts the ocean to dance”

on December 12, 2012February 18, 2015 By Jackie George

It seems to be (in my experience, at least) that yoga teachers are slightly more obsessed with the moon than most people. I personally think this is a positive trait, as yoga teachers serve as trainers for the physical body as well as guides into a spiritual journey. For me, the spiritual side of the practice is as important as any, and I prefer my yoga teacher to be in tune with the natural world’s cycles, rhythms, and patterns, in order to help bridge the gap between the spiritual and physical worlds. At Amigas Surf Retreats, we have been lucky enough to find an amazing teacher who embodies just that. And she’s kind of obsessed with the moon.

Nikki Belcher comes from Chicago originally and moved to Nicaragua about a year ago to pursue her dreams of teaching yoga in paradise. Though she’s only been teaching for about a year and a half, her students will agree that there is something unique about the approach she takes, which combines a spiritual outlook with a restorative practice. Her classes are just what you need after a long day of surf and want to turn inward a bit. What I also love about Nikki is that she isn’t afraid to drink a beer after (or before) class and be my partner in crime when it comes to shenanigans around this place. Though serious about her practice and teaching, she will agree that sometimes you cannot take life too seriously, and we must enjoy each and every day.

Here’s a post from her recently launched website, Fairy Lounge, about one of her most beloved topics: the moon. I also agree that the moon plays a big part in our lives as surfers, ladies, and water women worldwide and she did a beautiful job putting this importance into words.

From Nikki’s website, Fairy Lounge, here’s her take on our Luna Bella:

The Moon is commonly associated with the super natural powers and mystery.

Ruler our feminine, yin, cool energy. She is our intuitive (unconscious), nurturing,receptive and introspective side. Bringing refreshing clarity through the depths of the mysterious. Leader of our emotions, her luminescent light (reflection of light from the sun) encourages us to bring our awareness inward uncovering our wisdom and creativity.

Discovering the light within the darkness.

Although the Moon does not have a magnetic field of her own, we are highly effected by her gravitational pull on Earth. Earth’s satellite, the moon is essentially a messenger between Earth and the Universe. Controller of water, she is the music that prompts the ocean to dance. Tides tend to be more extreme during New and Full Moons.

Because the human body is about 70% water, the Moon holds immense power if we chose to tune into it.

Completing a full cycle every month, she is a symbolism of our internal cycles; physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Reminding us of our internal cycles, the New Moon (also known as Dark Moon) is a magical time for new beginnings and rebirth. During this phase, the Moon is not visible in the sky. An opportunity to begin again! Clean slate. Allow yourself to listen and honor your deepest needs and desires. This is a time to dream big! Discover the power and abilityto manifest your aspirations.

TODAY’S FORECAST:

Moon (unconscious) AND Sun (conscious) are in Scorpio with total Solar Eclipse. During a total Solar Eclipse, the Moon is directly in front of the Sun. While Sun ‘disappears’ for about four to seven minutes, the influx of energy from the Moon is magnified ten fold–lasting up to six months! Super powerful.

Scorpio is an expressive sign of deep emotions, transformation, passionateintimacy and sexuality. Exploring everything totally, Scorpio also representscreation and destruction. Now is a time to find freedom from toxicillusions. Clear space internally and discover strength in expressing your feelings.

***Trust the intimacy of your heart. Allow your SOUL to take lead and embrace the beauty of your Divinity***

Paddle Through Fear

on December 11, 2012February 18, 2015 By hollybeck27

Nikki Belcher is our gorgeous, spiritual, moon-loving, and fearless yoga teacher who recently went from nearly giving up her quest to learn to surf to absolutely charging on huge closeouts. How did she do it? She learned to deal with fear.

Nikki has a blog in which she shares stories and philosophies on all subjects including how she dealt with fear. See below for an excerpt and to read the whole post, click here!

“the ocean is revitalizing but also quite terrifying. the depths have remained unexplored! unseen by the human eye. i know people surf lake michigan..but the pacific ocean?! it’s a little different. only the world’s LARGEST body of water. my first experience with surfing was at elcocoloco. a local friend, victor took me out. like out, out! to the outside! i learned quickly what it meant to be ‘washing machined’. sucked under a seemingly small wave, crashing down on me. straight panic. not a good idea. get me out of here! city girl battling the ocean. yeah, i knew who would win that combat.

after my 2nd surf sesh i decided surfing was not for me. nearly drown. my entire body sore. WHY would i put myself through that again? yoga feels so much better! i’m a triple earth sign, astrologically. i like equal steady ground. i would learn to have respect for the ocean, and embrace it slowly with caution.. but surfing just wasn’t going to happen.

within a week, jamie took me out again. i knew he was right. if i waited too long to get back in the water, i would get into my crazy brain and freak myself out. i needed to just go back out there. play. its about having FUN! deep breathe, nikki! i went out, in the white wash with jamie. he was super calm and positive. i popped up a few times and plopped down a few more. but it was fun. and relaxing. well, maybe not relaxing but i was embracing the novelty of the ocean. the salt water up my nose, my bikini bottoms falling down, losing a contact. allowing the ocean to embrace ME.”