We’re back again to catch up with more alumni amigas that you may know!
this month we’re chatting Q+A style with mother, surfer, and world traveler danielle gustafson to learn more about the why behind her surf journey + a bit about her personal retreat experiences. Stay tuned for monthly stories and updates from our good friends across the globe.
Q: Think back to when you attended your first SWA retreat. Why did you book that trip? What was that first retreat experience like for you?
A: I’ve been obsessed with surfing for 20 years, but I never committed. I was a white wash wahine. As my kids got older and started shredding, I recognized that I had to learn to surf or lose them to their passion. My main motivation to finally commit was to keep a connection with them. It only made sense to send myself to SWA. That was four and a half years ago. I had no idea it would change the course of my life in the best possible ways.
Q: Now that you’ve been on several SWA retreats, what keeps you coming back?
A: I can’t get enough. Every retreat has been epic. I gift myself at least one a year. Hey, I invest in my kids’ summer camp, tutoring and sports development. Why wouldn’t I offer myself the same level of self-care?
Q: Describe the feeling you get from surfing…
A: Connectedness. Growth. Freedom. Humility.
Q: What are you most passionate about in life right now? The SWA community wants to know!
A: Umm, surfing! My kids, health and career are on the list, too.
Q: What is your dream SWA retreat location?
A: Maldives
Q: What would you tell someone who is about to go on their first SWA retreat?
A: You made the right choice.
Q: Do you have your next surf trip planned? If so, give us all the deets!
A: Yep. Bocas del Toro in January with SWA. Nosara in February. Taking a break to snowboard in March, but back at it with Chicama in April. If I’m lucky and the starts align, I hope to take my kids to Indo this summer.
Our surf therapy retreat and trauma informed instructors are here to support you in building the skills for working with trauma, anxiety, triggers, grief and mental blocks in the waves and back on land to enhance your relationship with self, others and the earth. We believe that surfing mother oceans waves is a powerful tool for reclaiming your healing, power, and belonging and can not wait to paddle out with you!
