Do you ever wonder how you’d react in a life-altering, potentially threatening situation?
I find that until we’re confronted with a risk to our bodily autonomy or basic functions, it’s easy to take our bodies for granted, and forget about the incredible feats that they help us accomplish on a daily basis. But when the body and mind are forced to adapt, it’s amazing how we can relearn and persevere through extremely difficult situations. This week on the Second Breakfast podcastwe had a chance to chat with Victoria Feige, who shares her story of resilience and adaptation.
At age 18, Victoria’s life was changed forever after a snowboarding fall left her paralyzed her from the waist down. But she didn’t let her accident slow her down. Now a 5x world para surfing champion, Victoria has an incredible attitude and takes life by storm, even from a wheel chair. Play is her wheelhouse, and she’s relearned how to move through the world and remake her passions in a new body. Even while being airlifted to the hospital, she has always had a persistent focus and passion for life.
Here are some snippets of her story:
“It’s kind of a crazy story. It sounds horrendous, but I’ve had a lot of fun along the way. So I grew up able-bodied, Canadian, skiing, snowboarding, telemarking. I’m a bit of a risk taker, and did a whole bunch of different sports. I have two older brothers, who are a bit rough and tumble.
When I was 18, I was snowboarding with a friend on spring break. I love to do big mountain riding, like, trees and shoots but I also love jumping in the park. That day I just sent it in the park at the end of the day, kind of showing off for a photo. And I overshot it, got about 15 feet of air and landed badly. So I have a compression fracture of my L1 vertebrae, which means that I’m essentially I was paralyzed from the waist down.
Then [I had] surgery and then really it’s three months at least of rehab in the hospital, learning how to navigate an environment and a body that you’re not that familiar with.
You have to kind of relearn how to move through the world. But I used whatever skills and resources I had to get me where I wanted to go. So I just transferred my skateboarding skills to wheelchair skills, including the ability to see terrain and perform an ollie. I used to rock climb a little bit, so you can find little handholds in an airplane or a subway station if the elevator breaks. You can find ways to navigate the environment.
Headshot taken by Nigel Wallace Media
yes, I have a disability. Yes, I’m a wheelchair user on land. But One of the things I love about surfing is that if I catch a great wave in the water, have a good takeoff and a sick turn, I did that. there’s no tokenism. There’s no special treatment.
My level of function is like far beyond what they could have expected but I also was kind of a high energy, high achiever before I got injured. Those are the elements that make you who you are. That element of pushing the boundaries is without a doubt why I got injured, but it’s pushing the boundaries and trying to get more is also what made me do so well after my injury.
There’s so much you can do after spinal cord injury. There’s so much that you can achieve and explore and there’s so much life left to live. And yeah, it might look a little different, but the important things of who you are, your friends and family and the things that define you don’t have to change. Unless you want them to change, but itdoesn’t have to determine your whole life.”
Start Here: Before picking your fin, ask yourself, how do I want to be surfing?
Nailing down your surfing goals is the first step in choosing the right fin, which will ultimately help you be most successful in the type of surfing that YOU want to do. For example, if your goal is to noseride, you’ll generally want a more upright fin, like a Pivot fin.
How do I choose the right type of fin?
The answer to this question again depends on your answer to the first question listed above! Here are the three most common types of longboard fins, and a bit about the types of surfing they support.
Pivot Fin: This fin is ideal for those looking to practice cross stepping or hankering for some more toes on the nose time. With a sizeable base and plenty of length, pivot fins also allow for more responsive turns.
D Fin: The D-fin is an older fin style ideal for those looking for an old-school feel or riding bigger boards. If you are surfing long point breaks like Malibu and want total control, this could be the fin for you. The large surface area of this fin helps with drive down the line to practice a noseride, but also makes it more difficult to turn.
Flex Fin: The flex fin, created by George Greenough in the 1960’s and inspired by a tuna fish fin, is great for performance logs, bigger turns in the pocket, and for those who are interested in pushing their limits in bigger waves. Flex fins typically have more “rake,” which refers to how far the front edge of the fin arcs backwards. More rake is designed for more drawn out turns. These fins are also great for midlengths!
How do I choose the right sized fin?
As a general rule of thumb, you can take the length of your longboard and use that to size your fin. For example, if you have a 9’6″ log, try starting with a 9.5″ to 10″ fin.
PRO tip: Depending on your size and the board’s, you can play around with trying a slightly bigger/smaller fin (try starting with 0.5″ differences). A smaller person usually can more easily turn a smaller fin.
Where do I place my fin in the fin box: further forward, centered, or back?
There’s no hard and fast answer to this question. Our general recommendation is to learn by doing, play around with it, change the placement for a session or two and see how it feels. Fin placement within the fin box can alter the sensation you’ll feel when riding a wave.
When placing the fin further back, the board has a very stiff feel. It will give you lots of hold in big waves but make it harder to turn. This also creates more balance for noseriding.
When placing the fin further forward, what you gain in maneuverability you lose in stability. This placement moves the pivot point forward, making the board turn more easily but with a very loose feel.
Remember there is no one-size fits all when it comes to fins! Try different setups in varying conditions to find out what works best for YOU.
At some point in our surf journeys, we are bound to find ourselves stuck in a place we’d rather not be, or at the very least in an unexpected situation in the water. Many different emotions can come up while we’re surfing, but there usually tends to be one common denominator: fear. Whether it boils down to a fear of lack of control, of injury or embarrassment, that nagging, anxiety-inducing feeling in the pit of your stomach is universal in surfing. Feelings of fear are our brain’s way of trying to keep our bodies safe. Here are four tips you can use to help overcome your fear in the water:
1. Acknowledge your fear
The more you can acknowledge that your fear exists, the more likely you can begin to take the needed steps to overcome that fear. Trying to understand exactly where your fear comes from is the first step in processing it. Use that understanding to slowly enlarge your comfort zone. You can do this by taking baby steps of expansion while keeping yourself safely challenged. Whether it is surfing a slightly more difficult break, or trying different maneuvers in the water, give it a go. Using this technique, our amiga Brooke says,
“I recognized that my desire to overcome the fear became stronger than the fear at some point.”
Fear can feel like a much more manageable emotion when you have someone to share it with. A little bit of extra encouragement from a friend, especially from someone who may have a bit more experience in the water, can go a long way. If you see your buddy isn’t afraid, often that gives you the permission to let go of your fear. Not to mention, a simple shared look of solidarity before plunging headfirst into a duck dive can do wonders for the nerves.
3. Practice breathing techniques in the water
As our amiga Brooke explains in her Second Breakfast episode, as soon as we start to hold our breath, the body goes into fight or flight mode. While we’re stressed or anxious, there’s usually an element of breath holding that comes along with that. Especially while we’re laying on our bellies paddling, breathing can easily become constricted. Try focusing on inhaling and exhaling while you’re paddling for a wave. While doing this, you can challenge your own perceptions of fear. Remind yourself that even if you get tumbled around, you’re going to come up, you’re going to be okay. Consider breathing exercises to be an intervention for your anxiety.
“Drawing your attention towards your breath can help get you out of a fear state and more into flow state.”
4. Practice positive mantras in the water
Often what holds us back the most in the water is our perceived perception of ourselves and what we are capable of. The brain creates strong neural pathways that dictate these perceptions. The more we believe them and use certain pathways, the more engrained they become. Studies have shown that bilateral movement (like paddling while surfing!) offers an opportunity to create new pathways. The next time you’re paddling out into the lineup, try repeating a positive mantra to yourself. Rather than telling yourself “I suck, I don’t have the skill level to surf this wave,” or “I’m scared I’ll fall and everyone is watching,” try flipping the switch. “My body is strong and capable, and I am doing the best that I can.”
For some, even the thought of a particular surf destination or break can make the palms break out in a sweat. Are you ready to send it and step out of your comfort zone? Are you an intermediate to advanced surfer and willing to push your limits? Check out our new retreat location, Sumatra!
In the excerpt below, Amiga Sarah Petrarca paints a beautiful picture of sisterhood, surf, and adventure that spans across her time spent at a Surf With Amigas retreat in Morocco.
In the heart of Imsouane, where the Atlantic meets the Atlas Mountains, I began a surf trip that transcended the ordinary. Joined by a crew of adventurous souls, I found myself immersed in the reciprocity of the sea, guided by the expert hands of Surf With Amigas. The waves, the camaraderie, and the magic that unfolded became a living canvas for the sisterhood we forged on the shores of Morocco.
Surf With Amigas, an organization that combines the thrill of surfing with the celebration of female solidarity, proved to be the perfect catalyst for an unforgettable experience. The first lesson on the board was more than a crash course in surfing; it was a metaphorical dive into the depths of connection. The shared laughter, the occasional wipeouts, and the triumphant rides—each moment crafted the unique mosaic of our shared time by the shore.
The Amigas, and our honorary Amigo, provided a safe haven in the lineup to bring everyone confidence. As someone who gets intimidated to surf new places, I can’t thank the SWA coaches enough for their hard work and patience. If I had to provide some tips for newcomers, I would say an open mind and trust in the coaches will go a long way. Waves I felt nervous for or mornings I lacked motivation, they brought the energy through dance parties, cheers, and loads of high fives. I would also say that bringing two wetsuits so that you always have a dry one, helps too!
Photos by Sarah Petrarca
Remember that you’ll take a few digs, everyone does. It’s an inevitable part of the surfing journey, a series of little challenges that test your resilience and commitment. Embrace those falls with a smile, knowing that each stumble is an opportunity to learn, improve, and ultimately become a more skilled and confident surfer.It’s these small challenges that make the triumphs taste even sweeter, and they become stories you fondly reminisce about.
In the lulls between sets, I couldn’t help but admire the raw beauty that surrounded me. The cliffside, weathered by time and the elements, stood as silent witnesses to the timeless dance between woman and nature. The contrast between the arid mountains and the endless expanse of the ocean created a surreal backdrop for my surfing odyssey. Stretching gracefully along the coastline, these waves welcomed both beginners and seasoned surfers with open arms. Their gentle rolls offered a forgiving embrace, allowing us to learn, laugh, and ride the tides of camaraderie. As I reflect on my surf trip to Imsouane, I am reminded that the true beauty of such journeys lies not just in the waves conquered but in the moments of stillness between them.
Photos by Sarah Petrarca
In Imsouane, I found a tale as old as time—that of connection, exploration, and sisterhood that will forever echo in the recesses of my soul. For me, this retreat lit a divine spark and truly inculcated my obsession with surfing. However, this trip was not just about conquering waves; it was about forging connections, building confidence, and celebrating the strength that comes from embracing the sea together. While I am still daydreaming about the waves I had, it is the people I met and grew with that were my favorite part. Hand to heart, I can truly say I walked away with more than a few surf lessons, but women I am proud to call friends.
Photos by Sarah Petrarca
To join Surf With Amigas for the surf adventure of a lifetime in southern Morocco, CLICK HERE.
If you’ve been surfing for over 10 years, chances are you remember the days when decent, stylish bikinis that stayed put in the surf were extremely difficult to come by. Or maybe, like me, you even had to succumb to buying a men’s wetsuit because of quality, availability, or sizing issues. Up until recently, the women’s surf-wear options on the market were extremely limited. Thankfully as more and more women have discovered surfing and infiltrated the predominantly male industry, we have demanded that new surf apparel standards be set.
This week we had a chance to chat with Amanda Chinchelli, founder of The Seea, a women’s surf and swimwear brand. Seea was born out of necessity. Amanda, like many other women surfers, had been searching for suits that “were comfortable for surfing, but didn’t look too sporty or skimpy. Something that looked good while working great for surfing.” And so, born from a dream and a thrifted sewing machine in San Clemente, California, Seea was formed. Seea was one of the first women’s surf brands that chose to forge a new path within the industry, creating suits by women, for women that challenge the status quo and balance surf function and style.
“It’s so important that we decide what beauty is. what we put out there guides the young generation to see what is beauty and what is not. We have a huge responsibility.”
Here are 3 ways Seea, along with other up and coming women’s surf companies, are raising the bar and setting new expectations and opportunities in the industry:
1. Making Beauty and Body Image Relatable and Real
Amanda felt the pressure to “elevate [her] brand” by using professional models and photographers, but found that it didn’t work for the message she wanted to convey. She wanted to align Seea’s image with the brand ethos. Seea has been a leading example in the female surf industry that represents different body types, ages, ethnicities, and sexual/gender identification, be it through their model choice and marketing or diverse swimwear lines.
2. Sustainable materials and Local Production
The fashion industry, like the surf industry, is inherently wasteful. But like Seea, who chooses to produce all suits in-house in California, more and more brands are deciding to produce more small-batch, locally made products and use recycled materials instead of shipping manufacturing overseas. In a time when greenwashing is becoming ever-apparent, it pays to know exactly how brands are choosing to source their materials and what your dollars are supporting.
3. Creating Community
Now more than ever, women’s surf companies are creating new cultures and communities with the messages they convey in their brand images. Whether it be through blog posts, community forums or in-person beach meet-ups, brands want to genuinely connect with real people and showcase unique experiences and perspectives within the surfing space. More collaboration has created community connection and elevates opportunity in surfing for those who may have previously found the industry unwelcoming or intimidating.
To hear more from Amanda and the story of Seea, listen to our chat on Second Breakfast, a podcast with Surf With Amigas, found on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Stuck in a bind packing for your next surf trip? We’ve got you covered. Don’t forget these 5 essential items on your next cold water surf trip or Morocco retreat!
1. Wetsuit and Surf Hat
The water temperature varies throughout the year in Morocco, and although a mid-day session can warrant a 3/2 or spring-suit in the summer and fall months, it’s also good to come prepared with another 4/3 for colder sessions or winter surfing. We always recommend having an extra (dry) suit, so bringing at least 2 wetsuits is a good option! A surf hat is also essential at our Morocco location, the afternoon glare can be gnarly. Protect your eyes!
PRO tip: Separate your suits in your luggage! One in a carry-on bag, the other in your checked luggage. There’s nothing worse than travel delays screwing your surf plans.
2. A Good Conditioner or other Leave-in Hair Product
Unless you already have an impeccable surf-hair care routine (or could care less about your salty strands) we recommend bringing some heavy-duty hair products. Between multiple sessions a day, the dry climate and strong sun, chances are your hair could use some more lovin’. Your best conditioner or other leave-in moisturizing product should do the trick.
PRO tip: Buy some Argan oil when you’re here and give yourself a hair mask for the ultimate hair-lift.
3. Zinc Sunscreen
If you treasure your skin, the goal for your vacay should be to return home paler than you before. But seriously, Zinc is without a doubt the best UV skin protectant. Plan to bring lots of it and don’t forget about the hands or neck when applying! Check out our Amiga recommendations blog post for specific brands.
4. Cozy Clothes
Bring on the fuzzy slippers or Ugg boots, warm beanies and puffy jackets! Although this location tends to bring warm, sunny days, the early mornings and nights can be nippy, especially after a surf!
PRO tip: Wear your cozy outfit (puff jacket, Uggs) during the travel to save space in your suitcase.
5. Your Favorite Travel Game
There’s nothing quite better than coming in from an epic surf and getting to gaming with your amigas. Let your competitive side shine or just enjoy some cruisy camaraderie with your crew. Some SWA favorite games include Bananagrams, Set, Backgammon and any ‘ole card game.
We are so incredibly stoked to finally introduce a long-time project, The Surf With Amigas Collective. The Collective is everything you love about Surf With Amigas retreats, made more accessible. With this new platform, we aim to create entertaining yet informative content and tutorials designed to empower and educate women, in surfing and in life. We’re also striving to highlight the personal stories and adventures of members within our surfing community, allowing us to connect more deeply and spread stoke while also showcasing the raw and real female surf experience.
Whether you’re just starting your surf journey, want to get in surf shape, or are ready to unleash your inner surf nerd and learn more, the Collective is a great place to start. Here are 5 sets of videos we recommend watching for those who are newer to surfing and looking to prep for their next surf trip or SWA retreat:
We know surfing is hard! That’s why here at the collective, we’re there for you every step of the way. Surfing, like life, is full of crests and troughs, ups and downs. It’s easy to put lots of pressure on ourselves to perform, especially when we only have one week of surf vacation time. Xiquiu has been a surf instructor at Surf With Amigas for years. This video is an excerpt from her beginner lesson where she talks about the best mindset to have when starting out in surfing, as well as a few other helpful tips to set you up for success.
The popup is one of the most important aspects of having a successful ride down the line. Even if you feel confident with your popup, it’s always good to practice and keep your muscle memory engaged (especially if you aren’t surfing often!). In addition to watching this video, try filming your pop up and see if you can catch any quirks. Having a strong base of surfing skills is critical in helping create good habits and fuels the froth to keep progressing!
Like our head yoga instructor Reesie says, motion is lotion. You’re bound to be moving and grooving A LOT on your next surf trip, so let your body ease into it by incorporating these stretches and workouts into your routine! These stretches and workouts are made for surfers, by surfers, and so target key muscles that you’ll be using in the water.
Finally, just in case you haven’t yet experienced the epic bad-assery of our team first-hand, let us clue you in. We have an absolutely amazing team of surf instructors. They’re funny, knowledgeable, utterly rad women and we want you to get to know them! Learn about their personal surf journeys, struggles and life philosophies before starting your next retreat or online course.
From Morocco to Malibu and beyond, you’re bound to find crowds of surfers dotting the coast. Of course, most of us dream of corduroy lines that expand across our favorite break without another soul in sight. But the impending reality is: as more humans discover the incredible experience of wiggling their bodies across waves and technology’s mighty roots sink deeply into even the most remote corners of the world, uncrowded lineups become more obsolete.
In this post we’re unpacking the top 3 techniques you can use to more effectively navigate those busy lineups, maximize your wave count, lose the stress and have more fun!
1. know before you go
Take a bit of time on the beach to survey the lineup before you paddle out. Drink your coffee and take note of the dynamics and types of surfers out there. Ask yourself, where are the shredders sitting? Is there anyone who looks like they’re still learning to surf? Choose a place to sit in the lineup where you can optimize your wave catching ability while remaining safe and within your limits. If you have doubts regarding the conditions or feel high anxiety or unsafe entering the water, know your limits. Don’t go out, or wait for a friend or instructor to paddle out with.
2. Sit wide or on the inside
In a crowded lineup, it’s all about finding those open “holes” in the lineup where no one is sitting. Just because lots of people are sitting in one area doesn’t necessarily mean that’s the best place for you. Sometimes sitting wide or on the inside allows you to pick off some cute ones, or even catch a party wave (remember that the person with priority calls a party wave)! Even if the waves may not be as consistent in areas away from the crowd, you have a higher chance of grabbing a few to yourself. Finally, always keep your head on a swivel and be ready to turn and burn in case someone else falls off a wave, or ends up going straight in the whitewash.
3. Play it safe – be ready to abort mission
If you feel a collision is imminent, you see someone quickly moving down the line or a massive crowd in front of you, be ready to abort mission and try for another wave when the next set comes. How do you abort mission safely? Lean and/or move back on your board and dig your legs in the water. This will lift the nose of your board out of the water and essentially put the brakes on. If you’re already moving too quickly to try this maneuver, straighten your board out and take the wave in the whitewash instead of navigating the crowd. Avoid locking eyes with someone in front of you while riding a wave — or you’ll likely go in their direction. On the other hand, if you’re paddling out and think a surfer is going to run into you, just turtle roll. Dinged boards are better than dinged bodies.
Abort mission: look, lean and lift.
Finally, remember that surfing, especially in crowds, is a constant learning process. Give yourself some grace when you run into difficult situations and don’t let a bad interaction ruin your session. If you find yourself getting frustrated, go to the beach and reset or try to find a place in the lineup to sit by yourself for a moment. Take a breath and give it another try!
Money, money money! It’s a bit of a sore subject for some and definitely can be a difficult topic to broach. Whether you like it or not, don’t have enough of it or consistently find yourself rolling in the dough, there’s really only one way to slice it: money matters.
Many people go their entire lives without achieving basic financial literacy and learning skills that can help anyone succeed, regardless of background. We recently chatted with finance executive Alix Tucker and had an open and honest discussion about money, and how deeper knowledge of financial strategies can facilitate new possibilities.
ABOUT ALIX TUCKER
Alix Tucker is the owner of the financial coaching business financewithalix.com and VP of the 3rd fastest growing tech company in the US, GitLab. Alix worked in the finance and tech industry for over 15 years before she created her own financial consulting business, eager to share her knowledge with others. She experienced a major shift in life after discovering surfing and yearned for a lifestyle with more freedom. Alix appreciates the work-life balance and encourages others to do the same; a primary goal in her work is to “lead with kindness and empower those around [her].” Alix began thinking about money at an early age, she explains:
“I’ve been thinking about retirement since I was 12 years old. It’s something that’s really motivating to me because I knew that I didn’t want to work for the rest of my life. I’m not that type of person.”
Alix believes that, “the biggest gap that we have today for most people is really around financial literacy and education. People don’t understand how the economy works, how the stock market works, how compounding interest works; these sort of things that can really change your life and help you achieve retirement at a younger age.”
An ideal financial situation for you is bound to be different from someone else. When thinking of your finances, ask yourself the question: What truly matters? Alix explains, “people today in California or New York or Seattle, they’re spending so much money on their housing that they can’t afford to go on vacations. So it’s just about a trade off. What would you prefer? Do you want the daily lifestyle? And how realistic is that for you anyways?
How early do you have to go to work? If you go do a two hour surf session, are you going to be able to balance that? How often are you taking advantage of that?
So it’s just about what you prioritize more. Would you rather do the vacations or would you rather do the daily lifestyle?”
In addition, Alix advises to start with a goal: ask yourself, how much annual income would you need to be financially independent?
4 STEPS BEFORE LOOKING TO INVEST:
Start saving 20% of your income
Do your research
Remove all high-interest debt
Keep a long-term perspective in mind when thinking about the stock market
To learn more about Alix’s work or how you can find financial freedom, listen to our podcast episode available on Apple Podcasts orSpotify.
For those looking to dive a bit deeper, Alex suggests thinking about the following strategies:
Whether you’ve just started surfing or you’re already practicing barrel riding, Portugal has waves that will keep everyone stoked. Here’s what you can look forward to on your next surf trip:
1. World class waves
The waves in Portugal are arguably some of the best and most definitely the biggest in the world. In November 2017, Brazilian surfer Rodrigo Koxa rode an 80ft (24m) wave off the coast of Nazaré, a small fishing village north of Lisbon.
The power and the spray of these waves felt from the shore alone is enough to leave you with sweaty palms and shaky legs. The sheer beauty of the surf often inspires the question: should I just watch, or should I send it? But never fear, if big waves aren’t your thing, there is a little something for everyone that can be found in Portugal. Believe it or not even Praia do Norte, the beach home to the infamous wave of Nazaré, offers some cute punchy waves when the swell isn’t pumping.
2. consistent swell
Portugal is surrounded by 1,115 miles (1,794 km) of beautiful coastline that faces both west and south, so you can find many different kinds of waves year round, from barreling beach breaks to reeling points. It is perhaps one of the best destinations in Europe to score consistent surf. The Algarve region, located in southern Portugal, has one of the longest swell seasons in the country and is a new Surf with Amigas retreat location.
3. The food
A good surf trip isn’t complete without amazing food to fuel the froth and Portugal definitely does not disappoint. From bacalhau (salted cod) to soups and stews, roasted chestnuts and sweet treats, Portugese cuisine provides it all. Pastel de natas are without a doubt Portugal’s biggest gift to the culinary world (and our lucky bellies). These cinnamon egg tarts can be eaten as a breakfast treat with a cup of coffee, dessert, or snack at any time of day. Wine lovers also delight in Portugal, the birthplace of port, a popular dessert wine. Although many other countries produce port-style wine, only port produced in the Duoro Valley near Porto can actually be called port. You won’t be complaining about having to surf in cold water when you know Portugese delicacies wait for you at shore.
4. Art and culture
Flat day has you frowning? Get ready for the ultimate facelift while exploring quaint Portugese towns brimming with color and history. In the shadow of both France and Spain, it’s easy to forget that Portugal was one of the first countries to begin “discovering” countries in the Americas and other continents in the early 1500s. Portugal has a fascinating history and culture that permeates through modern daily life; It’s easy to feel as though you’ve stepped off the pages of a history book while meandering through old cobblestone streets and taking in the beautiful architecture. Azulejos, or tiles, adorn many buildings in Portugal and are a personal favorite of mine. You’ll be amazed by the colors and stories they depict.
5. Incredible landscapes
Portugal has sunny weather about 300 days per year, making it one of the sunniest places in Europe and the ultimate destination for a surf vacation practically all year round. Dreaming of breathtaking cliffs, coastal castles, sea caves, sandy islands and wild stretches of golden beaches? The Algarve region is your ticket to paradise. This year, we’ll be hosting our Portugal surf retreats in May, an ideal time to miss the summer crowds and van-lifers who descend upon the shores of this region.
