I have had the privilege of attending Chica Brava Surf Camp for the third year in a row. I am having a ball. (I have been trying to type this post during my trip, but I haven't been able to because of technical difficulties. I will try not to switch tense, since I'm typing from notes in my head and on paper and, now, it's almost two weeks later.) I have fallen in love with Nicaragua. San Juan del Sur is the perfect surfing town. It's small, convenient and, basically, dedicated to surfers.
A great group of gals went this time with me. Once again, I knew many of them. My cycling friends Cyndi and Marie, not to mention Cyndi's sister and my spin class buddy Michele. Of course, my friend Robin came as well as Steph (surfin' sistah from last year) and Marcia (surfin' sistah from two years ago and one of my surfing role models). Steph and Marcia each brought a friend -- two marvelous gals named Lori and Leslie.
I had the pleasure of tagging along with Marcia, Ashley and Robin for a couple of surf sessions. Robin and I watched the skilled surfing styles of Marcia and Ashley, and I can't speak for Robin, but I longed to have surf sessions like theirs.
Beaches I visited included the following:
1.) Madeiras
2.) Romanzo
3.)Hermosa
4.)Popoyo -- incredible waves -- How fun it was to watch the real surfers take those waves!
5.) Hermosa
6.) Romanzo
Each beach had its good and bad points, but, let's face it, they are all better beaches for surfing than Galveston. I love Galveston, but it will never be a surfing mecca. It's okay for beginners like me...and maybe even really good surfers who know what they are doing...but for consistent, fun surf, it, basically, sucks.
All in all, Ashley and her 2011 crew including the lovely and dynamic Anne, dynamo Stephanie, and pragmatic and yet very skillful Jessica, made this trip incredible, and, once again, left me wanting more.
I want to be better on the board! I had hoped to have an impressive trip. It was fun, but I was less than impressive. I was intimidated by some of the waves; however, I did manage at least once to ride down a wave (even if it was mostly whitewater). I probably only caught a couple on the outside, but the two I caught felt good! I just need to keep practicing.
Oh, and I fell in love...with a 8'4" Robert August board!
(I do not need another board. I do not need another board. I do not need another board...)
