We’re recently back from the first annual Can’t Surf? No Worries! women’s surf and yoga retreat at Soma Surf Resort in Nicaragua hosted by Aly. Although there are no words to describe how miraculous and fun this trip was, we’re going to give it the old college try because simply saying “you have to try it for yourself” just doesn’t seem adequate.
Twelve women headed to the wilds of Central America on this week-long trip and, suffice it to say, each of them came back a slightly different person in her own unique way. Believe it or not, only two of the women warriors had ever surfed before (and Aly was one of them), but every one of these ladies dug in their heels (or surf booties as the case may be), put on their big girl wetsuits and hanged 10 twice a day every day for a week!
There were nerves, there were bumps and bruises, there may even have been a little bit of blood, but by the end of the week everyone had overcome any lingering fear and managed to stand upright on a surfboard at least once or twice– to the cheers of the rest of the crew! There really is no better feeling than the power of the waves underneath you, the wind in your hair and the camaraderie of a group of likeminded women! We even had passers by say they wanted to surf with us so someone would cheer for them (men and women included)!
As much as the Can’t Surf? No Worries! retreat is a surf trip, it really is about so much more. Although most of the women had never met before the trip, they each came back Stateside with a whole lot of new friends who now share an unbreakable bond through surf. It really gives new meaning to the term “soul sisters,” and helps you re-examine what’s most important in life (something that’s too easily forgotten in the rush of day-to-day routines).
Although we spent a lot of time in the water at some of the best surf spots in the world (which means this trip is also great for experienced surfers), the sessions were punctuated by communal experiences designed to highlight the beauty of simplicity and the wonders of Nicaragua and its people. From al fresco dining with the Soma owners (Casey and Bill) and beach yoga with Z, to touring local indigenous villages and hiking the rim of Mombacho Volcano, every day was filled with new and awe-inspiring experiences that really did take the group’s collective breath away. Plus, there was plenty of time to relax and unwind with our newfound friends.
To top it all off, the people we met along the way, including our surf guides, tour guides, yoga instructor, osteopathy practitioner (AKA specialized massage therapist), Soma staff and Nica locals, were absolutely lovely, patient and kind. Talk about authentic beauties!
And, here is where we tell you that you really can’t imagine the ways in which this trip will change you for the better unless you dare to say “yes” to the next one! Quiet that nagging voice in your head, put aside the fear (of the ocean, of traveling to a foreign country, of spending a week with a dozen women, of not being in beach body shape and all the rest), and just say, “Yes!”
Trust us, you won’t regret it.
Aly has already scheduled the second Can’t Surf? No Worries! retreat at Soma for this November 5-11, 2017 and is taking reservations now. Another thing to trust us about is that these spots will go fast since the first retreat was such a rousing success and Soma is a small boutique hotel with room for only 12 people!
Don’t miss your chance to find a new passion, rekindle the love of an old one, make some new friends and get out there and blaze your trail in the world! Check out the Can’t Surf? No Worries! page on the Soma web site and email Aly to secure your spot (a 50% deposit is due at the time of booking).
Plus, if you’re wondering how the Can’t Surf? No Worries! retreat came into being, stay tuned for a first person account from Aly herself next week, as well as her firsthand account of our most recent trip the following week.
Still on the fence? Check out what some of our Can’t Surf? No Worries! alum have to say about the experience:
KATE
It was a cool experience of trust– knowing Aly as the hub of our “wheel” and trusting that her tribe would be in her same vein. Trusting in myself to go and do something totally new and hard. I’ve not traveled with a group of women since middle school, so it doesn’t count. I hang with guys, so this was really cool to experience awesome women. We are so much more than wives and mothers, so to be in a place where that didn’t matter… it was awesome! We all kicked ass, and I totally loved it.
Stay tuned for more!
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