Learning to surf

When I turned 40 I wanted to go on a girls surf trip in Mexico with my sisters. I had dreamed for years about going to Las Olas which specializes in surf retreats for women. 

Learning to surf was at the top of my bucket list. Especially challenging since I would be facing one of my greatest fears-SHARKS-and basically doing anything in the ocean. I watched Jaws a million times growing up and I can still barely swim in a dark pool. Some may say it’s unfounded. Hmmm… One of my sisters was pregnant at the time.   I can’t remember which. It must have been Christy. 

So anyway there was no surf trip for my 40th birthday. I don’t know why but I have always been drawn to the ocean and surfing. There is something so appealing about that lifestyle to me.  Maybe it’s because I’m a California girl although I didn’t surf until right before my 50th birthday out in Montauk. Again, another place/thing that I am so drawn to. Pretty much the perfect place to me. It is just incredibly beautiful. I feel deeply connected to this magical place. 

For my 50th birthday, I was determined to finally get the surf trip. The stars aligned. My husband had a week off from work, my kids were all able to travel and a friend recommended a beautiful house in Costa Rica that was available too. The Sunset House in Nosara (Costa Rica will get its’ own post so more on that later!) The surf was everything I’d every dreamed about. Warm water with consistent swells.   And perfect for beginners like me.

I did finally get my surfboard that CT got my for my 50th birthday 3 1/2 years later. I’m sure that made her crazy but I had to make sure that I got the perfect one which I did by Donald Takayama.

There are barely words to describe doing something that I had always wanted to do but was too afraid. It was truly one of the most powerful and empowering experiences I’ve ever had. And it’s never too late to try new things so 50 it had to be!