2009
After years of paddling out with the boys, but wiping out every time I’d catch a wave, I decided to attend Las Olas; a 7-day Surf Safari for Women in Baja Mexico. Las Olas was founded in 1997 by Bev Sanders with a simple mission in mind; to create a fun, comfortable environment where women can join the world of surfing in the company of inspiring women. Las Olas has been recognized by Oprah, Newsweek, Time, Outside, Travel & Leisure magazine as being the world’s premier surf safari for women.
Our surf camp was an eclectic group of 15 women a few of whom were on their second and third Las Olas surf trips. The participants careers and accomplishments could give the Bohemian Club a run for their money; stock broker, doctor, triathlete, book editor, lawyer, business owner, politician. And who better to lead this bunch of overachieving renaissance women than 3 of the best women surfers in the world; Bianca Valenti, Kristi Murphy, and Cat Slatinsky, whose personalities are as big and dynamic as the waves they ride.
We began each day with a yoga session, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, and the visual wonderment of the rising sun. After breakfast we’d head to beach for group surf sessions and private lessons. Each time we entered the water we stood up a bit longer, carved the boards into the wave a bit more, and wobbled a bit less. We didn’t always look pretty as we’d stuggle to hop to our feet, but we were all riding waves throughout the day. Other than some burnt body parts, and embarrassing wipe outs, we made it back to our luxury accommodations each night to be pampered by the resident masseuse, and enjoy gourmet meals; the ideal end to a long day at the beach.
Although surfing was the highlight and focus of the safari; there were other activities that kept us entertained; we learned to make guacamole and salsa, enjoyed ‘margarita night’ starring the 2005 world champion long boarder Kristy Murphy aka DJ Kay Mix A Lot, see a clip at : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0WkntOPQvw and even shared a few giggles at the expense of a couple of horny gringo’s who relentlessly tried to infiltrate the all-woman surf posse.
Unfortunately, surfing is not without a risk. Jelly fish, pounding waves, rip tides, and the surf board itself, are all factors that can harm a surfer every time she enters the water. Unfortunately, on our fourth day of surfing, the best surfer of the bunch, Koto, hesitated as she was paddling into a wave and tumbled into it, slicing her leg with the fins of the board. The instructors, thoroughly trained in first aid, didn’t skip a beat. She was out of the water, bandaged up and ready to go to the hospital in a flash. Without even a hint of panic, Koto smiled and waved goodbye to us all.
The mishap was a dose of reality to the dangers of the sport, but it didn’t stop a single one of us from getting in the water the next day. The high from surfing surpassed the dangers we faced, and our fears of the fin quickly faded from memory. I surfed that session until my arms couldn’t push me up on the board any longer. It was only then that I realized how much I loved this sport.
Koto returned two days later from the hospital, with 13 stitches, and the same smile on her face, planning her next big surf adventure.
Las Olas surf safari is not just a surf school; it’s a week long adventure in exhilaration, camaraderie, and relaxation. I went home realizing a simple fact; life is better if surfing is a part of it. The ocean feels better when you are gliding across it, the heat of the sun feels better in the cool ocean waters, beers are more refreshing, food is tastier, sleep is heavenly. Las Olas es mejor.