Outer Swell Surf Retreat Recap

May 3, 2024

“The sunshine, the perfect weather and the joy of surfing for the first time made the morning absolutely magical!”

Just a few weeks ago we hosted our second Outer Swell Surf Retreat. It was an incredible weekend full of waves, yoga, delicious food, new friendships, a full moon, and even an ice cream dance party.

We wanted to make sure the retreat participants had the chance to score some great surf in warmer water so we went a little south to Frisco, North Carolina. Frisco is a little over an hour south on Hatteras Island and is known for its amazing waves, warm water, and small town vibes. It was the perfect place to learn the basics of surfing and experience all the things that make the Outer Banks so special.

We arrived at our ocean front house on Thursday evening and enjoyed the beautiful view from the top floor of the ocean and sandbar where we’d surf for the next 3 days. The house was equipped with all the necessities including a pool, a hot tub and steps away from our own private surf break! Once all the women got to the house, we began the retreat with a special opening ceremony. Instantly, you could feel bonds forming between everyone. We wrapped up the night with a basic surf lesson including an intro to pop-ups, surf terminology, and ocean safety.

Day 1 : We woke up to a delicious breakfast of homemade pastries, eggs, fruit, juice and coffee. During breakfast Lindsey and Megan spoke on the basics of surfing and then everyone suited up and headed to the beach.

After a solid surf session we nourished our bodies with a healthy lunch provided by Johanna's Catering

The menu included:

The Super Bowl: Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower and Sweet Potato with Quinoa & roasted Chickpeas and Cashews and Marinated Chicken with sesame marinated avocado over kale & carrot Salad w/ carrot ginger dressing.

After lunch and some relaxation by the pool we got back in the ocean for an afternoon surf session. The women got to sharpen their skills and put into practice what they had learned.

To celebrate Cinco De Mayo we had delicious fish tacos prepared by our amazing chef Johanna. There were great conversation and an epic sunset to end an amazing day 1 of surfing on the Outer Banks.

Day 2: Started with another delicious breakfast followed by a surf recap from day 1. Everyone reflected on how their technique could be improved and then we headed out for our second morning session! As the day continued we learned more about each other, ourselves, and the Outer Banks. After lunch we headed out for the afternoon surf session. The ladies navigated through semi challenging conditions and still caught plenty of waves. The evening was extra special as we welcomed a rising full moon on the beach along with a relaxing yoga session. There might have even been a howl or two at the moon!!

Day 3 : There is something incredibly special about an Outer Banks sunrise and on day 3 some of the women wanted to experience it, so we dawn patrolled. The dreamy colors of blue, purple, pink, and orange filled the sky as the moon set and the sun rose making everything around us feel a little softer. It was an incredible learning experience for the ladies as they got to feel the surreal calmness of an East Coast sunrise surf.

After a morning snack and lots of coffee the whole group set out for another morning surf session; followed by lunch and yoga. The day was full of love and waves. That evening the group shared reflections from the weekend. Fears were overcome, relationships were built, and even letters of encouragement were written to one another. Loving tears were shed along with plenty of laughs. We ended the night with an epic dance party and ice cream. Tummies were full and the smiles made our faces hurt.

To end the amazing weekend, we all went for one last dawn patrol session Sunday morning. Everyone got to experience the magic of an Outer Banks sunrise. Everyone stood up on a wave under the christening of a new day. There was a lightness to the air. Each one of the women had a new experience, one that showed them a different perspective on life. Surfing does that. It brings up some of our fears and allows us to face them head on. But we did it together here on the beautiful Outer Banks.

✕ → ←

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