Things I wish I’d known before travelling solo for surf as a woman

Hi there! Finally back after a very busy summer, made of (little) surf, (lots of) work, surprises, sun and joys :) I admit I missed writing here, but this summer I decided it was time to spend the spare time left just enjoying the season. I hope you're not mad at me!

To start this new season, I would like to introduce you to Amy from Unleash, a remote working experience for surfers with wanderlust.

Today she will share a few tips for female solo travelers I'm sure you'll find useful :) Trust her, she speaks from experience !

5 essential tips to stay nourished

Spring has officially come!!!! Well, here in South-Western France the warmer season has been quite shy so far and we're still waiting for the big celebrations. But the sun has been shining more and more and we can't wait to get ready for soaking up all the sun rays during the upcoming months.

This is also the time to get out from our comfy wintery shell and be ready to say hi to the world with the best attitude! :)

That's why I asked my friend Shaini to share with us today some essential tips to stay nourished and healthy during the seasonal changes. They are actually really great all year long and you definitely don't want to miss this post.
Let's get ready to welcome the new season with a renewed energy :)

Pool party with EQ Evoa

If you follow me on Instagram, you probably know I took some days off to go see my family in Italy about ten days ago. Even if I had to pass a University test (the last one, yaaay!!!) and the stress was there, I spent some beautiful moments with my beloved ones. I also had the chance to spend some time with my lovely nephews, one of whom I hadn't seen before since he's just two months old!

During the weekend, I went with my parents to our family seaside house and it was a blast! I treasure wonderful memories of all the summers of my childhood there and I had the chance to meet with some old dear friends of mine too. A jump in the past!

I spent the whole weekend reading by the pool and swimming under the September sun. What else could I ask for?

One thing living by the ocean and the beach taught me is that you should never trust the weakest sun. I won't tell you the whole story about the risks of sun exposure (I've already done that here) and I know you mermaids out there are well aware of the dangers for your skin without a proper screen.

And since sun protection is essential and a must-have in our bag even during the off season, I wanted to focus on the importance of a good quality sunscreen. One that can protect both us and the environment we're surrounded by.

Today I partner with EQ // Evoa to tell you more about an eco-friendly way to protect yourself and prevent skin issues, while respecting the nature.

Corals live in harmony with micro-algae (zooxanthellae) housed in their tissues.

Did you know that some UV filters found in sunscreens activate viruses that multiply and kill these valuable micro-algae? Well, corals then whiten and die within 48 hours.

"When applied on skin, the chemical filters contained in most sunscreens are spread in the water and are highly polluting for the aquatic environment"

And what about the parabens, preservatives, sulfates and all the other chemicals used in cosmetics? I am not an expert, but it is known that they can be dangerous for our own health if used for a long period.

EQ wanted to say no to all of this and started its own eco-friendly and bio line of sunscreen, Evoa.
The brand created a unique formula, rich in bio vegetable oils, with antioxidant, nourishing and regenerating properties. It is 100% natural and uses mineral filters.

The sunscreen I am using is spf 30, a high protection formula which exploits the properties of these four active ingredients: nyamplung bio oil, karite bio butter, bees wax and sunflower bio oil.

The only little price we have to pay for a natural sun protection is a fine white effect on the skin. Organic sunscreens, due to their ingredients and formulas, may be particularly opaque sometimes, leaving a whitening effect on the skin due to the mineral fillers used as sunscreen agents.

Overall I am pretty happy with my choice and I'll try to use more and more natural products in my everyday routine. You can also check my previous post about natural argan oil, if you feel like ;)

I hope you want to give natural cosmetics a try and you won't stop protecting your skin from sun rays even when the sun can't be seen (but is still there).

You can learn more about EQ // Evoa here

Have a wonderful weekend!

Surfing before work // What you need

Happy Monday everyone!

After the article Why dawn patrol is just amazing, I thought it would be helpful for everyone to write down the list of things you need to bring if you want to go surfing before work.

Since the most of us has a full-time job, activity, school duties, it isn't always possible to go surfing during the day. That's why dawn patrol is the answer. But sometimes it is difficult to have a session early in the morning, while still making time for our everyday work duties.

Here's the list of things I cannot do without and that make my life easier when I go surfing before running to work. I hope it will help you make the most of your morning routine!

A WATCH

This is the most important thing when you go surfing before work. You don't want to be late and make your boss unhappy. If you are your own boss, bring a watch anyways and you'll make sure you won't miss your work duties. Choose a water-resistant one, of course, and a model that won't bother you while paddling.

DRY SUNSCREEN

Because even at dawn, right after the sun rises, the sun rays risk to endanger your skin. Talking from experience, last time I didn't put it on, I spent my day at the office with itchy and dry skin after too much exposure :( Go for a bio formula that won't get the corals and the sea species harmed. I love this one from Laboratoires de Biarritz.

COMFY CLOTHES

When you are short of time, you want to get dressed very fast. That's why you need comfy clothes that will fit well into your general work environment too. In this case, I usually go for a breezy dress to style with a pair of sandals or boots. It's easy to take off and put on when I'm in a rush.

DEODORANT

For obvious reasons. Even if I love the smell of salt water on my skin, I bet you don't want to stink of seaweed all day long. So, go for a good one!!!

A HAIRBRUSH

This is mostly for the girls here. Like the deodorant, a good hair brushing will easily make you more polite styled, ready for work. And it will wipe off the rests of seaweed and sand that will be eventually stuck in your hair too!

MULTIPURPOSE OIL

I love multipurpose oils! You can use them to moisturize both your skin and your hair. You will suddenly feel and smell amazing. You'll look like freshly washed and no one will know you went surfing if you don't want them to! I love this totally natural and bio Huile Merveilleuse from Eq//Evoa. It smells so good and its texture makes me want to rub my whole self with it! You can find it here.

SOME SNACKS

This is really important too. Once out of the water you will be starving and won't have time to go to the next boulangerie to look for something to eat. Bring some nutritious foods that will give you enough fuel to start your work day, like fresh fruits, yogurt or cereal bars.

SOME WATER

To re-hydrate after your session and to easily wash out the salt before get dressed for work. I usually prefer to bring tap water (when I can) in a reusable canteen or bottle, better if a thermal one. I use a stainless canteen by Patagonia, but if you want to do a good deed, Klean Kanteen produces this one for Surfrider Foundation Europe. The 90% of the profits go to the foundation to protect the oceans. 

Now you're ready to have an amazing surf session and start your work day the best way!!! You will never be any happier to get up in the morning! ;)

Do you have other must-have things you want to add to the list?

xo

Why you should date a man who surfs

I always knew I would be with someone who has the same passion as me, but over the time I struggled to find the right guy. Until I met Andrea. Things with him are just as simple as that, and living the life we love hasn't been any funnier. 

I've always believed that sharing the same passion can build a bond that is difficult to untie.
Now I explain you why you mermaids out there should date a man who surfs.

YOU HAVE SOMEONE TO SHARE THE STOKE WITH

Yes, those awkward dates when you spent two whole hours talking about your last session with that poor guy (who never asked you out again) are over. This time your date will be more than happy to hear about your performances in the water and share the stoke with you. He will never get bored of it.

HOLIDAYS MEAN SURF

No more arguing about where to go on holiday next summer. Both of you love adventure and know it will be somewhere filled with waves, clear-crystal water and palm trees. What else to ask for?

YOU CAN SHARE SURF TIPS

Having someone in the water with you who actually sees you surfing, can be helpful to improve your technique. You can share tips to surf better and support each other when you have one of those bad days.

YOUR QUIVER WILL NEVER BE SO BIG

This is so true! Except for your wetsuit, it's easy that a surfers couple will be sharing some surf gear. Andrea and I, for example, share some middle length boards, fins and leashes. Our quiver has never been so full! The only problem is where to put all our stuff!

YOU WILL ALWAYS STAY MOTIVATED

There are some situations, especially in winter, where setting the alarm clock and get up for surfing is the last thing you may want to do. Having a partner who surfs means you will always have that person who pushes you out of bed and take you out having the best time. You will always be there to motivate each other.

ONLY A SURFER KNOWS
This is true and your partner will understand you for real. He understands the thrill of a new swell coming or the goosebumps after an exciting ride. He will be there when you feel down for a bad session or scared by a huge set coming towards you. He knows it all because he's a surfer too.



On the other side, being a surfers couple is not always easy. For example, when the swell is too big or the situation dangerous, you can't help being worried for each other, or you have to make sure the envy won't get the worst out of you only because he went surfing while you were at work!

Despite that, all the reasons above remind me everyday why I love having a boyfriend who surfs at my side :)
What about you? Do you share the same experience as me or do you have a totally different opinion?
Can't wait to hear what you have to say.
xo

Wayward Stock surfboard bag

I am not a board bag girl. I like to carry my log around without any covers, but lately I've heard of people having their board delaminated or damaged by the exposure to the sun and harsh weather conditions. No good!

So, I was beyond excited when the guys at Wayward Stock asked me to try their new Wayward Roll Top Board Bag.

Wayward Stock was created with the goal of finding the perfect balance of function and aesthetic. They define themselves as a family of adventurers, artists, photographers, designers, weirdos and wanderer. And for sure they are! They understand the importance of the equipment you bring in your trips and they use their knowledge to encourage people exploring the outdoors.
That's why their products are amazing, all made of the fines materials and with absolute care of the details. You just need a quick look at the items they create to understand.

This surfboard bag is no exception! Made for protecting our boards in our pursuit of the best swell, it is strong enough to be carried around in every weather condition. Its variable length roll top closure fits up to a 6'8 ft board. So it was perfect for Andrea's 6'4 ft, which I occasionally borrow when the waves are more consistent.

I've had enough of those boring reflective surfboard covers. So, I was super happy when I found out that this one was the perfect combination of outdoors gear and urban aesthetic. I really really love it!

Now I am finally proud of carrying my (well, Andrea's) board around in a great and strong board bag. I am petite, so it's not always easy for me to carry it around, but now things got a bit easier. Overall I'm pretty stoked! I only wish they made another bigger one able to fit a longboard too!

You can learn more about the Wayward Roll Tob Board Bag here.

Enjoy your next surf trip my friends, and make sure you protect your board while traveling!

Five tips for a healthy lifestyle while traveling

If you remember, one of my New Years good resolutions was to embrace a healthier lifestyle. I'm not really a veggie fan, neither I am of the gym, but somehow I managed to stick with a few healthy routines that I found helped me feeling way better inside and out.

Now that it's time for some well deserved holidays, it can look difficult to keep on with our good habits. We feel like indulging more, having three courses meals + dessert with some friends, lying in the sand instead of moving... It's fine, I totally understand!

However, we put a big effort and achieved amazing results we don't want to waste them and start from zero again once back at home.

With these few tips, you'll keep a healthy lifestyle while having the time of your life. You'll feel great whether during a surf trip or a travel at the other side of the world!

Are you ready?

STAY HYDRATED

This is the number one rule even at home. Our body needs and consumes a lot of water, especially when traveling. We change weather temperature a lot and no need to spend a word about planes' AC! So, we need to keep in mind the importance of drinking (water) a lot. Before heading to your destination, make sure the water by the tap is safe there, otherwise bring a bottle of water in your purse wherever you go. Fruits are also a great source of hydration, since they naturally contain a lot of water. Some examples are watermelon, grapes, grapefruit and melon. And they're delicious too!

EAT LOCAL

Local products are way better than imported ones. They often contain less pesticides and grow naturally on the land you're visiting, which means they are healthier taste better than the others! And this is a great chance to discover more about other culinary traditions and cultures. Traveling like a local, you'll get to know the real side of that place and this will bring you amazing memories too.

KEEP MOVING
Whether it's a hike on a natural park or a run on the beach, keep moving! Don't let the laziness get you. Outdoor activities are a great way of keeping healthy while doing great experiences you'll be talking about once back home. If you're not a real adventure bug, try to stick with a simple routine everyday. You can do a 30 mins morning yoga on the beach and then jump in the sea for a swim. Or join an everyday dance class with local coaches. The most important thing is that this has not to be a sacrifice. It's your holidays and you need to do what you love and have fun!

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY

Especially during long fights and after you've reached different time zones, you'll feel like you're body is not following the same rhythm as it did before. Listen to it! It often knows it better. Try to eat only when you're hungry and rest when you're tired. Don't force it to something different. Little by little it will find its balance again. Be kind with it and always follow your instinct.

RELAX AND HAVE FUN

Relaxing and taking advantage of your holidays are a great fuel for the whole working year. I am not regretting what I said before, but having a good time, lying in the sun and indulging a little never hurt anyone! We need to remember that a healthy lifestyle starts in our mind. If we do a lot of sports, but we're stressed-out we'll surely be fit but this doesn't mean healthy. The path towards our well being is made of some moving, a lot of laughter and so much fun enjoying life and the amazing places we're surrounded by.



Bon voyage!
xo

Surfing in a new spot // How to

The time of road trips and surf vacations has come! And we dream of unknown places to discover and new waves to be surfed...

Living in a touristic place, during summer I see crowds of surfers from all over Europe overpopulate the local spot. For most of them it is their first time there and they don't really know how to behave in this new spot.

No need to say they can easily become a danger for themselves and for all the other surfers, and surfing is no fun anymore.

That's why I decided to write a list of points we should always pay attention to every time we visit a new spot.

Always check the forecasts

This is the basics, but I understand it is easy to get in the flow and not to really pay too much attention to the surf forecasts. We are so excited to visit a new spot that we don't always check if the waves' height is good for our level or if the winds are hitting heavily on the spot.

If we don't want to get bad surprises, we can visit our favorite surf report website and the plenty of webcams of the chosen spot.

Never underestimate the tidal coefficient

This is something I happened to do and totally regret! Some spots work better with high tide, some others not. Some beach-breaks hide rocks here and there with low tide, some others become inaccessible with high tide. Bottom line: never underestimate the tidal coefficient if you don't want bad situations to happen (you can read my experience with high tide here).

But what is a tidal coefficient? The tidal coefficient tells us the amplitude of the tide, which means the difference in height between the higher sea level and the succeeding low sea level.

Ask the locals

Don't be shy! Localism is a common phenomenon in the spots around the world. But trust me, local surfers want to have fun as much as you do and will be more than happy to give you all the info you need to get the most from your session, in total safety and respect of the rules.

You want to ask them when the spot works best, where the channels form and all the practical information you need before waxing your board and paddle out. If you prefer surf shops and lifeguards can also answer all of your questions (and this is also part of their job).

Do not trust desert spots

An amazing wave peeling all along the coastline right to the beach. Nobody out there, just silence and a peace feeling around you.... If you're not in a remote exotic island at the other side of the world, you better not trust that quietness. If there is an amazing wave ready to be surfed, you bet you'll find some locals already paddling to the line-up. If not, maybe something's hidden behind that beauty - sharp coral reef, strong currents or even sea life dangers... Again, we don't want to get into bad situations.

Paddle with the elders
This is something I learnt here in France. Some spots have historic background and many locals have lived the golden era of surfing. Which means they've been surfing here for more than 30 years! They know their spot by heart and move along the line-up seeing the sets coming before anybody else. They position themselves in order to catch the most of the waves with the less effort.
If you're in a new spot and don't really know the best place to position yourself or where the most powerful waves break, have a look at the most experienced in the line-up.



I hope these tips will be useful and help you get the most fun of your surf experience.
Please, don't hesitate to share your experience or to add some more tips!

Have a great session everyone!



Credits // Author // Photography: Marta Tomasini

Growing mermaid hair

I've always wished I had mermaid hair. The kind of hair you see on your favorite surf magazine's cover or in bikini catalogs. You see these girls walking along the beach with golden locks floating in the sea breeze... And you think "How the heck do they do?"

My kind of "surfer hair" usually consists in huge knots hard to remove, dry hair and, when I am lucky, some seaweed here and there ;)

Faaaar away from the mermaid locks stereotype.

I challenged my hair a lot in the past... Short cuts, punk colors, dyeing, bleaching... Let's just say it wasn't an easy road to let it grow naturally and healthy.

But I'm not a quitter and today I want to share with you some little secrets I discovered along the years to grow the beautiful, long, soft mermaid hair we've always dreamed of.

LESS SHAMPOO
Don't be scared, you don't need to grow dreadlocks on your head! But too many shampoos can easily reduce the natural oils of your hair. Which means greasier and less healthy hair.

If you plan to surf three times this week, try to only rinse it with cold water after each session and use shampoo once. Sea water do miracles to your hair and create amazing natural waves and highlights. But salt tends to dry it, so we don't need to get it worse.

GIVE THE TIPS A CUT
I know, you want to grow your hair longer and longer... And it takes time! But cutting the tips once in a while can give your hair that extra push to grow stronger and faster. Just make sure you let a professional do the job. Someone is talking for experience here! ;)

NOURISH IT
Always. Period.

If your hair gets dry with the time spent in the water and under the sun, you should nourish it as much as you can.

I personally use argan oil almost everyday during the summer, but there are a lot of other natural oils that can work the same.

Don't forget conditioner after every shampoo and go for a nourishing mask twice a month. Your hair will be softer and shinier! There are a lot of recipes for homemade hair treats out in the web. And most of them are also yummi!!!

Little tip: put a little conditioner in your wet locks after your surf session and let your hair dry naturally. You will never have softer hair!!! Promise ;)

PROTECT IT
Here I am guilty, I never do that. And when summer ends I realize I should have - my hair looks less shiny and definitely dry.

That's why it's so important to protect it from the damages of the sun, which is not only dangerous for the skin, but for the hair too.
Add too much time spent surfing in salt water and here you find yourself knotting at the door of the closest hair saloon for a hair cut. But we don't want that, right? So let's go buy a great hair product with UVA/UVB filters and put it on as soon as the sun rises up.

GO EASY ON THE HEAT
As soon as spring knocks at our doors we know we don't really need the blow-drier any more.

If we are lucky enough to spend the day at the beach we can make the sun and the warm winds do the job. The strong heat damaging our hair, we better give our blow-drier and straightening/curling iron a rest for a few months.

Plus natural drying gives our hair that perfectly natural waves we only see on the beaches. 

It's a win-win. :)

Little tip: brush your hair as soon as you get out of the water when it is still wet - not after! This way your natural waves will stay in place after drying.

LET IT GO WILD
If you usually wear your hair in a ponytail, give it a break. The messy bun is on trends right know and there's no need to say how much I love it. But I know it can easily stress my hair and risk to break it when it is tied too tight. So, let it off!

The wilder the better! Play it around and messy. Your hair will be healthier, sexier and definitely "beachier".

I hope these tips will help you getting longer and stronger mermaid hair. If you want to add some, please share them in the comments below!!!

xo

Credits // Author: Marta Tomasini, Pic via Pinterest

Tips and tricks for a lighter travel

This post was originally written last June, but since spring has finally sprung - at least for a couple of days here - I can't help dreaming about the next surf trip or traveling to some sunny locations.......

That's why I want to share with you some tricks that may help you pack a light baggage, without giving up your comfort essentials.

Speaking from experience, you don't want to end up sitting on your suitcase in a foreign airport struggling to fit your entire house in it. Believe me.

Whether you're going for a Himalayan trekking or heading to an all-inclusive resort in the Maldives, it's easier to travel with a lighter bag - and extra traveling fees are always a pain in the ass.

If you're planning your next adventure, or even just dreaming about it, have a look at the tips below ;)

1. HAVE A LOOK AT THE FORECASTS BEFORE PACKING

It may sound obvious, but sometimes it's not. Going for a beach holiday in the Caribbean doesn't exclude you from sudden rainstorms. Be sure that you bring what you may need for every possible situation, while still trying to not pack more than is essential.

2. LEAVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS AT HOME

Ok, this may sound like the opposite of tip #1, but it's not. If you're staying at a hotel, you'll probably find a hair dryer there without bringing yours. And let's face it: you don't really need your favorite high heels if you're going on a backpacking adventure in East-Asia, right? Try to really think about what you need and be realistic. Remember, when travelling, sometimes less is more.

3. BUY THERE

There is plenty of stuff that you can buy while you are there and then leave there, like shampoo or sun screen. However, if you can't go without your favorite brand of hair conditioner, then go for the mini packaging. A lot of brands now carry travel-sized versions of their products.

4. PACK MULTI-TASKING GARMENTS

When packing, opt for garments that you can wear during multiple occasions on your trip. A white fluent dress? Wear it with slaps at the beach, and then with jewel sandals in the evening to be the happy hour queen. One more tip: try reversible bikinis (they'll change your life)!

5. SURFGEAR?

For a surfer, this is the toughest question of all. We’d all like to travel with our entire quiver, and we always need one extra wetsuit - just in case. But unless you are ready to pay huge flight fees, you may prefer to leave something at home. Go for your most all-around boards, so you can take advantage of almost every surf condition. Find out about the water temperature and bring only the wetsuits you'll be sure to use. You don't want to freeze in your shorty because you thought water in Northern California was warmer! And don't forget about some wax, fins, and screws, just in case.

I hope you found this post helpful! Do you have other tips to share?

Happy adventure you all!!!

xo

Credits // Author: Marta Tomasini, Pic via Pinterest, original post here

What I learnt in 2014

2014 has been such a rollercoaster to me! Lots of things changed and my life turned upside down... in a good way! I took big steps and risks in the pursuit of something more, that at the beginning was just blurry and definitely scary. But all these changes turned out to be great and taught me a lot, even more than what I expected.

So here the lessons of this past year I am grateful for.

CHANGE IS GOOD

In 2014 lots of things have changed in my life. From moving in with my boyfriend in another country to starting being indipendent, from welcoming new family members to starting a "real" job. Even if change is unexpected, challenging and you're never prepared for it, it always turns out to be good and make us grow up in multiple ways. Change is life and it prevents our existence from being too boring or not going further.

GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

Pushing our mental barriers to the next step can be scary. New places, new people, new challenges - all of them freak us out, since we feel like we've lost our way. But giving life a chance to surprise us, to adventure into the unknown can teach us a lot, especially of ourselves. We don't have to fear what we don't know yet, because sometimes it turns out to be the best experience of our life!

FAMILY IS GOLD

Moving far away from my family has been such a tough challenge (I'm Italian, don't you remember? ;) ). And it still is - every time I'll go visit them, I find myself driven into melancholy for not having them closer.

But what I learnt from this past year is that you don't need to live in the same neighborhood to feel they're part of your everyday life. Thanks to technology, we are able to talk everyday and see each other as soon as our lives let it. Plus, they will always be there for you just because they love you so so much and you're part of them too.

TRAVEL AS MUCH AS YOU CAN

Having a full-time job is rewarding, but of course, when I was attending university I had a lot more spare time. This is not preventing me from weekend getaways and roadtrips - time management and organization are the keys! Traveling is such a great way of getting to know the world and the people living in it. It has the power of opening our eyes and soul and it's way more instructive and inspiring of any class you could attend. So, don't let everyday duties make excuses for not discovering it!

BE PRESENT

I have to admit that I'm quite a melancholic person. The type of girl that loves thinking about the golden era of her early twenties or telling people her first date with her boyfriend. Please, don't judge me! ;) Sometimes this keeps me from jumping into the new and get people to know who I am now, instead of who I was then. Being stuck in the past and overthink everything can be such a ball-and-chain. A laid-back lifestyle and a little less care of what people might think of us, can help us being present and take the best out of every day.

DON'T TAKE FRIENDSHIP AND LOVE FOR GRANTED

Usually I'm not the kind of girl that calls her friends and beloved ones regularly just to say hi and catch up. They know I love them and I'm always there for them any time they need. But last year, when I was more than 1000km far from the people I care, I realized that I am wrong. It was me the one who needed someone who called just to say hi and that feeling of being put apart made me reconsider my position. We all love and always have each other - and we know that. But relationships are like plants - they need cares and pampers to grow up stronger and stronger. A little something to remind your family, friends and loves that you care about them can really make the difference and put a smile in someone's face.

TREAT YOUR BODY WELL

Yes, well, what else to say? You know I'm not the gym and fitness classes kind of girl. But what goes around comes around and now I find myself with back pain, sore muscles and a little shoulder issue that my doctor doesn't really know what is yet. So, people, pleeeease don't do like me! Exercise, exercise and exercise! You don't need to do it in order to loose weight, but to be healthy and prevent from all the pains due to bad habits.

SOMETIMES IT'S GOOD TO INDULGE

Yes, it is. It doesn't mean you should do whatever you want. Date with your girlfriends and you see that amazing red velvet calling you and begging for a bite, but you swore you're over sweets. You don't need to eat the whole cake, but you can have a slice - then maybe do a little more workout to compensate. You got the point. In my case I have to say I am not a big spender. That's why I feel awfully guilty when I spend money on something I don't really need. But then I realized that pampering yourself once in a while is good for your soul and mood! So yes, it's fine to indulge sometimes. Just make sure it doesn't become a habit!



Credits // Author: Marta Tomasini, Photography: Floraine Carlot

Flowing to freedom with your take off

This is a guest post by Shaini Verdon, amazing human being, yoga teacher and a dear friend of mine. You can read Shaini's previous post here

Remembering like yesterday my first time trying to surf. I LOVED IT :) Lying on the board, struggling to paddle and keep balance, going a long with the speed of the white water, feeling exhilarated! From that day I was hooked. 

Every chance I got I went traveling to find waves and even went surfing in the country I lived... Holland when the days allowed it. My whole mind was set on surf, it was even a time in my life that I put my Yoga practice a side just to get in that extra surf time. 

You can imagine then what a disappointment it was that after a year of full on surf practice, I still didn't seem to be able to get my pop up right... That back foot just kept on getting stuck, dropping my knee on the board first before I was able to plant my foot where it needed to be... 

It wasn't until I got so desperate and started practicing my pop up on my yoga mat, that I recognized the enormous connection between Yoga & Surf...

As one of the best examples of comparison is your take off on your surfboard and going from Downward Facing Dog to a full lunge. If you are finding the latter hard and you need to every time grab the back of your foot to place it those few centimeters further so that it is right between your hands and your ankle in a 90degree angle with your knee. Great changes are that you then, like me at that moment, are also having difficulty with your take off. 

This was such an eye opener for me, especially as this was a time in my yoga practice that I was also struggling, with my hips... And I found out that a take off, just like placing your foot between your hand from Downward Facing Dog to high lunge has all to do with hip flexibility and core strength.

So to help you a long and hopefully improve faster with your take offs. These are some simple tricks on how to engage the core strength during this flow so that you can practice it on your Yoga mat and into the Ocean: 

1. Slow it down

The next time you try this maneuver, do it as slowly and deliberately as possible. When it starts to get difficult, make sure you're engaging your core by pulling your belly in and pushing the floor away with your hands.

2. Pay attention 

One of the best ways to transform your body is by noticing when you fall into your old patterns, and making a conscious effort to break the habits. In this case, notice when you tend to stop engaging your core (you'll know you're not engaging if your foot makes a loud noise when it hits the floor). Then, try the action again with awareness.

3. Work your core

Practice moving slowly from Downward Facing Dog to Plank and back again, remembering to engage your core by pulling the belly toward your spine and pushing the floor away with your hands. Then, from Down Dog, lift one foot behind you and keep it up as you rock forward into Plank Pose, bringing your knee into your body and toward your nose.

Namaste & with love,

Shaini

Credits // Author: Shaini Verdon

This article was previously published on The Slideshow magazine