Ein ganz besonderes Yoga & Surf Retreat: #Trancalmate

Ein ganz besonderes Yoga & Surf Retreat: #Trancalmate

Manche Begegnungen im Leben sollen einfach so ein. Im Fall von #Trancalmate sprach mich NOMB Surferin / Campköchin / Amiga Rahel Klein, aka Ray, an, ob ich mir vorstellen könne, einen Surftrip für Frauen mit Brustkrebs unterstützen zu können.

Natürlich konnte ich mir dies vorstellen, und somit lernte ich Anna Götz in einem gemeinsamen Videocall kennen. Was für eine inspirierende Frau!

Anna hatte die Idee, ein Yoga & Surf Retreat zu konzipieren, speziell designed für die körperlichen und mentalen Einschränkungen einer Brustkrebserkrankung und der weniger bekannten Genmutation BRCA I & II. Starke Idee, please meet Anna!

Gemeinsam mit Rahel und Anna formten wir #Trancalmate, ein 7 tägiges Yoga & Surf Retreat an der Westküste Galiziens im September 2022. In absoluter Starbesetzung wird dieses Retreat geleitet von Yogalehrerin & Triporganisatorin Anna, unterstützt von Chefköchin Rahel, unserem lokalen Surfguide Ramon und mir in der Funktion der Surfcoachin.

Da Anna Euch viel mehr erzählen kann über #Trancalmate, habe ich folgendes Interview mit Ihr geführt. Viel Spass dabei!

Aloha liebe Anna. Von Dir stammt die Idee des Yoga & Surftrips für Frauen, die Brustkrebs überwunden haben. Wie ist diese Idee entstanden?

Meine Ex-Nachbarin und Freundin Rahel hatte mir viel von Deinen NOMB-Surftrips erzählt und als wir uns dann mal zu dritt ausgetauscht haben, war total klar: Das passt einfach so gut, das machen wir!

Die Geschichte dahinter ist aber doch ein bisschen länger. Nach meinen Brustkrebs-Ops musste ich feststellen, dass ich nicht mehr richtig auf dem Bauch liegen konnte. Vor meiner Erkrankung habe ich leidenschaftlich gern Yoga gemacht und war auch mal surfen, aber beides war nicht mehr so möglich wie vor dem Krebs. Im Jahr nach meiner Behandlung habe ich dann eine Ausbildung als Yogalehrerin angefangen. Eine wahnsinnige Erfahrung!

Eigentlich wollte ich gar nicht unterrichten, sondern einfach so viel über Anatomie und Wechselwirkungen lernen, dass ich die Übungen auf meine Einschränkungen anpassen kann. Durch einen Zufall wurde ich dann gefragt, ob ich nicht Workshops für andere Krebspatient:innen geben möchte. Inzwischen unterrichte ich seit fünf Jahren und “Yoga für krummes Gemüse” ist entstanden.

Es macht unfassbar viel Spaß, anderen nicht nur körperlich, sondern vor allem mental die Möglichkeit zu geben, sich in ihrer Haut wieder wohl zu fühlen. Versteht man Yoga als ein mentales Training, dann hilft es, die eigenen und äußeren Grenzen besser zu erkennen, dann kann man sie meistens auch besser akzeptieren, seinen eigenen Weg damit finden, dankbar dafür sein.

Vor meiner Krebserkrankung war ich sehr sportlich und dachte immer: Geht nicht, gibt’s nicht. Nach OPs, Chemo, Bestrahlung und Hormontherapie sieht die Realität anders aus: Geht nicht gibt’s! Aber mit ein bisschen Glück gibt’s eben auch Leute, die mit einem genau dafür einen Weg finden! Krebs hin oder her, wir haben alle unsere Grenzen, die Frage ist doch, wie wir damit umgehen!

Und da kommt Surfen ins Spiel … am Surfen hat mich immer am meisten  fasziniert, dass wir nichts erzwingen können. Das Meer hat seine eigenen Regeln und Grenzen. Die Welle kommt, die Welle geht. Mal stehst du drauf, mal nicht. Aber was immer da ist, ist Demut vor der Kraft des Meeres, diese unfassbare Ruhe auf dem Wasser, das Warten auf den Moment, die überbordende Leichtigkeit, wenn er da ist, das unvergleichliche Licht, der Geschmack von salzigem Wasser, ein müder glücklicher Körper, und das Glitzern in den Augen von allen, die dir erzählen, wie sie das erste Mal dieses Gleiten gespürt haben.

Diese Kombination von Demut und Leichtigkeit, Ruhe und Fokus, von Grenze-Erkennen und über-sich-hinaus-wachsen, ist beim Surfen ähnlich wie beim Yoga. Angie hat offenbar einen ganz ähnlichen Ansatz wie ich, ihren Schülerinnen ihre Leidenschaft näher zu bringen, und sofort verstanden, worum es mir geht. Sie hat den Namen für unser Retreat in die Runde geworfen, der es einfach auf den Punkt bringt: Trancalmate, ein Wortspiel aus den spanischen Worten für Ruhe, Gelassenheit und Seele!

Praktizierst Du aktiv Yoga und gehst gerne Surfen? Und für welche Yoga bzw. Surflevel ist dieser Trip geeignet?

Ich mache Yoga als Morgenroutine jeden Tag zuhause. Manchmal nehme ich auch an Workshops mit einem bestimmten Schwerpunkt (Atem, Meditation) teil. Mein Vater war Surflehrer und ich liebe alles am, um und im Wasser. Ich war erst zwei Mal in einem Surfcamp und seit dem Krebs war ich noch gar nicht surfen, weil sich im Gesundungsverlauf einfach noch nicht die Möglichkeit ergeben hatte. Ich freu mich total auf unseren Trip!

Egal ob Anfängerinnen oder Fortgeschrittene – die Yoga- und Surfeinheiten sind für alle geeignet. Wir sind extra eine kleine Gruppe, damit Angie und ich auf alle einzeln eingehen und individuelle Lösungen finden können!

Und wen möchtest Du mit diesem Trip gezielt ansprechen?

Frauen, die entweder Brustkrebs haben bzw. hatten oder BRCA I/II betroffen sind. Gerade Operationen im Brustbereich führen oft zur Schwächung der Brust- und Rumpfmuskaltur, Verspannungen im Nacken oder Blockaden in Schultern und Brustkorb. Da können Yoga und Surfen gut unterstützen, wenn es achtsam begleitet wird. Und nicht zu unterschätzen: Die Riesenportion Leichtigkeit und das unfassbar große Glück, die einem selbst in einem kurzen Moment des Gleitens auf der Welle geschenkt wird!

Eine Herzensangelegenheit sind mir Teilnehmerinnen, die BRCA I/II betroffen sind, weil ich auch für diese Zielgruppe schon spezielle Workshops angeboten habe. Ich finde, es ist nach wie vor viel zu wenig darüber bekannt! BRCA I/II nennt man eine Genmutation, die familiären Brust- und Eierstockkrebs begünstigt. Präventiv gibt es die Möglichkeit, die Brüste und Eierstöcke entfernen zu lassen. So wird das Gewebe reduziert, das erkranken könnte. Medizinisch eine Riesenchance für die Betroffenen, aber eben auch ein langer, aufreibender Verlauf mit enormen Konsequenzen und Einschränkungen, die für Ausstehende kaum nachvollziehbar sind. Viele Betroffene müssen diese Entscheidung im Alter zwischen zwanzig und dreißig treffen. Da hat man normalerweise andere Themen. Es wäre schön, wenn wir dem ein wenig Trancalmente entgegen setzen könnten!

Wie werden wir auf die verschiedenen körperlichen und mentalen Voraussetzungen der Teilnehmerinnen eingehen?

Individuell und behutsam! Nach einer Krebserkrankung oder BRCA I/II-Feststellung dauert es eine ganze Weile, bis Körper und Geist wieder zur Ruhe kommen. Für viele ist es danach einfach nicht mehr selbstverständlich, sich in seinem Körper sicher zu fühlen.

Yoga kann da helfen, die eigenen Grenzen besser erkennen zu können und wieder ein positiveres Körpergefühl aufzubauen. Aus meiner eigenen Yogapraxis erinnere ich mich noch gut, wie herausfordernd konventionelle Yogakurse waren, bei denen ich einfach nicht mitgekommen bin: wenig Kraft, kaum Konzentration, asymmetrisch und wackelig, mein Körper hat sich irgendwie fremd angefühlt. Seitdem ich Yogakurse für Frauen mit Brustkrebs gebe, beobachte ich, wie wichtig es ist, Übungen individuell abzuändern!

Und beim Surfen ist es das Gleiche: alles kann, nichts muss! Angie hat jahrelange Erfahrung mit Gruppen mit speziellen Einschränkungen oder besonderen Bedürfnissen. Auch mit wenig Kraft und Ausdauer ist es großartig, auf dem Wasser in der Wärme zu treiben, die Schönheit der Natur zu genießen und sich vom Brett auf dem Meer in dieser Welt getragen zu fühlen.

Wie wird der Trip ablaufen? Erzähle uns doch was zum Programm, Unterkunft, Verpflegung etc.

Wir haben für die Woche ein ausgewogenes Programm geplant, das auch Zeit für Ruhe und Entspannung lässt. Es gibt jeweils eine Surf- und eine Yoga-Session am Tag. Am Abend biete ich zusätzlich eine kürzere Entspannungs-Session mit Meditation und Mantren an. Die Yoga-Sessions sind darauf ausgerichtet, dass die Teilnehmerinnen am Ende der Woche ein kleines, individuelles Programm mit nach Hause nehmen können, das sie alleine weiterpraktizierten können.

In der Mitte der Woche machen wir uns einen ruhigeren Tag, damit jede auch mal alleine die Umgebung erkunden oder einfach nur am Strand entspannen kann. Konzipiert ist die Woche für eine kleine Gruppe mit maximal 6 Teilnehmerinnen, damit wir beim Yoga und Surfen alle gut unterstützen oder korrigieren können. Gerade bei dieser Zielgruppe ist Angie und mir wichtig, auf jede Einzelne gut eingehen zu können!

Wir sind an der Westküste Galiziens in einem sehr schönen, einfachen Haus untergebracht. Ein traumhafter Spot, in den sich Rahel und Angie schon bei früheren Camps verliebt haben. Und das Haus passt zu meiner Art Yoga ohne Chichi – ich brauche keine Buddha-Figuren und Traumfänger, um in einen guten Yoga-Flow zu kommen. Viel wichtiger als Deko ist, dass der Strand in wenigen Gehminuten erreichbar ist und man sich auch mal zurückziehen kann. Durch die Lage nach Westen sind Sonnenuntergänge über dem Meer garantiert und bestimmt machen wir die ein oder andere Yoga-Session direkt am Strand.

Die Verpflegung übernimmt Rahel, meine Soulfood-Herzensköchin! Als wir noch Nachbarinnen waren, durfte ich mich quer durch ihre Kochkünste probieren und würde sagen, der Trip würde sich allein schon wegen der Verköstigung lohnen. Rahel kocht vor allem: bunt und glücklich! Uns erwartet morgens und abends frisches, sehr gesundes Essen, vegan und vegetarisch, mit viel Gemüse, Gewürzen und Gespür für Freestyle! Pluspunkt: Rahel backt begnadet gut Brot und Zimtschnecken;)

Melde Dich direkt bei mir, falls dieser Trip was für Dich ist oder Du Fragen hast bezüglich körperlichen Verfassung bzw. Kondition. Wie Du mich erreichen kannst, findest Du auf dem Flyer unten!

Ich freue mich riesig auf das Retreat und die gemeinsame Zeit am Meer. Eure Anna

Vielen Dank für Deine Zeit und Deine inspirierenden Worte, liebe Anna. Ich persönlich möchte mich an dieser Stelle auch noch einmal bei Dir bedanken, für Dein Vertrauen in mich als Coach & Mensch, diesen ganz besonderen Trip begleiten zu dürfen. Bis bald in Galizien!

Kleiner Zusatz: mit #Trancalmate möchten wir ein schönes und sicheres Umfeld schaffen, in dem die Seele und der Körper baumeln können. Wir wissen, dass es nicht für jeden finanziell möglich ist, an solch einem Yoga & Surf Retreat teilzunehmen, besonders nach einer Krebserkrankung und/oder Therapie. Für Interessentinnen mit schwächeren finanziellen Mitteln, gibt es die Möglichkeit, die Tripgebühr zu verringern, bitte sprecht Anna direkt an.

Du wirst an #Trancalmate nicht teilnehmen aber findest es eine super Aktion und möchtest diese unterstützen? Dann melde Dich gerne bei Anna, Rahel oder mir.

Durch finanzielle Spenden sind wir in der Lage, die Tripgebühr zu drücken und den Trip für mehr Frauen zugänglich zu machen. An dieser Stelle ein riesen Dankeschön an unsere beiden privaten Spender, mit deren Hilfe wir es geschafft haben, dem Trip einen realistisch machbaren Preis geben zu können. Ein weiteres dickes Danke geht an unsere Amiga Miris von Rambling Visuals, welche uns ihre Kreativität, Arbeitszeit und guten Vibes schenkte, und das tolle & wahnsinnig treffende Logo für #Trancalmate entwarf. Alleine sind wir ein Tropfen, zusammen sind wir ein Ozean 💜

Sea you soon in Galizien!

Angie

#Tripnotes GALICIAV: al agua patos..

#Tripnotes GALICIAV: al agua patos..

Celebrating our 5th year anniversary of surf tripping around Galicia we ran not one but two 14 days surf trips. A whole month of surfing every day? Can you imagine? A dream came true for our NOMB Surfers.

Trip #1: our intensive surfcamp

We started off our Galicia surf season with our annual intensive surfcamp. NOMB Surfers Annette, Chicken, Fabus, Hendrik and Meike were ready to give it their all. Camp chef Miris, an expert in our kitchen as usual, was prepared to not only spoil us with her delicious food but also to seriously improve her surfing.

Two weeks were packed with daily surfcoaching and free surf sessions, loads of theory and practical exercises. Unfortunately, surf coach Angie suffered from a knee injury and had to be stitched up. To make things worse she picked up covid in the hospital, what a bad timing.

Not having to deal with any quarantine restrictions in Spain, Angie isolated herself from the group and changed her coaching format. This way the group benefitted from extensive video & photo analyses and worked in pairs on their specific tasks in the water. The surfing results were incredible, sometimes things do simply happen for a reason 😉 See for yourself!

Learning how to surf, or improving your current surf level, does not only consist of training in the water. As the ocean is constantly moving and changing, we surfers spend a lot of time observing and trying to anticipate what´s going to happen next. Our NOMB Surfers were advised to daily observe the conditions and write them down in their surfing diary. They were instructed to discuss the waves within the group and independently find their waves in the ocean.

There was a lot going on outside the water during those two weeks. Together with coach Angie the surfers took a closer look at the pop-up techniques, they created muscle memories through surf skating, they learned basic lifesaving skills, had an introduction to mind coaching techniques and so much more. And just like that, our intensive surf camp in Galicia was over. We were really sad to see this epic group leave but were excited to welcome the next group of motivated NOMB Surfers. Hasta luego, intensive surfcamp team 💙

Trip #2: our AllYouCanSurf trip

After two weeks of sunny weather and glassy waves our second group was greeted with a low pressure system coming from the South, bringing rough weather and seas. But no problem for our surf team, motivation levels very sky high. The thought of surfing 14 days straight put a smile on everyone´s face, even in the rain.

NOMB Surfer Annette and former camp chef Miris just couldn´t get enough of Galicia and it´s waves, they stayed for our second camp as well. Annette had a surfboard shaped by local shaper Nico MX Surfboards, named it ´Ramonetta´ and was super keen to spend as much time as possible in the water. They were joined by Casper, Markus, Ava, Kim and camp chef Ray. What a team! Here are Annette and Ramonetta, shorebreak surfing with style.

With the AllYouCanSurf trip we were trying out a new format. It basically consists of our usual surf trip format but without the coaching aspect. That means an organized and carefree trip with loads of freesurf. A challenge for surf coach Angie who is used to giving tips in and outside the water. Several times she caught herself falling back into her surf coach mode and had to stop herself. Old habits die hard 😉

Angie made sure that the team didn´t get bored when conditions got a bit smaller, and invented the first ever NOMBlymics. Our surfers competed in different categories: the longest wave, the best claim, the best barrel, the biggest effort etc. Check out the clip and cheer for our surfteam.

The group was incredible and shredded really hard. Sore arm showed just how much our surfers enjoyed the Galician waves. Power ladies Kim and Ava were hard to get out of the water. Casper and Markus were the ones patiently sitting out back and waiting for the bombs. Annette and Miris kept surfing in their fearless rhythm of the past two weeks and camp chef Ray took her ladies Coco and Orki out for surfs.

And just like that, another trip was nearly history. To finish things off we organized a little fancy dress surf. Everyone was supposed to bring something that they normally don´t take out surfing. Ohh, and it was supposed to be smaller than a hand. Schabernack levels were through the roof that day. See for yourself! Thanks for surfing with us on our first AllYouCanSurf trip, you guys rocked it 💙

One epic month in our favourite homebase with our favourite local guide, coach and amigo Ramon. Without him nothing of this would have been possible, what a legend!! Thanks so much for everything, Ramonskis!!

We left with the desire for more and are super thrilled to announce that we will be running #GarfioGallego next year. Two intensive surfcamps, same place, same fun. Spaces will book up pretty fast, make sure to secure yours asap.

Thanks for everyone who joined this years #GaliciaV, thanks for your support and good vibes.

NOMB Surf is what it is because of you! Sea you in the ocean soon!

Angie & the NOMB Surfteam

#Tripnotes FUERTE FUERZA: all the ladies in the house

#Tripnotes FUERTE FUERZA: all the ladies in the house

#FuerteFuerza has been a special type of NOMB Surftrip. While our other trips are designed to either surf as much as possible, go adventure surf tripping or enjoy a relaxed surf holiday, #FuerteFuerza put the ladies and their power into focus.

Surfcoaching and Mindset work

For 10 day, our ladies not only surfed nearly every day but also challenged themselves physically and mentally. As most of you probably know, surfing is not only about catching and riding a wave. Our minds play an important role when it comes to being in the ocean. If your mindset is off, catching a wave will be luck and not exactly skills, or things can go wrong very quickly. Power surfer AK shows how the right mindset results in epci waves.

An important fact for your brain to know is that you believe in your physical abilities. Knowing how much your body is capable of doing gives you a lot of confidence in the water, especially in situations out of your comfort zone.

Challenging our minds

We all have our own road of life, experiences that mark our way and make us the person we are today. Negative experiences and thoughts often limit our abilities, not only in surfing. During #FuerteFuerza we wanted to address fears and blockages, and provide our ladies with tools to change their mindsets, and make them stronger.

We created a safe atmosphere where everyone could share their histories, and work with their minds either in cooperation with the other chicas, or by themselves. We talked a lot about negative selftalk, about our role as ladies in the line-up, we learned about breathing techniques and breath hold, we set mantras and a lot more. Seeing the positive changes in our ladies attitudes was totally mindblowing. So proud of you chicas!!

Challenging our bodies

In order for our ladies to understand the powerful abilities of their bodies, and also to develop strength and muscle memory, we had organized a well designed schedule during #FuerteFuerza.

We started off with a pole dancing class with long time NOMB Surfer Kim. Kim not only shreds in the ocean but also is a crack at the pole. Our ladies took the pole dance challenge and were surprise about how much they were able to achieve during their first session. They showed quite some natural talent. Amazing, right??

Next on the surftrip agenda was a surf fitness session with personal instructor Kati, Lesano FV. Balance work, important core strength and a deep stretch made a great class. Kati also shared her personal development to become the power woman she is today, inspiring story.

Friday was a surf layday for our ladies. But no need to be sad, we used the surf free day to hop on a boat to Lobos Island with our friend Javi from Lobos Explorer.

Also on board NOMB Surfer Wieneke. Wieneke is the owner of SUP Limburg, a SUP & Yoga school in the Netherlands, and had prepared a special type of challenge for our ladies: a SUP Yoga class. Needless to say that all our ladies really rocked the SUPs, and not even one fell into the water. Beautiful day at such a special location.

With recharged batteries after an incredible layday the ladies were ready for yet another challenge: a yoga handstand flow with our friend Jude from Narosa Surfschool, our partner school for our trips to Ireland. Lucky us that Jude was holidaying on the island right in time to show our ladies how to do inversions. Even without any experience all of the ladies took the challenge and surprised themselves. Surfcoach Angie was stoked to find out how much she was capable off doing upside down.

Windy days? No Problem!

After a whole week of surfing every day, plus mindwork workshops, plus activities our ladies were stronger than ever. Unfortunately mother nature had a different plan. With 60kmh off shore winds we decided to take our surfing to the street.

Surf skating is an effective and fun tool to address problems of stance and also to gain more confidence in balancing and turning the board. They learned skills can then be transferred to our surfboards, incredible improvements guaranteed. Needless to say, that our ladies gave it their best and got more confident by the minute. Way to go, chicas!

Successful first ladies confidence boost workshop

We, that´s trip organizers Angie and Doro, are super happy and so proud to be able to say that #FuerteFuerza has been a glowing success. Starting the trip with no real expectations but loads of motivations to make a positive change in our ladies lifes, it was amazing to see how they challenged themselves and developed new skills. In and outside the water. This is what Doro has to say about the group:

More confidence and more fun while surfings – that was our mission.

It was inmensely impressing and inspiring just how the participating ladies made our mission reality. Backed up by our small but incredible community they faced their individual challenges and outgrew themselves.

We could have not wished for a better first run of this new surftrip format. Leaves us counting the days till the next ladies shredder trip..

Don´t believe what we have been up to during #FuerteFuerza? See for yourself in our Facebook photo album.

More ladies power to come

Being blown away by the outcome of this trip, Angie and Doro decided to do it all over again:

with a revised program and even more motivation and knowledge, our next ladies only surftrip #GuadeGirlsGang will take a max of 6 ladies to the incredible French Caribbean Island of Guadeloupe next spring (18th – 28th March 2023).

Don´t know about you but we are pretty damn excited!

Make sure to sing up for our newsletter or pre-reserve your spot with Angie straight away. No doubt that our girls gang will fill up real quick. More info will be published asap.

Thanks to the #FuerteFuerza ladies AK, Gina and Katharina for trusting in us, for giving it your all, for being all so different but so amazing together. You are true legends and we could not be more proud of you!

Thanks to our friends Kim, Kati, Javi, Wieneke, Jude and Basti for being part of this trip, your support is truly appreciated.

Sea you in the water soon!

Angie & Doro

PS: our next two surftrips to Galicia in May are already booked out. No need to be sad though, follow our adventures on our Instagram and get lost with us in the waves.

#Tripnotes IRISH IDOLS: if you like piña coladas..

#Tripnotes IRISH IDOLS: if you like piña coladas..

For the fifth time our surfteam set off to enjoy a surfholiday week on the Northwest Coast of Ireland. And just in time for our anniversary, Ireland showed off with amazing weather and well, the waves weren’t too bad either 😉

The surf trip started in Dublin

Surf coach Angie and camp chef Ray arrived at Dublin a couple of days before the group. Enough time to sort out the rental car, and discover Ireland´s biggest ice cream cones. Even though rental car prices were through the roof, cool surfer dude Sean at the rental car place sorted out an upgrade and some extra freebies. Legend!

Most of the team arrived in Dublin on Friday night. Meeting at the hotel bar of the airport, hotel first contacts were made. And the first laughs, too. According to Irish man Mick, a long-term guest at the airport hotel, an Irish man has to buy foreigners a drink when they meet. Imagine the interesting evening that followed.

On the way North, looking for waves

The team set off from Dublin airport really early on Saturday morning. It was a 3 1/2hrs drive up north. Here is where they would meet Karen, the last one missing in the team. Karen who would drive up to the D-place from her home on the west coast. Surfboards were tied to the roof racks, all bags stuffed into the back of the car and the team was on their way to the coast. A few hours, and a little supermarket stop, later the team finally arrived at their home base, James Palace. And of course, James was there to meet them. So good to see him again, after not having been able to do so last year. This is James Palace, a lovely Irish cottage with ocean view.

Gone surfing

Quickly the rooms were allocated, tea was made, surf equipment thrown into the car and off they were. Straight to the surf school to meet their local guide Good Old Lee. Another friendly face was waiting for them at the school, what a surprise. Duncan, the second owner of Narosa Life, normally spends the winter seasons snowboarding in Japan. This year the team was luckily enough to surf and hang out with him. What a treat.

For the first session the team headed to a nearby beach break. Mellow lines were rolling in, great conditions to get used to the waves, water temperature and also, to surfing with booties and gloves. Everyone caught heaps of waves, there were rainbows and even a seal. Not sure how this corner of the world manages to still surprise us and get more beautiful year by year.

The surf holiday week in Ireland unfolded

The first night they were spoiled with dinner at a funky pizza restaurant a few kilometres up the coast. Good Old Lee and Duncan joined the team, making it an even more fun and interesting evening. What a great start for the week.

The next few days were all about surfing. On Sunday they even managed to sneak in a double session. Conditions were simply too epic to not surf twice. On Monday, Good Old Lee had something special planned for the team and took them surfing to a different wave. Learning about how to surf a reef break was exciting for the group, and so was the surf session. That´s the team getting briefed by Lee in their new surf school / shop / best coffee shop within 100 km radius.

The rest of the week was spend with loads of waves, surf theory, video analysis and also, a very helpful surf skate session. Step by step everyone of the group advanced, got more confident and corrected little mistakes. Being an advanced level group, surf coach Angie had come up with a special plan beforehand, and it seemed to be working. Great waves were surfed, comfort zones expanded and loads of funny moments shared.

The routine

The team itself didn´t take long to groove in with each other. A steady routine was implemented. And be honest, who doesn’t want to listen to the piña coladas song before jumping into the waves?

If you like piña coladas, and gettin´caught in the rain,

If you´re not into yoga, if you have half a brain..

As a surprise the team was blessed with a mild climate this year but still enjoyed another routine: hot chocolate, tea or soup after the surf sessions. On top of that, camp chef Ray treated them with delicious cinnamon rolls or cake, what more can you ask for?

A week of surfing gone by fast

Way too soon the week was over. It generally passes fast but this time it simply ran past us. How do they say? Time flies when you are having fun.

Well, while we bath in our recent memories, we can´t wait for next November to hit our favourite D-place. The dates of #I❤️Ireland are already set and soon the trip will be open for bookings. If you can´t wait till the official details get published, get in touch with us and secure your surf space for our 2022 cold water surf trip.

Thanks to all our NOMB Surfers Karen, Johannes, Sven and Thomas for making this trip extra special and surfing epic waves. Thanks to camp chef Ray for her delicious food and great company. Thanks to the man of lee-sure Lee and Duncan for sharing their waves and treating us like family. Thanks to James for letting us stay at his palace. And thanks Ireland for having us, still can´t believe the waves we were blessed with this year!

Check out our Facebook face for pics and moments of #IrishIdols 2021.

Sea you in the water soon,

Angie & the NOMB Surfteam

Ps: couple of spaces left on our next surftrip #FuerteFuerza, an all female confidence boost workshop on sunny Fuerteventura. Check it out!

#Tripnotes LANZAROTE LOVE: waves, sunshine and good vibes only

#Tripnotes LANZAROTE LOVE: waves, sunshine and good vibes only

The Canary Island of Lanzarote showed us all her amor during our sneaky surfescape #LanzaroteLove. Daily sunshine is not unusual on the Canary Islands but several glassy days, with next to no wind, that is showing off with all it´s assets.

Four days of glassy conditions

The NOMB Surfteam was greeted with beautiful small waves rolling on the islands shore. Perfect conditions for coaching a team with different surf levels.

The conditions allowed surf newbie Caro to also paddle out to the lineup, and start her surfing career with learning the right board handling (sitting up, turning the board, emergency break etc) and catching first little green waves.

More experienced surfers Tina and Markus used the smaller conditions to correct tiny errors in their timing and take-off techniques, and focussing on watching the wave while taking off.

NOMB surfer Kristin and Miri really did some meters paddling and tried to catch as many green waves as possible. What a great start to the week. Look at this little partywave our team shared.

Lifesaving skills for surfers

While daily surfcoaching sessions obviously were what the team came for, there were still a lot of other things on the trip agenda.
Surfcoach Angie had organized a very helpful surprise for the NOMB Surfers: a lifesaving for surfers session with lifeguard master Paul from Lavaflow Surfschool.

During a morning session in the calm waters on the east coast, Paul taught the team how to rescue someone in the ocean, without and also with a surfboard. The team also learned how to place someone into the shock and recovery positions once back on shore.

As a last part they were shown how to escape if being attacked, from the front or back. A very useful skill to know, in and outside the water. If someone is panicking and thinks he´s drowning, he will hold onto anything he can get hold off. If that´s you, things can get dangerous for both of you. Always make sure there´s something, for example a surfboard, placed in between you and the drowning casualty.

Here are Kristina and Caro practicing the one-arm-drag, used to save someone without a surfboard.

More wind, more swell, more surfcoaching

After four amazing days surfing clean and glassy waves, the wind finally showed up. But wind also means waves and now the team was ready to face bigger conditions.

Tina and Markus paddled out to the line-up with surfcoach Melly and took some pretty bombs. The rest of the surfteam stayed closer to shore. Even though the wave was already broken, the whitewash produced a pretty long ride to the beach. However, with the rising tide, the whitewash started reforming and producing nice little green waves. This great beachbreak on Lanzarote offers waves for everyone.

Going hiking and other stuff to do

When the team wasn´t surfing, they chilled in their superb home base. A typical Canarian finca, located in a little valley in the north of the island. While on a surf holiday trip, everyone also has time to wind down and relax. But some of the team were eager to explore and set off for a hike.

Just outside the homebase there is an awesome track going up the famous Risco of Famara, but from the backside. Right on top there is a little chapel and a breathtaking view all over the north of Lanzarote. Definitely worth the hike.

On the way back the team stumbled across a lot of rubbish thrown into a field. Luckily Angie carried some trash bags with her, so the team started collecting all the rubbish and left the bags at the side of the road. When a local farmer passed, they asked him to please take the collected rubbing to the next rubbish bins. Once they returned two days later to check on the trash, luckily it had been picked up already. As surfers we are being conscious about our environment, and always try to leave nature in a better condition than we found it.

Here is the hiking team up on the Risco de Famara. What a view, right?

Our surfholiday trips are made for active people, as you can see. However, we still find time to chill, sunbath and read a book. And our homebase had so many hidden corners, everyone could find their peace. Did you know that we had our own wine cellar?

Surf theory sessions, tailmormade to the group, were also a part of #LanzaroteLove. The team learned a lot about the ocean, hurrican Larry, the different forecast models and much more. Video analysis helped to recognize small errors and correct them.

Daily stretching sessions, lead by a different team member every day, made sure that the team was fit for the next days surfing session. Surfskate session on the local football court opposite our house got everyone’s stance up to date.

And just like that, seven days were already over. There were too many funny memories, too many great waves surfed, to mention here. Check out the #tripnotes photos on our Facebook page to find out more about #LanzaroteLove.

Thanks to Caro, Kristin, Markus and Tina who joined us on this marvellous trip.

A special thanks to our campchef Miri for once again spoiling us with delicious powerfoods.

A big gracias to local guide Melly, a female surfing legend on Lanzarote.

Thank you to Paul for making us feel safer in the ocean.

And a big thank you cuddle to teamdog Rainbow for simply being herself and hanging out with the gang. What an epic week!

Next stop: #IRISH IDOLS

While #LanzaroteLove was our warm water trip for this year, we are suuuper excited about our upcoming cold water trip. #IrishIdols marks our 5th year anniversary trip to Northwest Ireland.

Cold waters, challenging outdoor conditions but epic wave and empty line-ups. Nothing for the faint hearted this years trip is aiming at experienced intermediate surfers, to really take advantage of of the Irish waves. Is this trip for you? Then get in touch and secure one of the two last surfspaces available.

NOMB Surftrips: let’s find out more

NOMB Surftrips: let’s find out more

As you maybe know by now, we don´t only coach private surfcoachings on our homebase island Fuerteventura but we also organize epic surftrips around the globe. Together with a small group of max six surfers, (and a fantastic campchef), head surfcoach Angie sets off to discover new surfspots and find empty line-ups.

Teaming up with a local surfschool, she is always looking for uncrowded surf destinations where our participants can get the maximum of their time in the ocean.

Here is how NOMB Surftrips work, why we think they are epic and how you can find out which trip is perfect for you.

Great surfteam of likeminded surfers

On thing you can expect on every NOMB Surftrip is an amazing group of like-minded surfers. Coming from all sorts of different walks of life, our surftrips tend to only attract interesting, motivated and fun surfers.

Within our small group you can share your highs (and lows), find motivation, make new memories and friends and a little bit of Schabernack, too. Acceptance and an open mind come natural to our incredible NOMB Surfers. Our local surf guids are local legends, sharing their waves and stoke with us. Overall, an epic surfteam! Like the ladies below on our adventure surftrip #Ghanarama in 2019.

Different surftrip categories

Everyone likes to spend their holidays in different ways. Sure, everyone wants to surf but some like it more relaxed, others totally hardcore and others are up for a challenge. That´s why our trips come in different categories for you to choose from.

The classic trip is our SURF HOLIDAY. Generally lasting 7 days, this trip category is the perfect mix of surfcoaching and relaxing. Great for surfers who want to improve their surfing skills but also find some time to wind down. Daily surfcoachings and theory sessions included.

For those who really want to boost their surfing, (and don´t mind muscle pain), we offer our INTENSIVE SURFCAMPS. They generally run for 14 days and it´s all about surfing. Daily surfcoaching and guided freesurf sessions, loads of drills and surf related activities easily take our participants surfing to another level.

And then there are our ADVENTURE SURFTRIPS. These 14 days trip take you to unusual destinations and make you step out of your comfort zone. Daily surfcoaching but also a lot of exploring are on our agenda. But then, you never know what will happen.

Even more trip categories

Above, these are our main surftrip categories. However, from time to time, we also run special trips. In the past we have run a surf & fitness camp, combining neuroathletic training with surfing. An all ladies boostcamp is about to happen in 2022, #FuerteFuerza. Especially designed for surfchicas who want to address their fears, blockages and surf in an all girls environment.

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An all-inclusive surftrip: all you need to do is surf

And that´s one of the main features of our surftrips. All YOU need to do is to get to the meeting point and surf. Everything else is organized for you. Sounds amazing, right? Here is what to expect on every NOMB Surfcoaching trip:

  • Daily surfcoachings
  • Head surfcoach Angie
  • Local surfguide/coach
  • Cool accommodation close to the ocean
  • Healthy power foods (breakfast & dinner)
  • Surf theory session
  • Photo / Video Analysis
  • Safety intro to surfspots
  • Transport to/from meeting point
  • Transport to/from surfspots
  • All surf equipment
  • All your surfing pics/videos on a USB Stick
  • NOMB Surf goodies bag
  • Loads of waves and epic moments

Finding your connection with the ocean

With many years of coaching experience, surfcoach Angie is not only qualified and experienced but also specialized in dealing with challenges and fears in the water. During our trips we can´t stress enough about how you, as a surfer, need to find a connection to the ocean. But that´s easier said than done.

Angie will guide you through the process of understanding the ocean, devoting to it and finding your confidence. Without you noticing you will be a confident surfer, able to read the ocean and react to it.

Our next surftrip: #LanzaroteLove

Unfortunately, this year we weren´t able to run our annual winter surf holiday on the Canary Islands. But with all challenges come opportunities. And we will now take advantage of the warm Atlantic waters and milder waves that we are blessed with at the beginning of the Autumn wave season.

#LanzaroteLove will be run as a surfholiday from the 11 – 18 September 2021. That means, daily surfcoachings and enough time to relax and discover the volcanic island. And guess what? There is one surfspot left for one lucky surfer.

Let´s see what frequent NOMB Surfer Tina, who will join us on #LanzaroteLove, has to say about our next surftrip. Thanks for the great video, Tina!

Now you know how NOMB Surftrips work, and what makes them so special. We hope you like what we do and want to join us on one of our upcoming trips. Maybe you are even super spontaneous and want to join NOMB Surfer Tina, surfcoach Angie and the NOMB Surfteam on the trip to Lanzarote?

To find out more, get in touch asap and secure the last available surfspot!