Growing up on the Big Island of Hawaii, a distinct memory I have is the ‘Live Aloha’ bumper sticker that loads of people used to rock, and still do. A magenta ohi’a lehua flower followed by ‘Live Aloha’ spelled out in simple green cursive. The sticker was quaint, but the idea big. While I grew up amongst the spirit of aloha, never did I anticipate that someday, teaching surfing in Nicaragua, I’d really learn to grow in to what living aloha is all about.
In many ways, my time as an instructor and the Operations Manager at Chica Brava, was a destiny. Just as numerous women have come through the camp week saying that it changed their life, I am also leaving a changed woman. But perhaps changed is not the most appropriate term, I’d call it ‘realized’. In my nearly two years’ time working amongst the amazing ladies I got to call my friends and co-workers, being a part of over 300 radical chicas surf journey’s, I learned that to believe in someone is powerful. Only by believing in others do you learn to believe in yourself, and only by believing in yourself do you learn to trust in the universe and have faith in the beauty that everyday offers.
A couple of weeks before I officially transitioned out of working for Chica Brava, the team threw me a surprise good bye party (so epic, I’ve always wanted one of those!), and Ashley gave me a pendant with that simple word written on it…Aloha. I realized, in that moment, what ‘aloha’ is. When you live aloha, you act from a kind and genuine place, you help others and are compassionate, but above all you never take for granted the power you have to make a positive impact on somebody’s day, week, or life.
Instructing surfing, like surfing itself, is not easy, but it’s extremely rewarding. Likewise, organizing camps week after week in a developing country, in a cross cultural setting, juggling a number of variables that are all subject to change is not easy, but it’s a recipe for magic. Every week I watched as campers progressed in their surfing, leaving Nicaragua as capable water women with fond memories of triumph. I’ve learned something from each and every person I’ve been fortunate to cross paths with in my time at Chica Brava, and I am forever grateful that destiny brought me here. Just like many of our guests, who reach out to us months after their visit to let us know how profoundly the trip impacted them, I’m sure that I’ll reflect on my years with Chica Brava for a very long time, in constant awe, discovering all the things the experience taught me, and all that it brought out in me.
With the deepest gratitude, I thank all those who I have encountered on my journey as a surfer, and journey with Chica Brava. I bid you all the warmest aloha, and to never forget the power you have to positively impact someone through the simple act of believing in them.
Aloha,
Noelani
Former Camp Operations Manager and forever Surf Buddy to all!
For all the fun times, smiles, memories and laugh we all created together, everyone here at Chica Brava wishes you the best of luck and you will forever be in our hearts! Love you Noelani!!!
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