THE EXPERIENCE
Yoga / Mindfulness
Our Daily yoga and dynamic mindfulness practices will be lead by Madoka Hara, an Oakland based mixed-race, trauma-informed yoga teacher/practitioner. Madoka has had the privilege of teaching yoga in the Bay Area for the past 7 years. Having grown up as a bi-cultural/bi-racial “Third Culture Kid.” the concept of home and identity has always been a complicated one for her. When Madoka was introduced to yoga, it allowed her to return to the home of her body, breath and mind, at a time when that felt impossible.
Madoka’s classes emphasize spinal and joint mobility/awareness, while also incorporating the 8 limbs of yoga and inviting conversations on yoga philosophy and the roots/history of yoga. Madoka teaches a variety of styles of yoga including hatha, therapeutics, restorative, daoist and yin yoga. Madoka’s classes are structured in a way that explores the power in slowing down our practice (so don’t expect any power vinyasas!) - so that we can move from a place of deep and inquisitive listening. By incorporating various styles in her classes, she creates a cohesive balance between deep, meditative stillness and active and attentive movement. Each class will incorporate the 8 limbs of yoga such as pranayama (breath work), asana (poses), dhyana (meditation), dharana (concentration), as well as discussions about how to embody yoga off of the mat and into the rest of our daily lives (yamas, niyamas and beyond). Madoka is also a certified Yoga and Mindfulness Teacher for Teens: She is actively involved in spreading the benefits of yoga, meditation and mindfulness to our youth. @circleyogini
Surfing
the surf break
What we love about Playa Encuentro is that there is a wave for every level and style of surfing. From long white waters for beginners to intense paddle outs rewarded by fun sized (and consistent!) waves, this beach can offer something for everyone. January is a great time to go because there is hardly any wind, which means you can enjoy beautiful glassy conditions in the morning, mid-day, and even into sunset. Every time we think of our surf sessions there, we can’t stop smiling/drooling. :)
The lesson
We know that the current surf culture does not reflect us, so we’re creating a new one in our own image: one that celebrates our diverse perspectives and bodies, and elevates stories of black, brown and indigenous water womxn.
Our surf lessons start with acknowledging our unique relationship with the ocean and flow from there. We understand that our personal history, particularly as womxn of color (our experiences, our ancestral imprint, our trauma), informs how we relate to the ocean and what we hope to receive from it as we engage with it through surfing. Before we paddle out, you’ll meet with our Lead Surf Coach, Marlim Reynosa, and together you’ll examine your personal connection with the ocean and establish your goals for the week’s surf lessons.
Our program is not a typical one. We value performance and we will work together to create a path for surf progression that you’ll be able to take home and continue independently—see the nitty-gritty of our surf coaching method below! Yet, at the heart of our surf program is the concept that your surf practice is yours to define. For many of us it’s an outlet that challenges and rewards our bodies and our minds, a means to connect with the healing powers of nature, a chance to dance on the board, to let go and be silly. It can be one or all of those things for you. We’ll be here to guide you and help you stay connected with your intention.
the nitty-gritty!
Encuentro Surf Break Map Guide
Our retreat includes three semi-private (max 2 participants per 1 instructor) surf lessons tailored to your surfing ability and goals. These lessons consist of surf theory and ocean safety training, mindful warmups, in-water coaching and performance analysis, as well as independent surf practice. Back at the lodge, we will have surf lectures and dive in the pool to practice techniques like paddling, duck diving, and turtle rolling.
If you’re just getting your feet wet (we couldn’t help ourselves), we’ll work on getting comfortable on the board and in the break, building a strong foundation of the essential surf skills, and developing confidence in your personal surf practice.
If you consider yourself an intermediate or advanced surfer, we will practice surf awareness and wave selection, learn new surf maneuvers, and fine-tune the ones you’ve been working on. Your coach will break down the process of each surf move and provide detailed analyses of your surfing as well as direct, actionable corrections.
Surf Coach Nairobi Rosario | Photo credit: Chameleon Creative Arts
Your Coaches
Our team of surf coaches are all local surfers, skilled women and men, who grew up surfing the waves of Playa Encuentro and who have been sharing their love and knowledge of surfing for years to students of all ages and abilities. They are ocean safety experts who understand Encuentro’s waves in all of its shapes and sizes, and they help co-create and maintain the surf break’s culture and etiquette.
While it is important to us that we keep a womxn-centered environment in our retreat, we believe working with local instructors is important, and the reality is that there are not enough Dominican women surfers. Dominant cultural norms and gender expectations restrict women’s access to surfing and the pursuit of surf instructing as livelihood. Marlim witnessed this when she was learning to surf in Encuentro, and she too was subject to criticism and scrutiny for practicing the sport. When she left the D.R., she made a promise to come back and work to shift the narrative around Dominican women in surf.
We’re working with as many women surf coaches as we know and paying all of our coaches a fair wage above the standard rate. We’re also offering our coaches an additional paid training—co-led by our founder, Marlim Reynosa, and local ISA Certified surf coach, Papito Santana—to support their advancement within the local surf school industry. During this training, we’ll hold space for a discussion where we may challenge gender socialization, address harmful masculinity norms as they relate to surf culture, and explore how allyship can increase representation of women in surf coaching.
Laguna Dudú, Cabrera, Dominican Republic
Excursion
What’s a retreat without a little excursion!? Hop on a van with us for a day of exploring local lagoons and a new, tucked away surf spot! After playing in nature, we’ll enjoy a post-surf lunch consisting of fresh caught fish of the day. ***For our vegetarian/vegan sisters we will pack a veggie picnic, so you’ll get to enjoy some delicious food as well!
Womxn’s Circles
Our circles are intended to be a place for showing up and receiving each other full-heartedly. This ritual of womxn gathering together is universal. Historically, moon lodges and red tents were seen as sacred spaced for womxn to affirm their spirituality and sexuality, while healing from the wounds of patriarchy through connecting with one another. For centuries, the womxn before us have paved the path for this ritual of communal healing and empowerment. We believe in the magic that happens when womxn come together in sisterhood and learn how to speak, listen and receive each other in new ways. In our circles, we will explore themes of womxnhood, identity, race, belonging and more. These topics (and beyond!) will be embodied and processed through creative expression and somatic practices.
Dominican Cooking Lesson
Hands on cooking lesson taught by our host Marlim’s mom, Martha! Learn about local produce, cooking practices and traditions of the Dominican Republic. The recipes are vegan/vegetarian friendly and the lesson will be in Spanish! (with translation by Marlim).