RAILS & TALES . . .
Life led me to you, my ocean “There’s something to be said about being submerged into a new culture of complete strangers that have the same love I have: a dire need to have the ocean at my feet and a board at hand. I’ve traveled to several exotic locations with lush landscapes and tropical vibes; though nothing I have ever done, no where I have ever gone, and no love compares to that of El Salvador. The opportunity to be a part of the first all-women’s retreat with WSSM Magazine presented itself when I had lost sight of the beautiful lifestyle every surfer knows. After not being in the water for roughly four months, I couldn’t have needed this trip at a better time. I experienced by far the best week of my life.
r o d a v l El Sa wWomen’s SSm 1st Annual Surf Retreat 2013
Behind the scenes of the WSSM lifestyle photoshoot (left to right) Kristin, Savannah, Katie, Ami, Kaydi, James & Dan James gets his marriage proposal to Kerry on film (Kerry... “James is so dreamy...”)
Carolyn, Sandy, Tara & Kerry at the WSSM photoshoot
Ten enriched women joined me in El Salvador and after making such quick relationships with each and every one, I finally remembered what it was like having a community out in the ocean to cheer you on as you exert the most positive energy.
With perfect timing, we arrived at Las Flores point just as the first ground swell of the season did. Honestly, I was very intimidated with what the locals might think of a van of not only tourists, but women surfers. After the first day I knew most of the guys in the line up by name and enjoyed their company for every day to come. The swell pushed through with exceptionally great force and brought 10-15 ft sets. I, being the local beachbreak rider that I am, was surprisingly ecstatic to surf the biggest waves I ever had the chance of seeing. There were several waves that I can remember perfectly; every turn, every cross step... those being the waves that I was riding before I even knew so, paddling as hard as I can to stand up just seconds faster than the man charging beside me. My feet were always under me before I could realize that I just took off on a wave five feet above my head.
Day in and day out, we used our limited time there to the fullest- Whether it be taking mud baths in a volcano, dancing through the night on the pool bar, or each and every meal I shared with great smiles and stories. All of those things, however, showed me the big picture of the essence of life and how lifted my spirit became after my inspiring trip to El Salvador.” F
Katie Radcliffe 36 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
Dan & Sandra holding leashes after a perfect long session with double overhead rides on the peak
More photoshoot fun
The sand can be very hot in the afternoon, must float whenever possible! (left to right) Ami, Sandy, Kristin, Kaydi, Kerry, Carolyn, Savannah, Katie, Tara