A great, short and colorful article written by Stephanie Yoder from Twenty-Something Travel. Great photos too. Click on the link below.
Monday, April 28, 2014
The Crazy and Wonderful Trucks of Sayulita
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Capoeira
What is "Capoeira"? I found a very simple definition describing Capoeira as "a Brazian martial that combines elements of fight, acrobatics, music, dance and ritual". This is a very generic definition and I mean no disrespect by breaking it down to this simple form. Alex and Trace have been involved in a local program of Capoeira since last fall. I honestly couldn't tell you what it REALLY was until this past weekend. I would usually watch the last 10 minutes or so of their 2x a week class and be very happy they went eagerly to each class, were meeting new kids and were dedicated to the program. Most importantly for me was that they were getting "coaching". I was always a coached kid and learned so much about dedication, discipline, respect and hard work from the coaches I had growing up. I wanted that same type of experience for our children beginning at a young age and I hope this program could provide that. This past weekend a "Batizado" was held for the kids in the San Pancho program. A "Batizado", again in a simple definition, is an annual gathering to learn and practice with more experienced students from other schools and to acknowledge the accomplishments of it's local members. This kind of event strengthens the bonds of the larger, overall Capoeira community. Instructors came from other programs to support the gathering and during the "Troca de Cordas" ceremony each youth was given a new belt and a few moments to showcase their new skills to the community and with more accomplished instructors and members. You can see Alex and Trace's moment in the YouTube link. The level of energy that the group brought to the event to support the kids was amazing as the music and voices were bouncing off the walls and ceiling. It was a very proud moment (watery eyes included) for Dad as the kids were the only ones in their age group moving up from their current level so their portion of the event was together.
It's during this ceremony I saw Capoeira at a very high level as some of the adult members/instructors took the floor. Unbelievably impressive how fast, powerful, fluid and skilled many of these people were. I really liked the fact that there were many women involved. Alex has remarked that she is now the only girl in her class and for her to see older teens and even some of the moms of her friends at school participate was important. One exceptionally skilled young woman even had a red bow in her hair which I thought was interesting. Hair in a pretty bow and a bad ass as well.
I had never heard of Capoeira before we came to Mexico. Other martial arts programs in the States were much more visible. Now, the kids have entered into an amazing community and have been included in such an amazing experience due to our decision to relocate here. I really hope they have the desire to continue and pursue higher levels of skill, discipline and grow in such a positive environment. They really have no idea what they have accomplished in the short 2 1/2 years they have been here and their involvement in this program just adds to what kind of people they are becoming. If you ever are here and a "Batizado" is being held, please make an effort to attend.
It's during this ceremony I saw Capoeira at a very high level as some of the adult members/instructors took the floor. Unbelievably impressive how fast, powerful, fluid and skilled many of these people were. I really liked the fact that there were many women involved. Alex has remarked that she is now the only girl in her class and for her to see older teens and even some of the moms of her friends at school participate was important. One exceptionally skilled young woman even had a red bow in her hair which I thought was interesting. Hair in a pretty bow and a bad ass as well.
I had never heard of Capoeira before we came to Mexico. Other martial arts programs in the States were much more visible. Now, the kids have entered into an amazing community and have been included in such an amazing experience due to our decision to relocate here. I really hope they have the desire to continue and pursue higher levels of skill, discipline and grow in such a positive environment. They really have no idea what they have accomplished in the short 2 1/2 years they have been here and their involvement in this program just adds to what kind of people they are becoming. If you ever are here and a "Batizado" is being held, please make an effort to attend.
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Semana Santa 2014
Semana Santa has arrived again. Two weeks each year Mexico heads to the coast. Beaches are packed everywhere and Sayulita is a popular destination. Lodging is in demand, beer flows, camping is found in most every place that a tent can be set up. Most leave before dawn and arrive by tour bus and wheel their coolers, umbrellas, shade shelters, food, inflatable rafts and sometimes grandma to the beach for the day.
As you can see, if you don't enjoy crowds then this is NOT the time to come to the beach in Mexico. I understand that inland destinations are quite enjoyable during this time of year since everyone is on Spring Break at the beach. With school out for two weeks, many people we know pack up and become visitors to some of these places and have a great time. Many nationals look forward to these two weeks all year and get here on an extremely thin budget to enjoy the sun, surf, family and or friends. There are some, expats and nationals, who live here that don't like these two weeks since the town is totally overrun, garbage is a big problem, parties and drum circles run all night, town systems are taxed and sometimes visitors don't respect the ones who live in or the place they came to visit as they should. On the other hand, it's only two weeks a year and really only 5 or 6 big days during that time is the climax. Many have planned this holiday to come to the coast and see what we see and enjoy every day. It's great people watching for sure. Our family after all , though residents, are just visitors as well so we just roll with it and understand life will be back to normal in a few more days. Personally, I lived for many, many years in the home of The Sundance Film Festival and in my opinion this doesn't even come close to the scene that created each year.
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| Photo by Marina Garcia |
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Punta Sayulita Longboard & SUP Classic
Once again, this year's competition did not disappoint. The waves were here all weekend and the weather was pretty much perfect. G. Love & Special Sauce performed on the beach Saturday night between two great days of men's and women's international surf and race talent.
One difference to this year's event was the addition of a youth SUP surf division and what was called the "Old School" division. With some peer pressure and the fact that I did not want to listen to a few of my surfing friends talk about great competing was, I decided to join the "Old School" SUP Surf division. This way, I could participate and go out there with the 40+ year olds and not have to compete agains the "20 somethings" pros.
Well, the idea of not competing against the 20 somethings was short lived as the brackets came out for the weekend's competition. The "Old School" participants were included into the "Open" division. In other words, the old guys were in same heats as some athletes who compete on the SUP World Tour. Bracket fodder I guess. Now, understand that the Punta Sayulita Classic is basically a fund raiser and an ocean/reef conservation awareness event and there is no prize money. This does not mean the caliber of participants is less than World Class. Hell, there are many SUP surf locals who call Sayulita or the surrounding area that have competed successfully internationally so being out in a lineup with guys of this caliber was not exactly new to me.
My heat the first day was before 9am so the crowd was growing but still modest and the waves were good. As expected, I did not move on in the "winner's" bracket but joined the "Repechage" bracket. I surfed again later in the afternoon after cooking on the beach waiting for 5 hours. During that time we cheered on friends and local talent in the SUP Surf and Longboard divisions. By the time my heat came up later in the afternoon there were thousands on the beach enjoying themselves and watching the competition. Four lonely competitors out in the break with thousands of eyes watching. Yes, I made sure my board short were tied up tight. Though I surfed reasonably well, I did not qualify to continue on in the "Open" division(no surprise) and looked forward to the "Old School" Division Sunday. A great experience the first day and hell, I got to surf with good waves, no one dropping in or tourists to look out for. G Love & Special Sauce played on the beach that night to a big crowd with the surf breaking just feet from the stage. Great day, night and I was more than exhausted.
The second day of competition was the day to compete against the old guys. Pretty much the whole bracket were guys who I surf with regularly(when I do go out) and knew I had little chance of doing well with little practice and the talent of the men even in this group. I gave it my best but did not advance as far as I would have liked to. Participating in an event like this was fantastic even though I was less than prepared and honestly out-skilled to do very well. It amazed me how tired a I got during only a 15 minute heat. The stress of competition and surfing as much as you can in only few minutes totally drained me. The men and women who do this are in amazing shape and many of them compete in multiple divisions. Lots of waiting, sun, getting stiff and tired. Not quite as glamorous as one might think.
There were lots of family and friends on the beach cheering on the old guys during this whole weekend and it was great to get an exhausted pat on the back when a heat was over or a big cheer after a good wave was ridden all the way to the beach. Very much appreciated and it was fantastic to have "groupies".
Though I had nothing to compare it to I thought Punta Sayulita put on a great event. They made it very entertaining for the spectator and the participant. Many seasoned competitors and media people said the same. The weekend came to a close at the awards dinner at the Don Pedros palapa which is one of the most spectacular settings in town. It was a full house and it was lots of fun being part of the scene and rubbing elbows with some big names in the surf world. No, I am not going out on tour anytime soon but I would not hesitate to be involved again next year. More practice.
One difference to this year's event was the addition of a youth SUP surf division and what was called the "Old School" division. With some peer pressure and the fact that I did not want to listen to a few of my surfing friends talk about great competing was, I decided to join the "Old School" SUP Surf division. This way, I could participate and go out there with the 40+ year olds and not have to compete agains the "20 somethings" pros.
Well, the idea of not competing against the 20 somethings was short lived as the brackets came out for the weekend's competition. The "Old School" participants were included into the "Open" division. In other words, the old guys were in same heats as some athletes who compete on the SUP World Tour. Bracket fodder I guess. Now, understand that the Punta Sayulita Classic is basically a fund raiser and an ocean/reef conservation awareness event and there is no prize money. This does not mean the caliber of participants is less than World Class. Hell, there are many SUP surf locals who call Sayulita or the surrounding area that have competed successfully internationally so being out in a lineup with guys of this caliber was not exactly new to me.
My heat the first day was before 9am so the crowd was growing but still modest and the waves were good. As expected, I did not move on in the "winner's" bracket but joined the "Repechage" bracket. I surfed again later in the afternoon after cooking on the beach waiting for 5 hours. During that time we cheered on friends and local talent in the SUP Surf and Longboard divisions. By the time my heat came up later in the afternoon there were thousands on the beach enjoying themselves and watching the competition. Four lonely competitors out in the break with thousands of eyes watching. Yes, I made sure my board short were tied up tight. Though I surfed reasonably well, I did not qualify to continue on in the "Open" division(no surprise) and looked forward to the "Old School" Division Sunday. A great experience the first day and hell, I got to surf with good waves, no one dropping in or tourists to look out for. G Love & Special Sauce played on the beach that night to a big crowd with the surf breaking just feet from the stage. Great day, night and I was more than exhausted.
 |
| Mom and Dad at the concert. |
The second day of competition was the day to compete against the old guys. Pretty much the whole bracket were guys who I surf with regularly(when I do go out) and knew I had little chance of doing well with little practice and the talent of the men even in this group. I gave it my best but did not advance as far as I would have liked to. Participating in an event like this was fantastic even though I was less than prepared and honestly out-skilled to do very well. It amazed me how tired a I got during only a 15 minute heat. The stress of competition and surfing as much as you can in only few minutes totally drained me. The men and women who do this are in amazing shape and many of them compete in multiple divisions. Lots of waiting, sun, getting stiff and tired. Not quite as glamorous as one might think.
 |
| Congratulating fellow "Old Guy" Mitch on his heat. |
There were lots of family and friends on the beach cheering on the old guys during this whole weekend and it was great to get an exhausted pat on the back when a heat was over or a big cheer after a good wave was ridden all the way to the beach. Very much appreciated and it was fantastic to have "groupies".
 |
| A small part of the crowd |
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| Anxiously waiting for my first heat. |
Though I had nothing to compare it to I thought Punta Sayulita put on a great event. They made it very entertaining for the spectator and the participant. Many seasoned competitors and media people said the same. The weekend came to a close at the awards dinner at the Don Pedros palapa which is one of the most spectacular settings in town. It was a full house and it was lots of fun being part of the scene and rubbing elbows with some big names in the surf world. No, I am not going out on tour anytime soon but I would not hesitate to be involved again next year. More practice.
 |
| Trace hung out to cheer on his old man. |
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