Trace Graduates Secundaria!

Well, that is a wrap!  Trace has completed "Secundaria".  Secundaria, the Mexico system, are grades 7-9.  I was figuring this out the other day.  Trace spent one year in the public system, 5 years with Escuela del Mundo and now has completed 5 years with Costa Verde.  As much as he complains about school he has always been an A student in most subjects and has always contributed positively in class.

Like his sister before him he will be working with the online highs school program called Laurel Springs for 10th grade beginning at the end of the summer.  Trace is very independent socially but also likes to run with friends at school so we are not sure how the online program will play out for him.  We shall see.

It seems like yesterday we were in the same beautiful location for Trace's graduation from "Primaria"  when he completed 6th grade just 3 years ago.  Since then so much of the world has had to go to school online or in some cases not even gone to school thanks to COVID.  We couldn't have imagined that would have happened to these kids in the last few years.  They have endured a lot and it is clear they have come out successfully on the other side of that mess.

Several of Trace's classmates have followed the same path the last 10 years and graduated the same evening so it was bitter sweet to see these families for perhaps the last time in a school setting.  From there the graduates will scatter.  Some will be online like Trace, some will attend private schools closer to Puerto Vallarta and some will attend "Prepa" the public high school right here in Sayulita.  Some may decide on a different path altogether.  Such are the way of things when these kids complete 9th grade.  

Both of the kids attending online programs next school year will allow for a lot more schedule flexibility. Opportunities to do some of the things we have been waiting to do like really travel will begin to open up as well.  As much as Ashley and I loved our HS experience we know that the kids attending online school will help the develop some skills that will carry over into whatever they decide to do after their high school years.  Pretty excited to see what the future holds for this family in the next year.

Alex And Trace Training - The Next Level

Growing up I was almost always coached by capable people I respected and looked up to.  Alex and Trace, though in small town Mexico, have had exposure to good coaches in all their chosen activities.  With Sayulita  being the epicenter of water sports like surfing and SUP racing in Mexico, there are more than a few pros and former pros who are out there to provide guidance and advice to the kid athlete population here.

After the kid's SUP race back in April it was clear to me that should the kids want to continue to compete in SUP just going to practice was not going to keep them competitive against their competition.  Up to this point, SUP training had only come twice a week for one hour each session.  There was very little other structured training outside of practice.  At the kid's age I was going to practice 5-6 days a week for my chosen activity so I knew there was room for additional time and effort working on technique and some beginning strength training so I began to look for options.

In the last year a new gym opened in town.  Sayulita Fit.  There was a membership special this spring so I asked the kids if they were interested in joining.  They were both eager to give it a go.  I was always training in the gym growing up and working in clubs as an adult so I knew my way around enough to be sure they were doing things correctly and not injuring themselves.  Plus we found out some of their SUP team mates were also already training here and the friendly club owner was happy to have more Sayulita youth athletes training at the facility.

A pretty swanky facility that occupies the whole top level of a building at the entrance to town, it offers lots of cardio machines, free weights, machines, spinning as well as various classes.  Plus, the gym has AC!  The bonus was that a little strength training in the gym would also help their other interests like Trace's basketball and surfing and Alex' equestrian pursuits.

The end of the school year saw the end of the SUP Team for the summer until it picked back up again in the fall when families would be back in town for the school year.  What were the kids going to do for SUP training?  The Team coaches were out of town and I was really interested in having the kids get an professional analysis of their paddling mechanics and racing technique.  I knew there was lots of room for improvement and they were just not getting as much help from their coaches on their specific needs as I hoped.  So, I sought out yet another world class athlete in town, former pro surfer and SUP racer, Ryan Helm.

With his signature hat with the brim slightly turned, Ryan is a bit different from the other pros in town in how he approaches training.  He is in his 40's, built like a brick house and understands that there are consequences to poor form and technique later in life.  Plus, he build athletes that will be strong and be able to maintain good technique longer when fatigue begins to set in. When athletes are younger they can get away with doing things that may contribute to problems down the road months or years later and we didn't want that.  We were already seeing Trace having issues with his shoulder due to improper technique and no correction.

After working with Ryan for only a month I can already see a change in the way Trace paddles and he is super stoked to be in the water again without shoulder pain.  So happy to see Trace start to get his stoke back for paddling.  Alex fortunately had not been injured like Trace but her situation was more about getting more energy out of each stroke.  Her technique was inefficient, slow and going into the future that was not going to help her against older competition that she would be up against.  She has made some super positive changes too.

So, with school out it has been good to get the kids on a new and better path for their activities of interest.  We have a race coming up in the third week in August and we will see how they do and feel about what they have learned and are continuing to learn.  Placing is not the goal, the goal is following through on the process and hopefully between the gym and a personal coach they will see a difference if not at this race but at a future race or with their other activities.  

Trace Graduates Primaria!

A big day for our T-man! Trace and his 6th grade classmates graduated from the Primaria to the Secundaria last night in a ceremony here in Sayulita. Basically it is the Mexican equivalent of moving from Elementary Schools to Junior High School.

Trace in his floppy graduation gown.

The event was at one of the most scenic spots in town.  With 5 kids having left for the season or not able to attend a small group of only 16 kids received certificates as the friends and families in attendance cheered for each graduate.  The class is small but they are a group who really seem to have a good time together and hopefully that will continue into next year in grade 7.

Following the 6th graders were the 9th graders who were graduating from the Secundaria so their families and friends were in attendance as well.  One of the things that we noticed standing and looking at the crowd of parents and students was how many of them we knew from the three different schools we have attended during our time here.  There were parents and kids who we knew from the public Kindergarten, Escuela del Mundo as well as CVIS.  Some of these kids we have known since our first or second year here.  We have really met so many different people and have made so many relationships along the way.

Trace also had to sadly say goodbye to a few classmates as well and his teachers, Ms. Laura and Mr. Richard, who he really, really liked. 'Tis the season for change as the end of the school year usually corresponds with folks moving on from their time in Sayulita.  Fortunately, it sounds like this group will stay mostly intact next year as they step up to take on more demanding challenges at school in the Secundaria.

Trace receives his diploma.  Watch on full screen.

A great end of the year video by their teacher, Ms. Laura.  Watch on full screen.

Sayulita JR SUP Team Wraps Things Up For The Season

Stoked this Father’s Day weekend to watch our kids and all the young racers on the Sayulita JR.SUP Team finish up their season at the Summer SUP Classic. A picture perfect morning in Sayulita to put an exclamation point on the season. Since October we have traveled from Mexico to the west and east coasts of the US to race this year representing Sayulita. It has been an awesome experience for our family and we have met some great SUP people along the way. Super proud of our kids and the success of our team from small town Mexico 🇲🇽! Looking forward to the future!

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Sibling Support

So proud of these two. They both raced their hearts out and did amazing in their races today. But what I am most proud of is the support they gave each other. Trace board caddied for Alex and Alex was there at the finish line with hugs for Trace. It makes my heart so big!! It isn’t always like this so I especially enjoy these moments.

Trace "Got Game"!

At the kid's school there are clubs offered.  Trace participates in two of them.  One of them is photography and the other is basketball.  That's right, basketball.  A perfectly normal sport to play for most kids growing up but I know of only two hoops in the entire town.  Surfing and soccer are easily the most popular here.  Growing up it seemed like we were always watching the Boston Celtics on TV.  Every school yard and park had several courts or at least hoops to shoot at.  From the time I was in 5th grade we played basketball in gym class and intramural leagues were offered after school.  I even played on teams in high school not that I was really very good.  We always had a hoop in the driveway as did many families.  If I was bored going outside to shoot a few baskets was always an option. Not so much here.

Having really no previous experience with the sport, Trace has really taken to the basketball club program, his coach and learning a new activity that is not on the water.  Shocker!!  Basketball is also his first real "team" sport as well.  Athletics, especially team sports, teaches important lessons growing up so I have always felt good about the kids getting involved in anything they have an interest in.  Most of their activities have been group sports but not necessarily ones where you rely on other team mates during competition.  Certainly a different experience for Trace.

Photo by Paula.  Trace on the right.

The basketball club traveled to its first real games away from school this week and Trace was pretty excited.  Ashley was out of town and I was waiting on contractors at the house so we were not able to attend but Trace came back super stoked about the whole experience.  He played with the kids his own age and then played with the older kids as well to fill in when someone needed a rest.  He had comments about the game, the reffing, the other team's players and even the equipment.  I have never really heard him "talk basketball" before so it was fun to listen and ask him game related questions and get real game experience answers.

Photo by Paula.  Trace center.

His club team sounds like it will be participating in a real basketball tournament at the end of March. Efforts to get uniforms made up are even underway!  We will make sure we will be there for that but at the same time try not put any pressure on him with family cheering for him and the team.  Looks like I will have to go to watch a game or two with him during the NBA playoffs at the Sayulita Public House so we can talk hoops over tacos, tequila and a lemonade.

Sayulita Scenes - Trace And His SICMaui Rocket Ship

Our family SUP Pro pausing for a spontaneous photo by his mother as he leaves the water here in Sayulita.  Turned out pretty damn good we think.  SICMaui did too since they posted it on their Instagram and Facebook accounts as well.  Needless to say, Trace was pretty stoked to be featured on SIC's social media seen world wide with his new gear!

Photo by mom

Trace Turns 11!

Our "Trace-man" turns 11 today.  Feliz Cumpleaños amigo!  This last year Trace has become a "water kid" and runs off to the ocean almost daily.  It makes him happy and makes him even happier to be out there with friends.  He does great in school, speaks Spanish like a local and surfs like crazy. Te queremos mucho!

Trace turns 11.

Sayulita Scenes - A Day In The Life Of Trace

No, not really an uncommon sight in our pueblo but an awesome shot just the same.  Trace, on right, strolling down the cobblestone streets of Sayulita after a surf session with his best buddies.  This is pretty much how T-Man rolls.  He comes home from school, checks in with his amigos and heads to the beach for stand up paddle board racing practice or grabs his SUP surfboard and paddle to find some waves.

Photo by Kevin

Our SUP Surfer - Trace!

Our friend and professional photographer, Anne Menke, shot these fantastic photos of Trace during his school's Surf-a-Thon last weekend. So cool!!!!

Sayulita Scenes - Trace And His "Sayulita Bros"

Trace and his two best friends headed out for a surf trip down the coast a ways via panga yesterday morning.  The panga was captained by Felipe Rodriguez Lorenzo, aka "Pipe", who has been giving the boys SUP surfing instruction this fall.  Pipe finished in the top 10 at the ISA SUP World Championships in Fiji in 2016. Stoked to have another coach for the kids who is also a world class competitor and athlete.  I am going to have to tag along with these groms sometime soon and learn some new things.

Our Lives As Sayulita Bros

Trace and a couple of his amigos put out their first video about living in Sayulita.  Kind of fun to watch and a good job for their first project.  This is episode 1.  More episodes coming!  Got to turn the volume WAY up to hear them but they are figuring that out for the next video.

Trace - "The Surfer"

This post marks the day when we saw Trace become a "Surfer".  Not just a kid who plays in the waves but a "Surfer".  He has been showing a growing interest in SUP surfing in the last year and we have been going out early almost everyday this summer.  He has two friends who are brothers who also have been developing the same passion for the sport.  I been trying to coach them a little on safety and surf etiquette in the main break and it has gone well to this point since the waves have been smaller and the crowds have been less aggressive in the mornings.  Technique is all self taught by the boys themselves and by some cross over from their SUP Paddleboard Race Team experience.

Yesterday, with the surf building, the boys had a taste of larger and better waves in the morning and they decided they wanted to go out in the afternoon as well.  Afternoon or Happy Hour surf time is usually a very local time to surf and the the caliber of surfers can be much higher than in the mornings.  The waves were bigger, the surfers were faster, the action was hectic and I sat nervously on the beach with the other boy's dad and watched.

All the boys did great!!  They rode waves that were theirs and got off waves that were not.  They dropped into waves well over their heads at a time of day that I totally avoid altogether just based on the who is generally out there at the time.  They acted like they belonged there and they did.  We were so impressed with these new surfers!  One of the best parts was having a local SUP Pro, Felipe Rodriguez Lorenzo (aka "Pipe"), take them under his wing while they were out there.  He would have them sit down and huddle up and he would tell them where to catch the best waves and other tips.  Really?  This guy finished 8th in the 2016 World Championships in Fiji and he takes time out of his training to coach the kids.  The best SUP surfer in Mexico.  Just AWESOME!  He totally has a bunch of new fans in these boys and their dads who watched this go down.

"Sayulita Bros" 

Anyway, it looks like this is a real interest of Trace's and we think that is great.  We have been waiting for either of the kids to really show some interest in the ocean and it has now officially begun.  Looks like we need to find a way for Trace to get his board down to the beach on his own too.  His 10 year old arms just can't handle his board yet for very far.  We will have to work on that.

"Pipe"

Sayulita Scenes - The Feet Of Sayulita

It's a sight to make any mother cringe but it's reality.  Our kids go barefoot almost everywhere.  They always ask if they need to bring shoes and my favorite response is "just leave them in the car in case you need them".  Even that response gets resistance.

Having grown up in the land of "no shirt, no shoes, no service", the idea that our kids don't actually want or rarely need shoes is a totally foreign concept.  In snow country I must have had easily over a dozen pairs of shoes.  Shoes for every season.  Shoes for every activity.  Dress shoes, running shoes, biking shoes, snow boots, ski boots, tele boots, trail runners, work shoes, softball cleats etc......

Once Trace realized just how nasty his feet were even he was eager to clean them up a bit.

The kids have been pretty much barefoot since they arrived here.  At school the first thing they do when they arrive is shed their 60 peso flip flops.  Upon arriving home they do the same.  Circus and SUP practices are in bare feet.  Capoeira was the same.  They would go barefoot back and forth to the beach if they could.  I wonder what they would think about putting on a pair of ski boots for 6 hours.  It think they would lose it.  The best part of dirty feet is when you walk around the house when the floor is wet from the beach, pool or someone just got out of the shower.  What do you get when you mix dirty feet and water.......mud.

After some clean up

Fiesta de Trace! 9 Años!

Mom, Alex y Trace Last Day of School Day 2016

Trace Turns 9.

Trace turned 9 this week so we thought we would hit El Itacate for some tacos and a few Pacificos.  We won't introduce him to Don Julio until he's at least 12.  Trace has spent more time on Mexican soil than in the USA and he tends to roll a bit more like a local than Alex does.  His buddies are mostly Spanish speaking nationals where Alex' best friends are predominately English speaking.  Because of this he is a just a bit more comfortable with using Spanish generally than his sister but both still rock the second language.  He is starting to develop an interest in surfing not that surfing is necessarily "Mexican"...finally!!!!  No soccer yet.  Still loves his Circus and Capoeira and next year he will be joining Alex upstairs with the big kids in Taller 2 at Escuela de Mundo.  He is a Gemini, his favorite color is red, his lucky number is eleven and he likes quiet nights at home playing Clash of Clans and Minecraft.

Trace Turns 8!

Trace turned 8 years old this week.  This year he wanted a low profile gig with only a few good buddies over to swim, eat, watch movies, sleep over and have a water balloon fight.  We really don't think he likes a big birthday event with all the attention on him so a smaller party was a good choice.

Pizza time!

All these boys are school amigos and are locals from Sayulita, San Pancho and Lo de Marcos.  They all come over from time to time and are good guests so we were happy to have them over for the better part of two days.  We fed them full of homemade pizza, cake and pancakes.  Lots of legos, water fights and Iron Man 3.

Water balloon fight anyone?

Alex disappeared quickly when an offer from a friend came in for a sleep over so she was not around long.  Pretty good move on her part since there was really no where to hide from this crew.  Ashley and I did not have that option so we kept pretty much to our room until the boys ended up going to bed...but then half of them wanted to stay up and played with legos until close to 3am.  Lots of trips to the refrigerator and the bathroom all night and more than a few bites from of the leftover cake with lots crumbs and frosting on the floor to prove it.

Shaka bro, cake!

What we like about this year's birthday for Trace is that it was simple.  The boys provided their own entertainment and energy.  They are friends.  Remove the parents(mostly), add water, food and movie and these kids are going to find a way to have a pretty good time.  The chemistry is there for a fun time so let it happen.  That's what they will remember.  Many birthdays we attend here are similar.  Simple, fun, social and energized by those in attendance...and no little specially decorated, packed bag full of crap candy and plastic toys from China to take home at the end of the party.  

The Amigos

I Wonder What He's Thinking

I ran across this picture today and just loved it.  Not sure why I didn't really see it before.  Anyways,  I can stare at this picture and so much goes through my mind, like, "I love his hair in this picture, I could just kiss him to death right now, the lighting that morning sure was beautiful,  those sets rolling in sure do look nice (you can see them by his right arm).  But also I am looking at this picture of my son, who is looking over our balcony at the Sayulita surf when the morning light is so beautiful and I want to know what is going through his head.  Since he is five years old and children are so present in the moment he is probably just looking at the surf because that is what we do in the mornings so we can plan our day or he is wondering where the Chachalacas are because they are making a lot of noise and he is pissed because they woke him up and why isn't my yogurt ready.    I, being a complicated, constantly thinking, oh so hopeful mother and adult, hope that he is thinking, "I am so happy,  I am very lucky and grateful that I am able to grow up here, life is wonderful, isn't this beautiful, I really hope that my parents are able to surf today."

He just came over as I was writing this post and saw the picture and I asked him what he was thinking and he said, "  I was just looking at the ocean, looking at the waves", in the sweetest little voice.  I just love the simplicity and innocence of the children.

If that was you, or your child in this picture we would love to hear what you or what you think or hope your child would be thinking.

Trace!

That's our boy! From the GoPro "dashboard cam" driving through town from a day on the beach near Punta Mita, Mexico.