northern nicaragua 2016

I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Northern Nicaragua this past January and participate in the Surf With Amigas surf and yoga retreat! Above is a peek at some of the essentials from my packing list. Akela Surf had just released these super cute surf shorts, featuring my artwork! It was fun to see my design come to life on swimwear, as well as have the liberty to test it out in action!

I had the pleasure of meeting new friends from all over the world, including Australia, Slovakia, Venezuela, Barcelona, Canada, and every time zone of the US! Despite our vast backgrounds, everyone united over their love of surfing. The surfers ranged from beginner to intermediate level (with former competitive coaches), so it was a great opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone! As you can see above, we had quite the quiver! I rode a thick short board and switched to a funboard once my arms turned to noodles!

Just minutes from my bed awaited this beautiful, warm, and uncrowded surf at Manzana, Chinandega.

Yours truly, going backside on a cute one!

The paddle out!

Beautiful wild hibiscus adorned the countryside. 

Going left on a bigger day!

Cattle crossing on the beach.

Hiking up Cerro Negro volcano, with the girls. Courtney leading the pack!

Adorable eco friendly cabanas at Coco Loco Resort.

A lovely historic church I passed while exploring Leon, Nicaragua.

Going frontside.

Working on my pumping.

Dropping in on a bigger day in the Bay.

Kim, myself, Emily, and Hilary riding on the "people mover" on our way to dinner.

A group shot of all of the lovely and empowering ladies I had the pleasure of sharing this experience with!

akela surf swimwear

I couldn't be more excited! I just received the first prototype bikini top from my Akela Surf Flamingo print collection! I had the pleasure of taking it for a spin on my last surf trip to Southern California! Many thanks to the awesome Akela Surf family!

Ali Kurzeja wearing the Marilyn top from her Akela Surf Flamingo collection after a surf in Cardiff.

Akela Surf Ali Kurzeja collection "Marilyn" top.

Checking out the waves at Ocean Beach.

Ali Kurzeja's Akela Surf Flamingo print

A peek from the Akela Surf catalog!

Akela Surf website artist page

Mere-Made surf shaper sporting the Society Short in my pattern collection.

akela surf flamingo print

I'm debuting my new flamingo and floral pattern for Akela Surf! It will be used on their 2015 summer line of surf wear and bikinis! I couldn't be more excited! These are my first color versions, soft and vintage inspired. More to come on the next post!

Mint Color version of my Akela Surf pattern.

Turquoise color version of my pattern featuring the Akela skull and surf fin logo amongst the flowers and flamingo.

surf photo journaling

When I first moved to the Midwest, I was pretty devastated to leave behind the coast & beach culture I loved so dearly. Upon moving to Cleveland, I was enthralled to meet a small group of like-minded surfers. Yes, Ohioan surfers! We formed our own little community and The Wagner Surf Club was born. Each Spring we take an annual trip to Southern California to catch some waves and fill up on burritos. Below are a few photos I scrapbooked together of our escapades. More to come soon! All photos by moi, unless otherwise mentioned. To learn more about Cleveland surfers check out the award winning film, Out of Place.

Clockwise: 1. Yours truly getting worked (photo by Mike Lembke) 2. Desert flowers 3. Vince Labbe and his stylish ways 4. Cardiff By the Sea

Clockwise: 1. Miss Ali Kurzeja (photo by Marikate Workman) 2. Life Guard stand in Encinitas 3. Surfy Surfy window shopping 4. Succulents 

Clockwise: 1. Catching my last ride in 2. Marikate Workman and I about to head out 3. Ranuncula 4. Mk & I being kelp mermaid queens (all photos by Scott Ditzenberger, except the flower of course)