Seea x Surf With Amigas Costa Rica Retreat

Jackie George is an all around incredible human who is always seeking adventure and connection to nature. She has spent her life teaching surfing, lifeguarding, studying cultural geography, and traveling. Jackie is also a mother to two lovely children and one of the coolest surf moms we know! As a long-term friend of Seea's, it was truly a dream to go on this retreat with Jackie and Surf With Amigas. Thanks to Jackie for being such an inspiration, leading us on this incredible adventure, and always sharing so much wisdom. Enjoy! 

Photos by Cara Bram and Monica Gavaris

1. What made the trip a success, and how does the SWA ethos play into that?

A SWA x Seea collaboration trip has been a long time coming. Our brands are aligned in so many ways and we’ve been working together in some capacity for about 10 years now! In general, I think the *women supporting women* and *frothing out in the ocean together* aspects of both brands came together for the most epic surf trip. The general badassery of the Seea girls and SWA team added a level of competence that is so inspiring!

2. What was a day in the life in Costa Rica with SWA like?

Early morning coffee and light breakfast in the dark. Load up boards and head out for early morning surf to different spots and surf ALL DAY. Most days we had brunch delivered to us at the beach and go home for a late lunch. Afternoon yoga and some photo shoots or activities and then a post sunset dinner. It was tricky to fit it all in each day but we pulled it off!

(Left) The Seea crew enjoying local delicious juices! (Middle) Everyone loading up the trucks between sessions. (Right) Jackie, her son, and another little one on the way relaxing after a surf session. What a cool mom! 

3. Can you describe some of the members of the Costa Rica Seea x SWA crew?

Oh wow what a crew! 

I was super stoked to reconnect with Jo Pickett- a salty surf legend that I traveled with when I first moved to Central America 13 years ago. She gave me some great advice for surfing pregnant- Lead with your belly like the old guys in Hawaii! The two other contest winners, Farmy and Annabelle, were really rad as well and fun to connect with. 

Spending time and surfing with Leah, Rosie, and Mele was super inspiring. I knew those girls rip… but it was next level to see them shred in person during a real swell. We scored waves that week and got PROPER surfed out. I loved watching Leah surf these waves differently than anyone. Her style is truly unique- and she charges! Rosie and Mele’s technical skills and graceful styles truly blew me away. It was so frothy surfing with those girls!

I have been working with Amanda (Seea's designer and founder) for years, but this week we really got to hang out and surf together. I love seeing her creative energy in action and seeing the vibe that inspires the Seea collections. Summer is a great connector of SWA and Seea. She worked at Seea for many years and is now on our team and a great friend of mine. It was so special seeing her put on both hats so powerfully.

4. Can you describe the best surf days? What did it feel like to surf on those days? 

There were a few sessions, once the swell arrived, that really stuck in my memory. We scored!

One of the best surf days we had was when we went on a boat trip. I debated not going, because I had a fairly rough pregnancy and knew it was a good idea to pace myself. Ultimately, I wasn’t going to miss out on this epic surf day. The day before, we had some funky wind and didn’t even surf. I had a feeling it would be similar the next day, which meant it would be offshore across the way.  Pulling up to the spot on the boat to see perfect glass and lines rolling down the point was so frothy. We surfed our brains out that day. Everyone was exhausted, sunburned, and totally surfed out. Then we had three more epic days of surf to follow!

Surf With Amigas retreat leaders ripping! (Left to right) Angie Medina, Jackie George, and Summer Nelson.

5. What was it like surfing while pregnant, and how are you doing now that you've had your second kid?

I won’t lie, surfing pregnant can be really frustrating! It’s tricky when your body doesn’t cooperate the way it normally does. Ultimately, I’m grateful that I was still surfing for this trip. My bump was small back then, but it was still noticeable when I laid on my board. I just had my baby girl just two weeks ago, so I’m still a couple weeks away from getting back in the water, but I can’t wait! I know this season I’ll be frothier than ever after a long year of being pregnant.

Jackie surfing while pregnant with her second child!

6. What should people know when planning a surf trip to Costa Rica? What should people pack or be prepared for?

Keep an open mind! Respect the locals, drink tons of water, and wear [reef/ocean friendly] sunscreen!

7. How do you build confidence in the water and what is it like to be a surf instructor/run a retreat?

I think the best way to build confidence in the water is to get out there. Put in your time in the ocean surfing and swimming, and at the beach checking the waves and just looking at the ocean. Becoming a strong water-woman takes time and dedication and humility. Surfing is a lifelong journey and there will surely be ups and downs along the way. Enjoy the ride- it’s so worth it. 

I love running retreats and working with people in the water. We have a ton of fun! There’s nothing better than watching someone fall in love with the ocean and feeling empowered to push the limits of their comfort zone, safely. For me, that’s where I thrive. I love the adrenaline of finding our edges of comfort and the thrill of expanding that zone.

Jackie and Summer hanging in the water between sets. 

8. Anything else that people should know about the SWA x Seea trip or your retreats with SWA? :)

Every week is unique, and this week was no different. Just know that the smiles you’ll see in the campaign photos were genuine! We truly had the best time and I’d love to do it again!

Thank you so much to Jackie George and the entire Surf With Amigas team for creating the trip of a lifetime and welcoming all of us into your world! Please check outSurf With Amigas and consider going on a retreat with them! It is truly an unforgettable experience!