Costa surf team helps locals during annual Nicaragua trip

By Guadi Rabino

Staff Writer

Surfing by day and dedicating quality time with the locals by night, is what an average day of the surf team consisted of during the week of spring break.

This past spring break, the Mira Costa Surf Team took their annual trip to Nicaragua in order to surf foreign waves and explore unknown ground. Twenty four of the thirty three surf team members attended the trip to Puerto Sandino, Nicaragua to spend a week with the locals.

“We surfed all day in any of the spots in front of the house, or we would take a boat to get to the other places to surf,” junior Amelie Vergnolle said. “ Different kids had brought guitars and, it was really cool that everyone is really musical, and we played on the beach and went night swimming, which was awesome.”

Although most of their week consisted of surfing, eating and naps, the surf team also dedicated a majority of their time to the local 5 to fourteen year olds, in Puerto Sandino. During the night, some of the team members played soccer and basketball with the locals, while others swinged and played soccer with the smaller children.

“It was awesome to get to be a part of these kids’ lives. They were all so independent compared to kids their age around Manhattan Beach,” Vergnolle said. “They went to the park and school by themselves in the dark and talked to older kids and were really sweet and genuine.”

Prior to their trip, several surf team members such as Radl, spent months collecting spare clothing and toys from family, friends and neighbors. Aside from the clothing, the surf team purchased various different school supplies, such as pencils sharpies and notepads, which they planned on distributing to the local elementary school at their arrival.

“Out of the 7 days we were there, we spent 3 or 4 of those playing and interacting with the kids at the school or at the park which they hung out at,” Radl said. “We brought nail polish and all of the girls were so excited when we painted their nails. It was honestly the cutest thing I have ever seen.”

Throughout the week, several members gave away their own possessions as gifts to the locals. Radl gave away possessions such as bracelets and a pair of her sunglasses. Other members, such as Vergnolle, gave away sentimental gifts.

“I had met a boy who was deaf, and had broken his surfboard 4 months ago and was no longer able to surf. I told him to meet me at the beach at 11, because I decided to give him one of the boards I came down with,” Vergnolle said. “I saw him walk up on the beach while I was surfing, and got out of the water to grab the board. He was so happy.”

Aside from the time they spent with the locals, the trip served as a great way for the team to bond said Vergnolle. Everyday after surfing when they weren’t with the locals, the team would gather together at their house in AST La Barra to relax with each other, talk and bond.

“The whole experience of the trip was awesome it was the best week we have ever had,” Vergnolle said. “It was incredible how much we all bonded. We had so much fun it was incredible. I wish I could do it all over again.”