Aloha, I am Angie, one of the NOMB Changes founders and a strong believer that surfing with breast cancer is possible and can really make a difference. I just got back from Galicia (mainland Spain), where I suppported Trancalmate, a yoga&surf retreat for women with/after breast cancer. Packed empowerment in the waves to uplift women and help them to reconnect with their bodies and selfesteem.

Breast cancer is a very challenging journey, one of profound courage, resilience, and transformation. Yet, from this journey, arises an incredible opportunity for rediscovery, strength, and unity. This was evident at the heart of Trancalmate, which was held on the beautiful coastlines of Galicia, exclusively for women who have/are battling breast cancer.

Extraordinary group of women

Five amazing women took part in this yoga & surfing experience: Susa, with her infectious laughter; Birgit, whose determination knew no limits; queen Anke, with her neon appearance; Marina, whose spirit was contagious; and Bianca, an ever-resilient soul. Each has her story, her battles through breast cancer, her victories, and her dreams. I admire their guts to make travel plans and actually travel, knowing that their situations might change within a heartbeat.

A strong retreat team

Anna Götz, a dedicated yoga instructor with an impassioned mission, conceptualized and organized this retreat. She envisioned a space where women could embrace the healing power of the ocean waves and the serene discipline of yoga. And, she wasn’t alone in her quest. Joining her was also kitchen queen Ray Klein, who curated epic gastronomic experiences.

And then there was me, Angie. In my 10 years of surfcoaching experience I have seen and experienced the power of surfing to heal, to challenge, to empower, to feel alive. The list is endless. The past week has once again proven just how beneficial the sport of surfing can be if used as a therapeutic tool. I have seen our ladies rise, overcome their boundries and believe in themselves. A beaming smile on their faces is worth more than all the money in the world. Having our local coach Ramon Alvarez by my side was a massive support for both me and the ladies.

Making surfing with breast cancer possible

Every morning, while it was still dark outside, the chicas would gather for their yoga sessions led by Anna. With the rhythm of crashing waves as their soundtrack, they would move gracefully through their asanas, focusing on the breath, finding inner balance, and drawing strength from one another.

But Trancalmate was not just about the inner journey. It was also about experiencing the power of the beautiful Atlantic ocean. Under the vigilant eyes and patient guidance of myself and Ramon, the group learned to navigate the waves. The ocean, with its ever-changing moods, is a powerful metaphor for life – unpredictable, challenging, but utterly rewarding.

As the ladies stood tall on their boards, shredding the whitewash and faces of the waves, one could witness their metamorphosis to confident surfers. Everyone did so well, from first day beginner to experienced surfer. Each of the ladies had their own goals and tasks to work on but they all shared the passion and power to show that surfing with breast cancer is possible. I am so unbelievably proud of every single one of them!

Our evenings were real fun. After a day of physical exertion, Anna led restorative yoga sessions, allowing the group to wind down, stretch out tired muscles, and immerse themselves in meditation. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the women would share stories, laughter, and memories, with Ray’s culinary masterpieces enhancing the sensory experience. A game or two of Tabu would end the days with giggles and the desire for another beautiful day to come.

Incredible sisterhood

While the backdrop of Galicia, with our stunning home break beach, it’s coastline and the indomitable spirit of the Atlantic, played an majestic role, it was these strong ladies who were the real stars of the retreat. Their stories, woven together by threads of courage, resilience, and hope, served as a testament to the human spirit’s ability to triumph over adversity.

One could feel the strength of community and friendship throughout the week. Whether they were cheering each other on as they caught a wave or supporting each other during a challenging yoga pose, strong bonds were forming. The group shared more than just their breast cancer journeys; they shared dreams, hopes, fears, and above all, an unyielding zest for life.

Surfing waves of therapeutical benefits

Surfing, at its core, can be a lot more than just riding waves; it can also be a form of therapy, offering physical and mental health benefits. Engaging with the dynamic and ever-changing ocean is an immersive experience, connecting the surfer with the raw, untamed elements of nature. This connection fosters mindfulness, as the surfer must remain present, responding to the constantly changing patterns of the waves.

Physically, surfing demands strength, coordination, and balance, providing a full-body workout that enhances cardiovascular health, muscle tone, and flexibility. The repeated act of paddling strengthens the upper body, while navigating and riding waves improves core and leg strength.

Mentally, the rhythmic motion of the waves and the sheer focus required to surf have a meditative quality. This can alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, promoting a sense of calm and tranquility. The ocean itself, vast and serene, offers a perspective that can dwarf personal problems, giving individuals a fresh viewpoint on challenges they face.

The communal aspect of surfing fosters a sense of belonging, as surfers often share waves, stories, and camaraderie. In essence, surfing is a holistic therapy, offering a harmonious blend of physical exertion, mental rejuvenation, and soulful connection.

We at NOMB Changes believe in the power of surfing and are using it as a tool to create positive change. Trancalmate is a perfect example of how surfing, instructed in the right way, can be of incredible benefit. The past week showed our ladies that surfing with/after breast cancer is possible, and a lot of fun.

Fun activities apart from yoga and surfing

There were a lot of other things to experience during Trancalmate, other than surfing and yoga. Exploring the old town of Pontevedra, enjoying nature on Illa de Arousa, visiting a wooden surfboard factory, surf theory sessions, rubbish collection on the beach, sunsets, drysurf sessions when it was pouring down raining outside, walking on the beach, drinking coffees in la Curva, or simply relaxing. The week had it all.

Creating change in the life of our participants

As the retreat came to an end, there was a shared sentiment of gratitude and empowerment. Susa, Birgit, Anke, Marina, Bianca, Anna, Ray and myself, we all left Galicia with renewed vigor, epic memories, and a feeling of sisterhood that will stick around for a long time to come.

Reflecting on the past week I can say that I am beyond proud of each and every participant. These women have faced life’s harshest challenges, yet they’ve emerged stronger, more unified, and radiantly alive. This retreat was not just about yoga or surfing; it was about reclaiming oneself and celebrating life. I am honoured and very thankful to have been a part of the past week.

While the waves of life can be unpredictable and challenging, with the right tribe and the right spirit, one can ride them with grace and resiliance. I am looking forward to Trancalmate Vol.3 (Sep 2024) to keep creating positive change through surfing.

Juhu, I’m Chicken, one of the founders of this great association and the brain behind this surf event in Bern.

I live in Switzerland, in beautiful Lucerne to be precise, and work here as a pastor at the Reformed Church. We pastors know each other across parishes, and so some time ago I was asked by the parish of Köniz and invited to organize a surf day for families with children and young people together with them. My reputation as a surfer and founder of NOMB Changes probably precedes me.

A day should be organized on the subject of waves of life, connected to the important values ​​of equality and equal opportunities. On a warm August day, NOMB Changes was a guest in the municipality of Köniz, in the beautiful Swiss city of Bern.

Reunion at the setting up the surf event

In the morning I was up early, the anticipation of finally seeing the NOMB Changes team again and working together was so great. Since the four of us (Annette, Angie, Doro and I) all live in different places or countries, every meeting is a gift and is celebrated.

Our reunion in the parking lot of the public swimming pool was correspondingly intense. Lots of hugs, laughter and, of course, a little bit of Schabernack could not be missing. In order to prepare and coordinate the surf event in peace, we met a few hours beforehand. Together with Pastor Philipp Kohli we built up and started the surf day motivated.

Get on the boards and let’s go

Shortly after the first balance boards, pedalos and other balancing devices were set up on the square, the first children were already balancing across the pool square, with beaming faces and filled hearts. The event hadn’t even officially started yet.

You can imagine our anticipation. NOMB Changer Annette was tireless in helping children to balance, providing information and spreading good cheer. And before you know it, the surf event was in full swing.

Equal opportunities in water and on land

It was particularly pleasing that many girls and young women felt attracted to surfing. Girls of all ages enthusiastically romped around the balance landscape and queued up to start paddling on the surfboards in the pool. Fears and insecurities of being in the water were addressed and overcome, proud eyes twinkled around us. Seeing that confirmed to me right away that we can make something important happen here.

We believe in equal opportunities and inclusion, values ​​that are reflected in all our projects. When we saw a young boy watching us with his mother at the edge of the pool, while his sister was busy paddling through the pool, we approached the two and invited them to take part. For us, disabilities, whether physical or mental, are no reason not to be able to enjoy surfing. On the contrary. We are convinced of the positive impact that surfing has as a therapeutic tool. The happy squeaking of our surfer confirmed this once more.

Great fun on the surfboards

Equal rights and equal opportunities were talked about and discussed with interested parents while surfboards were gliding over the water next door. Our NOMB changers in the water, surf coaches Angie and Lindis, were not given a break. The motivation of the children and young people could be felt and all courses were fully booked. Spontaneously interested children were of course also allowed to go on the board for a short time, and so there was a lot of paddling in the pool for beginners.

On the meadow next to the balance landscape, the first children and young people practiced the pop-up, which gave them the perfect preparation for surfing in the water, so that they could really perform on the surfboard in the pool. But even without pop-up training, all participants made it onto the surfboard or SUP. At the end of each course, everyone was allowed to squeeze onto the SUP together and do a few fun laps through the pool.

A happy team of NOMB Changers

As confirmation that they had been participating, everyone received a NOMB Changes sticker tattoo, which many children were particularly proud of. Siii, the NOMB Changer Community is constantly growing. In addition, there were Polaroid photos by star photographer and NOMB Changer Miris, who captured important moments and memories for the participants of this surfing event.

A relaxed atmosphere, beaming faces, laughter and shouts of joy filled the Badi with lots of positive vibes. Especially when, thanks to a rubbish campaign, the public pool was freed from the little rubbish that had been collected by the participating young people. The preservation of creation is also important to us in the outdoor pool! The prize was a NOMB Changes shirt, which was worn proudly.

A successful surf event far away from the sea

An unforgettable experience for young and old. Of course, surfing is not the same outside the sea, but even without waves, the sport of surfing can move a lot. This wonderful day showed me again that surfing is an important tool to initiate lasting changes. Through the connection with surfing and nature, in the individual and in society.

Big thanks goes out to the local pastor Philipp. Thanks for your trust and support, we feel honoured to have joined you and your community.