Breast Cancer recovery

 Physical & Mental Wellbeing

#Trancalmate is a mix of the Spanish words calmate (relax) and tranquillo (calm). The perfect name of a yoga & surf trip which we co-organize and fund in Galicia (Northwest Spain) in September every year.  #Trancalmate is carefully designed for women with breast cancer and/or the genetic mutation BRCA I and II.

Having undergone aggressive treatment and even surgery, breast cancer patients face physical and mental difficulties, often leaving them with an uncertain feeling about their body and strength. The idea of #Trancalmate is to enhance the physical and mental wellbeing of the participants through surfing and yoga.

Mastering the waves, being immersed in the ocean and feeling it’s energy, surfing has proven to be of great therapeutical use. We can only think one thought at the time. In the ocean, everything revolves around the water, leaving pain, anxiety and worries apart and replacing those negative feelings with joy, confidence and happiness, caused by the emission of adrenaline in our body.

Yoga is a practice that connects us with our body through awareness and breathing. Generating a better understanding and acceptance of our physical form.

The trip is organized by Anna Goetz (specialized in Yoga for breast cancer patients), journalist Rahel Klein and our founder Angie Ringleb (specialized in surfcoaching including surfers with physical and mental disabilities). The three are joined by local surfcoach Ramon Alvarez who supplies his local knowledge and all surf equipment.

Six incredible surfer ladies make their ways down to the homebase on the Northwest coast of Galicia. Everyone with her own personal history and with the desire to live life to the fullest. Surfing is a sport that makes you touch your boundaries but also gives you the opportunity to redefine them. And that’s what our participants are doing. All in their own pace and abilities but all with an immense strength and willpower. Accompanied in the water by experienced surf coaches Angie and Ramon, guided on land by empathetic Anna, nourished by star chef Rahel who runs the kitchen.

The results and effects of #Trancalmate start to show on the first day and are longlasting (the ladies still come together regularly). We see our participants suffer, dealing with their fears, traumas and physical boundaries. But more than that, we see them grow. We see them regain confidence about their bodies. We see them start to believe in themselves again. We see them laugh. We see them filled with joy. We see them become friends. The list of positive effect is endless. Here are some impressions so you can see for yourself.

What happens next

Having made such a difference in the life of these ladies during the past two years, we have decided to turn #Trancalmate into an annual event. We would like to give more women affected by breast cancer and/or BRCA I and II, the chance to heal through surfing & yoga.

#Trancalmate Vol. 3 will be in September 2024, again in Galicia. If you are interested in joining, please get in touch with us anytime.

In order to make this trip accessible for everyone, even for women with a low income, we depend on donations to lower the trip fee. If you feel like you want to support #Trancalmate and make a positive change in someones life, please get in touch.

Stay tuned for more info about #Trancalmate and how you can support it: