| MAKING WAVES, Feb. 2003 issue: Table of Contents | 
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Las Olas Surf Safaris
 By Nicki Hmielewski When Bev Sanders took up surfing at age 44, she quickly found that in an industry run primarily by men, the needs of women were not being met. A 25-year veteran of the action sports industry, Sanders decided to bring women into the sport of surfing on their own terms and launched Las Olas in 1997. The safaris take place in a small, fishing village in Central Mexico, and are designed to inspire confidence, health, friendship, and fun by shared experience of learning surfing. The usual itinerary includes daily surf and yoga lessons, safaris to secret spots, and even private massage or two. "I like to describe Las Olas as a reverse finishing school," says Sanders. "Where we make girls out of women." The program is also designed to help empower women to excel in life, as well as sports. Sanders feels strongly that the process of empowerment through the connection women make with their environment further enables them to speak up on behalf of their families, communities, and the planet. "Women are instinctive caretakers. I believe that each and every one of us has the untapped potential to make a positive, lasting mark on our earth." Another goal of Las Olas is to introduce women to the notion of activism. Sanders reports hearing stories of the Las Olas experience spilling over into women's lives, inspiring them to become involved in protecting our environment. "Surfers know the ocean as a living breathing thing," she says. "I emphasize that a commitment to the Surfrider Foundation seems like a great way to continue our important mission." In an effort to proactively promote the Surfrider Foundation, Las Olas offers a $100 discount on tuition to active Surfrider members, as well as offering aid in membership outreach activities. To learn more about Las Olas, or if you would like information on their Surf Safaris, visit the Making Waves sponsors page. * * * |