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You will be dearly missed my surfing sister.

My dear friend Laura Vogel, an incredible surf sister and goddess, has been missing since Feb. 21st.  I miss all her early morning texts  about where t0 go for our morning surf session, I miss her Aloha Spirit in and out of the water and I miss her kind and loving heart. I feel deeply saddened by this but at the same time absolutely grateful that I have had the honor of being her friend. She has taught me gratitude on a whole new level.  Her goal was to be barreled in 2010 and I truly believe that she is catching the wave of her life, deeply positioned in the most perfect barrel. Laura, I love you and miss you buddy! I know I will feel your presence in the ocean.

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Quinoa Tabouleh

Quinoa is a super grain with tons of protein.

Ingredients:

4 cups water
2 cup red quinoa
1 pinch salt
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup lemon juice
3 tomatoes, diced
1 cucumber, diced
2 bunches green onions, diced
2 carrots, grated
1 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:

1. In a saucepan bring water to a boil. Add quinoa and a pinch of salt.
Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Allow to cool to
room temperature; fluff with a fork.
2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine olive oil, sea salt, lemon juice,
tomatoes, cucumber, green onions, carrots and parsley. Stir in cooled
quinoa.

A stand out at our SwellWomen retreats is our very own private chef, Chef Phill DeMott. Chef Phill DeMott comes to us with over 35 years of culinary experience ranging from New Orleans to Thailand and everywhere in between.  If you are looking for private chef services, please contact Chef Phill DeMott at 808.283.1425.

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Just found out that a friend of mine, dear mother had recently passed from a brain aneurysm. She was a yoga teacher in our community and a teacher to many. Life is so precious. Tell someone that you love them, hold someone in your arms today and let them know that they mean the world to you. This is real stuff and reminds me to LIVE. Sending love to Lahar’s family and friends.

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SwellWomen Guest Barrie Schwab created this video of her experience at our women’s surf camp. Thanks Barrie for putting this together for all to enjoy. Click the link below to watch coverage from our Surf and Yoga Retreats from August 09′. I miss you ladies!

Surf and Yoga Retreat Coverage- CLICK HERE. Enjoy!

This is what our August guests had to say about Barrie’s video:

Yes, that was AWESOME Barrie.  And the timing couldn’t have been better…you’ve been my ’swell highlight’ of the week!  Loved it…
Hugs to all,
Betsy

Barrie, that was really nice…thanks for taking me back to the Maui beaches! Best, Nancy

Barrie: That is great! Thank you so much for putting that together, Lisle

Hi Barrie ,
Thanks for much for sharing that with all us, it was very very nice.  It made me miss Maui, and all the great women I had the pleasure of meeting.   (Mike and Phil too)
Since we all were treated like princesses while @ Swellwomen, Amy and I have decided to do the “Princess half marathon in Disney” in March if anyone is interested.  (COME ON MARCI)
My best to everyone, I hope to see some plans floating around for the next surf trip soon.
Kind Regards,
Michelle

Barrie,
What a beautiful little video. I LOVE it! Thank you for putting it all together! It felt like I was back in Maui instantly :)
Hugs!
Valerie

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I promise there will be more surf photos from our Women’s Surf Camp posted soon…here are a couple to hold you over.

Our Morning Surf Commute

No more knee riding for Marci, she stands...a true surfer girl.

From Costa Rica to Maui Hawaii, Surf Mama Michelle truly rips!

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Pop-ups are looking good.

Time to gain some surf knowledge.

Time to practice our ever important 'pop-up'.

At SwellWomen we want our guests to feel comfortable surfing when they leave our retreat…we want to make life long surfers out of these incredible ladies. With that being said, we spend some time each morning reviewing the basics and going over goals for the day. It’s a great way for us to get centered, grounded and geared up for a swell morning surf session. Surf’s up!

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The very best part of a women’s surf camp is you guessed it…surfing! Our guests showed us that this is why they came to Maui…to surf…and that’s exactly what they did. Check out the images below. We scored with the perfect mini-waves to learn on, Maui’s crystal clear waters and a gorgeous sunny day.

Heading out to the water.

Super Star Surfer Susie (say that 5x's fast) is all smiles as she heads out to catch the 'wave of the day'.

Nicole hanging ten...my unfocused picture doesn't do her ride justice. This NY'er rocks.

Susie with the island of Lanai in the background. Just Blissful!

Introducing- THE OCEAN. Thanks for a lovely and unforgetable day.

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Follow our Blog for retreat posts!

It’s that time. My favorite time of the year when all the guests finally arrive after months of interaction via the web. We get to see real live SwellWomen and SwellCo-ed. My favorite things about our retreats; surfing, meeting new people. THE FOOD, and spending time on the west side. I also LOVE to watch the transformation of our guests after a week of being taken care of. It’s incredible. Visit our blog daily for posts at our retreat.

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Technorati Profile

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What day is it in your part of the world? I’m currently following my bliss in the beautiful country of Thailand where it is December 31st, New Year’s Eve. So let SwellWomen be the first to truly wish you a very Blissful New Year. I hope that 2009 brings you a sense of inner peace, love for yourself and others and bliss in the most mundane activities to the most thrilling. Much gratitude from SwellWomen for your support in 2008. Happy Surfing from Thailand!!

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