GIRLS WHO RIDE MAG #08 (English)

GIRLS WHO RIDE #08 I APR - JUN 16

GRETCHEN BLEILER

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THE cover

photo @Cole Barash

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gretchen bleiler

5x Winter X-games medalist 1x Winter Olympic Silver medalist

Gretchen Bleiler was born on April 10, 1981. She is a snowboarding veteran and is one of the most accomplished snowboarders in the world.

Besides being a two time Olympic athlete, Gretchen is an Olympic silver medalist, a World Superpipe Champion and four time X Games gold medalist. She is the winner of the ESPY award for Best Female Action Sports Athlete and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year. Her career as a snowboarder has given Gretchen first-hand experience with the effects of climate change around the world, which is why she is using her platform to act as an environmental advocate. She is also the a founder of ALEX - a company designed to shift habits and consciousness towards a more sustainable and healthy world.

Gretchen lives in Aspen, Colorado and is sponsored by Aspen/Snowmass, ALEX bottle, Bulletproof Coffee, and Mission Athlete Care.

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THIS issue #08 Fashion by CAT

06 14 34 52 58 Wave Girls

Gretchen Bleiler

Christin Rose - She Plays, We Win

Fashion by Ericeira Surf & Skate

Ishita Malavaya

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74 92 106 114 118 Travel Journal - Peru

Mad Sea

Rita Vieira - Enduro & Trial

Roller Derby - Team Portugal

Nutrition by Raquel Neto

EDIT

This year, the snow season has been way smaller than we

We also highlight the new project from Marta Leit達o and

expected. It started snowing in March, and we could hardly

Rita Dur達es, two wave passionate girls, that share some

even see it. So we decided to launch this April edition ded-

ideas and stories to anyone who want to have a healthier

icated to snow and Gretchen Bleiler, an iconic snowboard

lifestyle.

athlete, an activist concerned about global warming, and a part of POW (Protect Our Winters), to understand what we

We travel to Peru with Lisa Marques journal and to Madeira

can do to reduce our footprint in the planet and stop global

with Mad Sea.

warming.

But there is plenty more to read and see in this edition: Still worrying about the environment, we spoke with Ishita

roller derby, fashion photography, and nutrition.

Malavaya, the first woman surfer in India and her project The Shakra Surf Club, that tries through surf to contribute

Hope you like it, and like usual, Keep Riding Girls!

to the community and the planet.

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Š Pedro Lopes GWR MAG 6 |

“We can say that over the years we have had the privilege of influencing people to change their life habits. That’s our start! Why not to put our ideas together, and share them? Health is our most valuable treasure, and we must preserve it, as much as we can. For that, we follow the “Keep in shape” ideal, body and mind, and we found the words to say it: “Fit to Live”

Marta Leitão, Bodyboard athlete and journalist, Rita Durães, surfer, with a degree in Sports education.

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MARTA I’m 33 years old, and I have been bodyboarding for 12 years, I started competing in 2007 until now, and I’m also a Bodyboard coach. I have been practicing sports forever, and I basically like to keep active. I’ve been a journalist at SPORTLIFE for 10 years, so sport is present in every moment of my life -. I love to travel with my board!

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I’m 34 years old and I have a degree in Sports Education. I’ve also been surfing since 2011.

I’ve grown up in a family deeply connected to sport and I started going to the gym at 3 years old, practicing until my 30’s. I’ve always worked in coaching and personal development. I’m also passionate about travelling and photography

RITA GWR MAG 9 |

waves Everything that has to do with sports and waves

training Training tips and habits

health Our concerns and research in this area

people People that inspire us in the sea, training, and life.

our beach Its really our beach, and the things we like: travel, music, fashion, books, ...

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Š Daniel Fernandes | Rider: Marta GWR MAG 11 |

LAUNCH - WOMEN’S DAY

IDEA

Being written by two women, though the contents are not exclusive to the female audience, we believe we will reach mainly women that share our lifestyle. So, it made every sense to launch it on Women’s day, it was kind of a celebration for being a women!

We have both thought about writing a blog where we could share our ideas and knowledge. Though we have a lot in common, we are totally different, so it sounded like a really good idea to create it together, bringing different perspectives and life experiences. The fact that we started working together made us move from ideas to action, and it had a synergy effect.

© Pedro Lopes GWR MAG 12 |

Š Margarida Kol de Carvalho | Rider: Rita

GOAL

PARTNERSHIPS

We want to transmit interesting content, while promoting the image of active and healthy women. And may that be an inspiration for all women to find their way, be fit for life, and always have fun.

The image component is very important for us, so we have counted on help from a couple of friends to produce images and videos. We will look for specialists in several areas that we approach so we can always have quality content.

http://wavegirls.pt/

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GRETCHEN

BLEILER

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© Cole Barash GWR MAG 15 |

Gretchen Bleiler was born on April 10, 1981. She is a snowboarding veteran and is one of the most accomplished snowboarders in the world.

Besides being a two time Olympic athlete, Gretchen is an Olympic silver medalist, a World Superpipe Champion and four time X Games gold medalist. She is the winner of the ESPY award for Best Female Action Sports Athlete and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year. Her career as a snowboarder has given Gretchen first-hand experience with the effects of climate change around the world, which is why she is using her platform to act as an environmental advocate. She is also the a founder of ALEX - a company designed to shift habits and consciousness towards a more sustainable and healthy world.

Gretchen lives in Aspen, Colorado and is sponsored by Aspen/Snowmass, ALEX bottle, Bulletproof Coffee, and Mission Athlete Care.

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Š Cole Barash

© Cole Barash GWR MAG 17 |

You grew up in Ohio, far from the mountains and snowboarding, then you moved to Aspen, Colorado and got into snowboarding. What motivated you to get started in this sport?

Since I was 7 years old, I wanted to be an Olympian. When I watched the Olympics as a little girl, what I loved the most — regardless of who won or didn’t win — was that every day the Olympians lived their lives with passion, commitment, and discipline and because of that, they lived extraordinary lives. I decided that is what I wanted for my life, too.

I didn’t know how I was going to become an Olympian, but I grew up in a very active family and sports were a big part of our lives.

My brothers and I were on the swim and diving team, we played soccer, softball, basketball, and tennis. You name it, and we did it. I also felt most myself when I was involved in sports. So the only way I knew I could one day achieve my dream, was by playing, running, kicking, swimming, and diving as best I could, whenever I could. It wasn’t about beating others, it was about working each day on becoming the best version of myself. When I was 10 years old my family moved from Ohio to Colorado and in the move, my dream didn’t fade, it just shifted. I turned in my swimsuit and cap for ice hockey pads and skates, and I turned in

my tennis racket and shoes for some baggy pants and a snowboard. Ironically, I started snowboarding far before it was an Olympic sport and before it was allowed on most mountain resorts, or even considered a sport at all. In the early 90s snowboarding was a movement, a culture, and a way of being in the world.

There were no rules and regulations, the riders were the ones defining what was possible and the tricks that were being created. Snowboarding was about creativity and stepping outside of society’s norms and ideas of what was possible. Just as important, it was also a community of people who encouraged and supported one another. There was a real camaraderie amongst the riders. So even though, at the time, it conflicted with my core dream of becoming an Olympian, these were also core values that were vital to my journey.

So that’s why I chose snowboarding, because it represented a way of life that I wanted to live just like becoming an Olympian did. In 1998 snowboarding was inducted into the Winter Olympics for the first time, and that’s when those two worlds came together and I set off onto my journey of becoming an Olympic snowboarder.

© Cole Barash GWR MAG 18 |

© Cole Barash GWR MAG 19 |

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© Cole Barash GWR MAG 21 |

© Cole Barash

© Cole Barash GWR MAG 22 |

What was the biggest challenge you found when starting in this sport?

My biggest challenge was actually learning how to compete. Most people think that you just compete and you’re either good at it or not. But I found that’s not really the case.

I had to learn how to compete. I had to choke and crack under the pressure, before I got so frustrated and disturbed that I decided to really reflect on why I would ride so well in practice but then fall in competition.

I had to really crack into the mental aspect of competition and understand my own limiting beliefs and tendencies that were preventing me from tapping into my full potential. This helped me uncover core beliefs and aspects of myself that helped me transcend those things that were holding me back.

What is the feeling you get when riding, and what do you like most about this sport?

Snowboarding has always given me a sense of freedom, creativity, meaning and purpose. For most of my life, snowboarding has been a vehicle for me to learn, grow and access my hidden potential — while at the same time inspiring others to go out and live their own dreams and unlock their own capacities for joy, creativity, and success — however that looks in their lives.

We know you are a big activist and concerned about climate change and the environment. Why and when did you become aware of this huge problem for our planet?

After I won a silver medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics, I realized that I would always have a platform and therefore a responsibility to use it for good. Being a pro snowboarder, I’ve traveled around the world chasing snow, year-round, for the past 15 years. With this experience, I’ve seen the effects of climate change occurring around our globe first hand.

So I decided that I had a unique angle to speak about climate change in an authentic way — that was different from a climate scientist or a politician — in order to raise awareness and help influence change. I’ve been working with Protect Our Winters as a member of the Rider’s Alliance as well as being a board member since 2009.

POW is an organization that is bringing together the entire winter sports community under one banner as a voice for WINTER, the sports we love, and the wild places that have brought so much to our everyday lives.

Join us and become a member at protectourwinters.org.

© Cole Barash GWR MAG 23 |

© Cole Barash

In 2014 you announced your retirement from competition, after four X Games gold medals, one silver medal in the Winter Olympics, and many other accolades.

How did you feel, announcing this, and what led you to this decision?

In 2012 I had a really break out season where I was tapping into a whole other level of riding that I had never attained before in my career. That summer I was training on the trampoline with my coach in order to learn double cripplers and I had a bad accident where I shattered my eye socket, broke my nose, and suffered a serious concussion. I had to have surgery and I suffered from double vision and severe concussion symptoms for a long time.

After coming back from that accident, I felt like I was changed. All of a sudden I had a completely different relationship to competition. I no longer cared about winning, I just cared about getting back to that level of riding that I had begun to tap into before my accident. And so that was my new goal, to get back to the level I knew I was capable of attaining. In the final US Olympic qualifier in Mammoth, CA, I landed a run in practice that felt like that level I had been striving for, and with that, I also knew that my competitive career was over, because my heart was no longer in it.

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I thought about just being done right then and there, but decided that I wanted to finish my competitive career in my hometown — Aspen, CO — at the event that had really launched the success of my entire career, the X Games.

Announcing my retirement from competition was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make, but I knew I had to have the courage to move forward even though I didn’t know what the future had in store for me. Sometimes the hardest choices we make in life are the ones where we know we’ve become comfortable in what we’ve been doing and because of it we also know in our hearts that it’s time to adventure outside of that place once more.

Giving ourselves the space to do this takes a lot of courage and it’s scary, because it’s scary to step out into the unknown. But in doing so, we make room for what we are becoming. If my snowboarding career has taught me anything, it’s that there is great joy, freedom, and breakthroughs waiting for you in the unknown!

Snowboarding is, and will always be, a big part of my life.

It’s a way for me to continue to explore, adventure out in nature, to learn, grow, and step outside of my comfort zone.

Now I just do it more on a splitboard as opposed to the halfpipe.

© Cole Barash

© Cole Barash GWR MAG 25 |

© Cole Barash GWR MAG 26 |

How did you feel winning your first Olympic Medal? We honors in my life and an experience that I continue to carry know you’ve dreamed about it since you were a kid! with me wherever I go, in whatever I do.

Can you tell us a bit more about this dream of yours?

What is the hardest part of being a professional snowWhen my dream of becoming an Olympian collided with my boarder? love of the counterculture-snowboard lifestyle and movement, I knew that it was a match made in heaven for me. I I think people get confused with what it means to live your had to work really hard to make my dream of becoming an dream and your passion. A lot of people say that when Olympian come true. Along the way, I had a lot of ups and you’re doing what you love you won’t have to work a day downs, injuries, victories, and lessons along the way. And in your life. I don’t necessarily agree with that! When we’re because of all of those experiences, I was 100% prepared doing what we love, we work a million times harder. when I got there. I’ve always been a nervous competitor and I remember one of my biggest worries was that I would Because when we’re doing what we love, only we know be too nervous to enjoy my experience. Because I knew what we’re really capable of, and because of that we’re my tendencies at that point,I decided that my number one driven to push ourselves, learn, improve and grow to reach goal was to enjoy my entire Olympic experience no matter that potential we know exists within us. But because we what happened. I chose not to focus on getting a medal or believe in what we’re doing, and it’s coming from a deeper even winning, but that enjoying myself and taking it all in purpose, it doesn’t necessarily feel like work. But it’s still hard and challenging! We just get very good at being chalwas the point. lenged! Every time I competed, I always questioned why I Because of that goal, I did enjoy every second, have zero made myself go through this torture. But after the contest regrets and as a result I also walked away with an Olympic was over, I would always feel so good and I was glad that I silver medal. To compete on the world’s stage and drop into had pushed myself to go through that experience, face my the halfpipe at the Olympics representing my country, every fears and see what I was made of. single person who ever helped me get there, and a way of life that is so meaningful to me, was one of the greatest

© Cole Barash GWR MAG 27 |

How do you see womens snowboarding worldwide?

Do you think there are more opportunities for girls these days, and that the sport is going down the right path for equality?

The reality is, there are less opportunities for athletes to get endorsements in general in snowboarding right now because of the effects climate change is having on the snow sports industry as a whole (another reason why POW’s efforts are so critical right now). I’m seeing brands really focus on fewer and fewer athletes which in some ways feels like it’s really pushing everyone and progressing the level of riding at a fast pace and challenging everyone to create their own opportunities.

You’ve got girls like Chloe Kim and Hailey Langley, who are really young and exploding at this really high level right off the bat, and then you also have women like Leanne Pelosi and the Full Moon Project crew taking their destiny into their own hands and creating their own showcase for womens snowboarding by leveraging fans and crowdfunding. I think at this point it’s really up to women to get creative, push the sport, and make their own opportunities, versus relying on some outside source or brand for their success.

choosing a culture and a spirit that is so valuable in this world today. So be the best ambassador that you can be!

Define your own rules, be creative, be respectful, dance to the beat of your own drum and never forget to have fun every day and enjoy the journey of working towards your goals.

One of your concerns has always been a healthy and inspired lifestyle. What do you do to keep motivated, healthy, and inspired?

It’s not so much something that I do, but more something that I’ve discovered about myself. At the 2003 X Games, I uncovered for the first time in my life, a core inspiration and purpose unique to me, that ultimately helped me transcend my own fears and doubts and tap into my full potential helping me win my first X Games, but more importantly it became an anchor in all that I did and was largely responsible for my entire career success.

I believe that when we discover the larger purpose behind what we are doing, and how it helps and serves others, we are able to do things from an effortless flow.

Success, wins, and opportunities are all a natural spin off of What advice would you give to girls that are starting living from that place. Snowboarding was a vehicle for me to snowboard, and dream of walking the path to being to learn, grow and discover my own hidden potentials and pro? at the same time it was my intention to spark and inspire others in the development of their own full potential. With One of my biggest pieces of advice is to figure out why you that intention in mind, there was no room for fear or doubt. I want to be a pro snowboarder? Come up with a purpose could just do the best that I could and that mentality helped that will fuel you to go out and practice, work on getting bet- me do things I never imagined. ter no matter the conditions, no matter the circumstances, and no matter how you’re feeling. Being pro is tough, but it’s Who is your biggest inspiration in life? also one of the most rewarding Experiences. When you choose this path, you’re also My mom role modeled the behavior necessary for me to

© Cole Barash GWR MAG 28 |

© Cole Barash GWR MAG 29 |

"

choices

We believe that it’s the small everyday that take us from ordinary to extraordinary.

find

and changes

changes

the small in your life that you’ve been wanting to make and commit to making them every day. Remember to enjoy this and to celebrate yourself

everyday journey

for focusing on what makes you

© Cole Barash GWR MAG 30 |

extraordinary! "

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know what living an extraordinary life looked like, and also the risks you have to take in order to really live it. After my parents got divorced, she decided that she wanted a new life for us. So, she got a job opportunity in Aspen, CO and as a single mom she took her four kids and her large yellow lab and drove us out to Aspen in our Toyota Previa minivan with a Uhaul attached to the back, and created a new life and a new future for us. That took huge courage and a huge vision. It was also very outside of the norm. No one really could understand the choice she was making except for her. She knew this was the best move for us and so she did it despite her own fears and doubts. It’s because of this that I was able to also take a risk and pursue my dream of becoming an Olympic snowboarder.

Right out of high school I had to make one of the hardest choices of my life. I always worked really hard in school to get good grades so that I could go to a good college. I was at a crossroads to do what was expected or pursue my dream. I had to find the courage to go after what was in my heart and what I knew was the right choice for me. I took a leap and chose my dream of becoming an Olympic snowboarder and chose not to go to college. © Chris Hotell

Tell us one thing we don’t know about you!

I make my bed everyday!

Any projects you are currently working on, that you would like to share with us?

My husband and I started a company called ALEX which stands for Always Live Extraordinary. It’s a company designed to shift habits and consciousness towards healthy and sustainable living and we’re doing this through innovative products, events, education and environmental advocacy.

Our first product is ALEX bottle which is a stainless steel reusable bottle that unscrews in the middle for easy cleaning, it compacts to half it’s size for easy storage and travel, and we have an assortment of awesome colors allowing you to customize your bottle to fit your individual style. ALEX makes living a sustainable lifestyle simple, efficient and cool. We did a Kickstarter campaign which was a huge success, and now you can get ALEX bottle on our website at alexbottle.com.

© Cole Barash GWR MAG 32 |

Our culture at ALEX is built on the idea of taking time for adventure and exploration, for always finding the WHY behind what we’re doing, living a healthy lifestyle, and choosing happiness every day. We’re using ALEX as a vehicle to share that message with the world.

always live extraordinary

p: Shea Perkins

ALEX is the first ever stainless steel reusable bottle that unscrews in the middle for easy cleaning, compacts small for storage, and can be customized to fit your style.

ALEX is our example of how a single change can create a shift from ordinary to extraordinary.

Share your adventures with @alex_bottle and show us how you #AlwaysLiveExtraordinary.

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Š Christin Rose | Riders: Sky Brown & Vianez Morales GWR MAG 34 |

photography

she plays we win Interview with photographer

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Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m spontaneous. I love art of any kind. And a nothing makes me happier than a country concert on a sunny day. I strive to bring a playful & free spirit attitude to life in general & of course my photo shoots! I’m inspired by fearless women, my home-state of Oregon, & Traveling (especially by way of a sailboat). My boyfriend (photographer River Jordan) & I spent the better half of 2015 living on a sailboat in Marina Del Rey, we will definitely do that again in this lifetime!

When did you decide you wanted to make photography your career?

To tell you the truth, it’s been my dream since I can even remember. I would say age 14 was when I got my first camera was when I really got the party started! All that to say, it wasn’t until I was a freshmen in college when I was struggling to figure out my place in the world that it all really “clicked” You see, I played 3 sports in high school, softball being my strongest, I thought about playing in college but opted not too, so that initial transition when I arrived on campus at University of Oregon, being away from my family & not getting to do my passion anymore was really hard, a very transformative time.

I had to find my place in the world again, and my camera provided that 100%.

Sports & photography fuel my soul in the exact type of way – that was a big part of the realization that brought She Plays We Win to life. Any passion can give you purpose, I just had to rework what that was for me. With the support of a job from the school newspaper that allowed me to photograph basketball & football games – the transition happened pretty quickly. I just turned 30 in February & can say that the past decade has been dedicated to photography & pushing forward to have a successful career shooting.

“Racing has taught me to never back down, and it’s not over till the checkered flag is waved!”

Hailee Deegan

© Christin Rose | Rider: Hailee Deegan GWR MAG 36 |

© Christin Rose | Rider: Hailee Deegan

© Christin Rose | Rider: Nora Manger GWR MAG 37 |

Š Christin Rose | Rider: Nora Manger GWR MAG 38 |

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What type of photography were you immersed in before this project?

The funny thing is I look back at images I took 8-9 years ago & they could almost fit into the project now. I’ve always been interested in photojournalism, that’s how I started in this business. Then it faded more into commercial work – mostly lifestyle, sometimes fashion lifestyle that evoked happiness, freedom & of course my biggest passion TRAVEL! This project made me realize that as a photographer, maybe you don’t have to be one or the other! Often times as artists, we get put in a box (like “I’m a fashion photographer, or I’m a sports photographer”). Well if there’s one thing I’ve learned on this project, you can blend them together and make your own unique style of photography. That’s actually the exact point I want the girls to remember!! You can skate-

“You will find people that will support you in skating no matter what and will help you along the way” Nora Manger

"Never give up, no matter if you fall get up and keep going!"

Vianez Morales

board or play hardball with the boys & still like to play dress up, too! IT’S TOTALLY COOL!!!

I try to remember that in my career right now, sometimes I’ll go to the dirt track (like I did for the images you see of Haille Deegan) and get all dirty as she does donuts around me. And then the next day, I might be in a dress shooting a fashion story at the beach. It’s all part of me & my story, and it all brings it’s own value.

How did you come up with the idea to shoot young girls in sports and use the hashtag #sheplayswewin?

© Christin Rose | Rider: Vianez Morales GWR MAG 40 |

Š Christin Rose | Rider: Vianez Morales GWR MAG 41 |

© Christin Rose | Rider: Kyra Williams

The idea was straight from the heart. I was traveling this past year with some of my good friends, we had just moved off the boat & it felt like it was time to start a new chapter. I knew for a long time that I wanted to be a voice for girls, to talk about young athletes & show their stories. I just didn’t know what to call it. The crazy thing is once we landed on the title, ‘She Plays We Win’ the rest just came naturally.

The title spoke so true to me that I then knew exactly the type of images that would live into the idea.

What is the message you hope to share with #sheplayswewin?

It’s meant to be simple & inspiring. It quite literally means that if young girls participate and are encouraged in sports at a young age – it will have a lasting effect on their confidence and what they do forever. I believe whole-heartedly in the concept – that’s why the project aims to celebrate the confidence that sports provide for young girls everywhere knowing that it has a direct correlation on their future as they grow up to be strong independent women. In short – if young girls play sports, the world will benefit my friends!

How did you find girls to start the project?

“I feel happiest when I am surfing.

I love surfing with the boys and showing them that I can surf just like them. It’s empowering!”

Kyra Williams

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Well, in the beginning it started out that I would reach out to organizations to get the girls. The big supporter for the skater girls has been Cindy Whitehead of http://www.girlisnota4letterword.com - She believed in this project from day 1 before I had ever taken a photo & connected me with some of the coolest skater/surfer girls around. I'm excited to branch out more in the skate/surf world but so far all of those girls have been a connection through 'Girl Is Not a 4

Letter Word' I have to say the entire skate community has really embraced me even though I don’t skate, they have believed in the project & been a big reason why this has all came to life!

“I love that the list of tricks to learn never ends. People may call skateboarding a lot of things, but boring isn’t one of them!”

Beyond that, it has been a mix of girls from different teams, organizations, etc. in Southern California (simply because Poppy Starr Olsen that's where I live) but some of the girls like star skaters, Poppy Starr were in town from Australia & Sky Brown from Japan. Looking forward though, I'm really excited about this mission extending throughout the country and potentially the world though! I've gotten emails from amazing girls, with unique stories everywhere from Kentucky to Indonesia. As not tons in the media on tough little girls, athletic little girls.

I continue the #sheplayswewin project I have big ideas to Having the opportunity to compete in athletics at a young extend to lots of different locations & lots of different sports. age gave me the confidence to pursue things later in life, not let anyone push me around.

What ages are the girls you profile and why?

To be great, to be fearless. I think that has a direct correlaI think for little girls (my specific focus is 7-14) athletics can tion in how we grow up to be confident amazing women. completely change the course of their lives and I really want I’ve been reading a lot of how athletics impacted super sucto celebrate that with my photography. What interests me cessful career women (90% of them competed in athletics). is young women’s athletics of all kinds. We see a lot on Once I started to research it became clear that I wanted to strong women but in my research in the last couple months, focus on this transformative time period.

© Christin Rose | Rider: Kyra Williams GWR MAG 43 |

© Christin Rose | Rider: Poppy Starr Olsen

Do you have a favorite sport you grew up doing?

I grew up having my dad as a football coach so I still love to watch and go to games, it always gives me nostalgic feeling from when I was a little girl watching my dad coach. As for me playing, it was softball all the way. I loved softball so much, it’s where I personally learned how to be tough, keep swinging, & to not be afraid to steal bases! My number was #11 & to this day that number brings me luck and reminds me of all the summer days in Oregon I spent swinging for the fences.

“I love that I am always so happy when I surf. I feel energized and recharged with positivity!”

Zoe Benedetto

What is the best part of working with these Why do you feel that #Sheplayswewin is important for girls out there today? girls?

I can honestly say that they inspire me every single day.

The things that these 7-14 years old are able to teach me are amazing. They all see the world in such unique cool ways. They let me try their sport and even though I am silly compared to them, they encourage! These girls are so STRONG & SO KIND at the same time. They really amaze me.

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In just 6 short months, I’ve already seen the incredible impact that is possible. Not only do the girls I photograph inspire other little girls but also in the process, they actualize how incredibly strong and awesome their own story is. I’m finding out that the concept connects young girls and women alike!

© Christin Rose | Rider: Poppy Starr Olsen

© Christin Rose | Rider: Zoe Benedetto GWR MAG 45 |

What are the positive changes you have seen Do the girls enjoy being celebrated for their on social media since you started the project? athleticism?

Social media has completely driven this project. As far as I can tell the stories, photos, quotes of the girls have been very positive! Positive use of social media creates community across the planet. The power that it holds is pretty amazing!

Any negatives?

I haven’t seen much negative, nothing is coming to mind.

“I want little girls to believe in themselves and never give up”

Clover Caballero

Definitely. They all work so hard at their sport & I think that they really feel honored to be celebrated. Every girl is different slightly of course but they love it! They show their friends, they talk about it, it's doing exactly what I wanted & that is create conversation at a young age on how very cool sports are and the girls that do them.

Are there any sports/girls that you haven’t shot yet, that you’d like to?

So many more ideas! I wish I could be photographing and telling the girls stories every waking minute! I'm looking to do water polo soon and add bull-riding right after that. It's super important to me that viewers of this project know & understand that this is a labor of love and only the beginning. Every sport is as important as the next. Every little girl’s story carries the same magic and importance.

That's why I'm really encouraging girls to take photos of each other & post using the hashtag so even if I can't photograph them cause they are too far away, their story still gets out there & I can write them back and start a

© Christin Rose | Rider: Zoe Benedetto GWR MAG 46 |

© Christin Rose | Rider: Clover Caballero

© Christin Rose | Rider: Clover Caballero GWR MAG 47 |

© Christin Rose | Rider: Sky Brown

conversation. See more on the movement in my intro video here: https://vimeo.com/153794547

Have you been surprised at all the interest in the project?

The one thing that has been an unexpected surprise is the support from older women. I’ve had women in there 60’s reach out about how they resonate with the project. That’s been amazing to see & eye-opening to me. These are the women that are the product of ‘She Plays We Win’ !! And they did it at a time that was much harder for girls to compete in athletics – I hope to find a special way to tell their stories too!

Beyond that I’m just incredibly honored and overwhelmed by the support from so many incredible organizations and individuals! My network of strong women has quadrupled since I started ‘SPWW’ & that alone makes it all worth it.

Community is so important.

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“I may be little but when I’m skateboarding I can be me, and I’m also free, & nobody can stop me!”

Sky Brown

Anything you can share with us that is coming for the right way to help young girls & inspire with my photographs. And to be honest, the day I just started photographup next with #sheplayswewin? ing these girls and asking them questions about why sports matter - I found myself too.

I’m excited to get the sheplayswewin.com site up and running! It’s going to be a place where I can tell stories from all over the world & feature girls that I haven’t even met The inspiration was that I finally trusted my heart. I stopped face-to-face yet. That’s what I’ll be working on in the next trying to make my photography for anyone else and started doing it from the very bottom of my heart and choose a couple months. subject matter that I believed in whole-heartedly!

I’m also pairing with Under Armour to make apparel for the brand, really excited to see where that all goes!

Any positive words you’d like to leave girls out there with?

Not that you're asking this but if there's any artists, creators, or dreamers out there that have idea - please just start!

Just go for it, this project has proved that if you go with your heart, keep pushing and like the girls say "BELIEVE IN YOURSELF" anything can happen.

Doing something like this has always been in the back of my mind. I've always wanted to give back more than I was, specifically to young girls regardless of their circumstance. Throughout the last few years, I've been searching

© Christin Rose | Rider: Sky Brown GWR MAG 49 |

Š Christin Rose | Rider: Sky Brown GWR MAG 50 |

Christin Rose’s Dream I dream that #sheplayswewin becomes a social movement. A movement that can extend to all young women; no matter what sport they play, where they’re growing up or what their circumstances entail. This has only just begun & I cannot wait to meet girls from all over the country & world. I believe that the lessons they are learning from participating in sports now will be something they can carry on with them forever.

Sports with all of it’s challenges, wins & losses prepares them to be amazing women later in life. I believe that confidence is the most beautiful thing any young person can have. Confidence that they matter, their story matters, that they are talented, smart & can do whatever they set their mind to. Girls participating in sports gives just that.

When you ask the girls the simple question of: “What has sports taught you?” You immediately get answers like: “Teamwork” “Friendship” “how to work hard” “How to be a leader!”

What I want young girls to know about SPWW: If you live in a different state & I'm unable to photograph you right now - Have a friend or family member take a photo of you doing the sport you love! Post it on social media & put a quote up answering one of these questions: What has sport taught you? How do you feel after a good game? (or race, or performance or whatever you do!) What's the best advice you would give to girls younger than you? Why do you love the sports you play? Who is your role model? So, let’s start a conversation.

A movement that can extend to young women everywhere. In every game. In every corner of the world. GirlsPost a photo of you and the sport you love. Hashtag it #sheplayswewin and tell your story.

What I want people to know about SPWW: It's entirely about the spirit of participating in athletics at a young age & the power that holds. I want all sports to be included this and all different girls with unique styles & stories.

They all matter.

My idea is that if we create more images like these & more little girls post these type, it will inevitably increase self-esteem & individuality for young women. To be a young girl in society today is so hard, you see so many images constantly on what it means to be beautiful & frankly we need to see more athletics, more strength, more tough little girls that can hang with the boys, more little girls with their own style.

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REFRESH YOURSELF It’s the new Spring lookbook from Ericeira Surf & Skate

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fashion

About Ericeira Surf & Skate Ericeira Surf & Skate was born in October 1996, with the opening of the first store in the village center.

Through its path, the brand has tried to pass the concept of harmony between nature and urban styles, with inspiration coming from the dynamics and lifestyle of Surf, Skate and Snowboard.

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ishita

malaviya Ishita Malaviya was born in Bombay (Mumbai), and she nia who were living in an Ashram just an hour away. has loved the outdoors since she was a kid. By the time she finished high school she desperately wanted to They were super excited about the possibility of surfing in India and asked if they would be willing to teach move to a smaller, greener, more peaceful place. them. They were stoked to see that Indian locals were Growing up, she always dreamed about learning to keen on learning to surf and it wasn’t long before Ishisurf, but just assumed that there were no waves in In- ta was catching her first waves! In her own words, “I dia and that she would have to travel abroad to start still remember the feeling of riding my first wave! I was surfing. In 2007, she moved from Mumbai to the small smiling all the way to the shore and all the way back university town of Manipal to pursue her higher stud- home from the beach! I knew I would be surfing for the ies. It was here, with her boyfriend Tushar, that they rest of my life! “ . met a German exchange student who had come down to India with a surfboard.

Ishita has been surfing for nine years now, and she has become the first professional female surfer in India, inAnd through him, they met some surfers from Califor- spiring girls in India, and all over the world.

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Š Ming Nomchong GWR MAG 59 |

Why do you surf? Why do you encourage other people Have you faced any struggles being a female surfer in to surf? Has surfing changed your lifestyle in any way? India? Or being a female surfer in general?

The thing I love most about surfing is that it makes me feel like a child again. I feel like as a woman in India, you’re sometimes forced to grow up too soon. Surfing brought back that element of play in my life and gave me a sense of freedom and liberation that I didn’t know I was seeking, but desperately needed. I encourage people to surf for its immense potential to bring joy and healing by developing a deep connection with the ocean.

One thing’s for sure. Surfing changed our perspective on life and helped us get our priorities right. It made us realize the importance of living our lives now rather than later. By the time my boyfriend Tushar and I graduated from college, we couldn’t imagine moving back to the city, doing a nineto-five job and being unable to surf every day. We wanted to live the surfer’s dream and decided to start our own surf school called, The Shaka Surf Club. Initially, our parents were quite apprehensive of our unconventional decision.

However, the universe kept sending us signs, showing us we were on the right path and that motivated us to keep following our passion.

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For the longest time I was the only woman out in water.

When I first started surfing I was really weak and would struggle to catch waves. The guys naturally had more upper body strength and would paddle aggressively, so it was definitely intimidating for me at the start. I had no coach or other women surfers to watch and learn from. So, I would watch countless surf videos online and taught myself to surf. It was my dream to meet and share waves with other female surfers in my country someday. It took a lot of a lot of patience and dedication over the years for me to build my strength both mentally and physically earn my respectful place in the male dominated line-up.

Apart from that I faced a lot of negative criticism about my skin color. Fair skin is considered to be the epitome of beauty and dark skin isn’t considered beautiful as celebrities continue to endorse fairness / skin whitening creams in Indian media. As I got more tanned, friends and even professors in university would pass comments like, “Oh my God Ishita, you’ve become so dark! You look like you work in a charcoal factory!” These negative comments were definitely jarring at first, but I have always loved the colour of my skin, so I didn’t let it bother me. But, I know that this is a

big issue that keeps other Indian women away from pursuing surfing as they worry they will be considered unsuitable for a job or for a hand in marriage.

commit and just go for the wave!

Being the first female surfer in India, has not been easy. By doing something so unconventional I had to forge my own path and it has definitely been an emotional rollercoaster ride. As a young professional surfer, seeking sponsorship was difficult since surfing was unheard of in India. For three years I was representing a major international women’s surf brand, but ended up being the victim of a one-sided contract. The Indian counterparts of the brand saw no potential in supporting my surfing and would insult me by telling me I was a “nobody” and even threatened to sue me. It was the most challenging period for me. I was young and naïve, but I learned a lot and came out stronger from the experience.

The ocean is my sacred playground. I go to the sea for silence, solitude and reflection. The greatest lessons I have learned from the ocean are that of humility, patience, oneness and learning to just go with the flow.

It’s in the expanse of the sea that I find me and my worries to be very small. Spending time in the ocean brings to the surface all my strengths and fears. It has taught me to accept myself, surrender to the Divine and give thanks and gratitude for being in the here and now and to celebrate the dance of life. To keep on paddling, even if it means facing defeat every once in awhile, because I know there will always be another wave coming.

How do you overcome fears while surfing?

Why did you start The Shaka Surf Club? What was the process of starting a surf school like and how did your parents react to this decision?

I’m always a little afraid when I’m out in the ocean. But I feel that a little bit of fear is healthy as it keeps me humble and aware. However it’s important to not let yourself be limited by fear. Whenever I’m out in scary surf conditions I always take a moment to visualize myself riding the wave perfectly from start to finish. It helps me calm down and believe in myself. Then it just takes about two seconds of courage to

What have you learned from the ocean?

As soon as we caught our first waves, Tushar and I knew we would be surfing for the rest of our lives. The year was 2007, and I was in my first year of university, pursuing a degree in Journalism while Tushar was studying to be an architect. It was instant, suddenly everything in our life GWR MAG 61 |

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started to revolve around surfing. Our parents weren’t too stoked about this. Naturally, they wanted us to focus on our studies and not waste too much time at the beach. While they never stopped us from surfing, they refused to buy us a board. Initially, they couldn’t understand that surfing was more than a one-time activity, which we could tick off our bucket-list, but rather; a lifestyle.

over the world contacting us to come and surf with us in India! Back then we were still studying, so we would drive down to the beach and give surf lessons only on Sundays.

After three years of waking up early in the mornings to catch some waves before heading for class and hanging out at the beach every weekend, we could no longer imagine moving back to the city. After graduating college we decided that we wanted to follow the surfer’s path. So, what started out as So in the summer of 2007, Tushar and I decided to buy a a couple of college kids, teaching their friends how to surf, surfboard! The price of a second hand surfboard was Rs. eventually evolved into one of the first surf schools in In10,000 ($150 USD) As first year college students with no dia. The next step was to look for a physical location where means of income, this was super expensive for us. But we could store our boards right at the beach. By then, the we were determined and so we sold everything we didn’t fishermen in the village where we surfed had grown fond of need- this included selling random items such as sewing us as we had started taking their kids surfing as well. So, machines, ab exercise machines- and hustled by buying they pointed us toward an old abandoned bar made of mud shoes in Bombay and selling them to our friends in Uni and walls that was completely run down and hadn’t been used eventually saved up enough money to buy our very first in over a decade. We had no money to rent this place but surfboard! We were so stoked! We shared that board be- we saw potential. tween the two of us for the first two years of our surf lives. So we asked the landlord if he would be willing to let us fix As we kept surfing, we wanted to share our stoke of surfing up the place and pay him six months’ rent after six months. with others so The Shaka Surf Club was born! Our main And luckily enough he agreed. So, Tushar, his brother, all goal is to get more people in the water and dispel fears by the little village kids and I got together and fixed up the introducing them to the joy of surfing! place ourselves – everything from painting, masonry, carpentry, you name it. Ever since then, The Shaka Surf Club We realized we would need more boards and so we pretty has grown organically and transformed into a safe commumuch started a Facebook page for giving surf lessons and nity space where the locals can interact with our visitors before we knew it, we had surfers and travelers from all from all around the world.

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“Whenever I’m out in scary surf conditions I always take a moment to visualize myself riding the wave perfectly from start to finish. It helps me calm down and believe in myself.”

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Š Ming Nomchong GWR MAG 65 |

We now also have a place for our students to stay, right at our surf spot in the small fishing village of Kodi Bengre.

Our surf camp, Camp Namaloha (Namaste + Aloha) is the first of its kind in India! Camp Namaloha faces the river on one side and the sea on the other and it is a place where our students can relax in between surf sessions. Our surf school is not located in a touristy area, however our neighbours in the village have been super supportive of us and we even work with four families who prepare amazing freshly cooked home-made meals for our students staying at the surf camp. We welcome people from all over the world to come and share waves with us in our special little corner of the world.

expensive as they needed to be imported from abroad. For the first three years, we never paid ourselves. Whatever money we earned from giving surf lessons, we put back into the business. We were happy so long as we were able to sustain ourselves. I think now, our parents couldn’t be more proud as they have seen us work really hard and build our lives from scratch. And ever since I took my parents surfing they have totally fallen in love with it and understand why it means so much to me.

Other than that, it has always been a little challenging balancing work and life as a couple. Running a business is a 24 hour job and can sometimes take a toll on our relationship. Plus, we couldn’t speak the local language and What was the biggest challenge of starting The Shaka our only way of communicating with the locals was through Surf Club? smiles and shakas. So, it’s been really amazing for all of us to witness how much good can come from simply sharing I think the biggest challenge for us initially was not hav- the pure stoke of surfing. ing any financial support from our parents. Neither of our families comes from a business background so we didn’t What is one of your favorite moments from teaching have anyone to advise us on how to go about setting up a students at The Shaka Surf Club? business. They thought it was a huge risk and would have preferred us to work for a few years before setting up a surf For the last six years my boyfriend Tushar and I have been school. So, from the day we bought our first surfboard, we coming to this village to surf and it has truly become our had to figure things out on our own. Surfboards were really second home! Over the years I have tried to get many local

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The Shaka Surf Club Camp Namaloha

girls in the water, but it has been quite difficult to motivate them because of the social pressures they face from their families. Recently we organized a screening of the documentary Beyond The Surface at The Shaka Surf Club and all the young girls, their moms and grandmoms came to watch the film! They all left feeling truly inspired but what was amazing was that the next day, we had our first grandmom in the village come surf with us! Sulochana akka,who is 65 years old is one radical woman! She has lived by the sea her whole life but had never stepped in the ocean. As soon as she saw the film she told me that she wanted to go surfing! Her husband was apprehensive about her getting in the water saying she didn’t have the right clothes to wear.

able to share the joys of being in the ocean with my fellow women folk! This is a sure sign that a big change is already happening!!!

Describe your favorite time surfing.

There have been too many magical moments experienced while surfing but if I have to narrow it down to my favourite time it would definitely have to be the early days when Tushar and I started surfing. I think we were lucky enough to experience a time before surfing grew popular. I just remember us being so blown away by the fact that we could actually surf in India! For the first two years we shared one 9ft serial nose-diver of a surfboard. Waves or no waves But Sulochana akka, just needed a little support from me were at the beach every Sunday without fail, surfing from and as soon as I held her hand, she started jumping and sunrise to sunset! We didn’t have proper boardbag so we without one look back, she began frolicking towards the would have to wrap our surfboard in two sleeping bags and beach! She had that naughty look in her eyes as she was tie it with rope. We would then have to transport this board bubbling with excitement. You see, the ocean is mostly con- by local bus early in the morning to get to our spot which sidered a place for the men. The women stay at home while was an hour away. Sometimes four or five buses would go the fishermen go out to sea. So, it was incredible to watch by refusing to allow us to get on. her big smile as she rode the waves! It was the face of a woman reclaiming her freedom, her childhood and connect- Eventually we got really good at sneaking our 9 ft board ing with her wild spirit! She’s become a regular member of onto the bus. Once we were at the beach our sleeping bags our crew now and watching her surf, has motivated many would get converted into a makeshift tent using driftwood of the younger girls to start surfing. I feel so blessed to be we would find on the beach. Then we would take turns to GWR MAG 67 |

surf the board and watch and cheer each other on, correcting each other’s moves. Back then there were no surf shops and it was really hard to find any surf gear in India. Not even boardshorts! In between sessions we’d lie on the shore and dream of the days when we’d both have a surfboard for ourselves and imagine ourselves as future pro surfers, surfing some of the best waves in the world! It made us realize how little we needed to really be happy. It was a really special time that we got to experience and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

the sea that brings us together. It’s such an exciting time to be a surfer in India because literally everybody knows everybody. We’re a family of first generation surfers who, funnily enough, have the joy of pushing our mums and dads into their very first waves! We’ve all had simple surf beginnings, and we each have a unique story to share about how we first started surfing; from teaching ourselves to surf by riding hand-me-down surfboards left behind by travelling surfers, to fixing our broken boards with duct tape and local resin that the fishermen use to fix their boats.

Although surfing is still in its nascent stages here, we’re already witnessing it becoming a surf industry. Now there are surf schools in almost every coastal state, few local What is the ‘status’ of surfing in India at the moment? shapers making custom surfboards using local raw mateWhat do you hope will change, or remain the same in rials and regular surf contests taking place annually. The first few surf contests I participated in didn’t even have a the coming years? women’s category and I would just have to compete with When I started surfing back in 2007, you could literally the men. With all the press surfing has received in the reGoogle “surfing in india” and nothing would show up. There cent years, now not only do we have a women’s category, were so few surfers, we could count them all on our finger- but parents are in fact sending their kids for surf coaching tips. Even now, we have a relatively small surf community just so they can compete. So, there’s been a monumental here in India. We’re a tribe of a few hundred surfers, scat- shift in people’s attitude towards surfing. tered all over the east and west coasts, but it’s our love for Also, the days when I took my mom and dad and my dog Marley surfing are my most cherished surf memories.

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With more and more people starting to surf, I just hope that the spirit of Aloha and brotherhood is never lost and people continue to support one another in and out of the water. I think surfing can have a really positive impact in India. I like to imagine a day when there will be thousands of surfers in the country, coming from different positions of influence, all working passionately towards a common goal of cleaning up our coastline.

What are the best places to surf in India?

So far, I’ve surfed in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Hawaii, California, New York and the Sunshine Coast of Australia. My travels abroad have always been slightly offbeat. The international surf community has really welcomed me warmly and I’ve always been fortunate enough to live at home with friends who feel like family. We came up with a term for this kind of friendship “Purana Ohana” – meeting an old friend for the first time. “Purana” in Hindi meaning “old” and “Ohana” in Hawaiian meaning “family.” It’s hard to pick a favorite surf spot as every place we’ve been to has been magical.

But, surfing with turtles in the crystal clear waters of Hawaii definitely felt like a rite of passage for us. Well, the dream is to surf all over the world. But I hope in the near future I will have a chance to surf in Indonesia, Japan, Jamaica, Mexico and Peru.

What goals do you have for The Shaka Surf Club this year and in the coming years?

My home break of Kodi Bengre, Varkala, Mahabalipuram, Covelong Point, Andaman islands.

Any plans for the future you would like to share?

Well, I am currently in the process of landing a new sponsor, who has my best intentions in mind. So, I am excited Have you surfed in any other parts of the world? Where for the future and hope this will give me the opportunity to is your favorite place to surf and where would you like travel more often to amazing surf destinations and improve my surfing. to surf in the future?

The Shaka Surf Club is primarily a surf school but we also double up as a surf club for the local kids in the fishing village we surf in. Our main goal is to get more people in the water and introduce them to the joy of surfing! There is practically no beach culture in India. Most people live in fear of the ocean and even if they go to the beach they don’t get in the water as they are unsure how to interact with the ocean. Surfing is that missing link! With the combination of providing surf lessons and water safety education, we hope to dispel fears and help people develop a deeper connection with the ocean. Moreover, surfing is an expensive sport

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and can tend to become exclusive. Knowing how difficult will be a place where you can meet like-minded people who it was for us, we didn’t want the locals to miss out on the share your love for the ocean and are contributing to the opportunity to surf due to financial reasons. Hence our surf community in a positive way. school supports the free surfing of all the kids in the village.

When people see your documentaries or read stories As of now we are focusing on developing a sustainable surf about you, what do you hope they become inspired + social good model which gives people an opportunity to about? not only come and learn to surf, but also provides a platform for them to engage with and give back to the local commu- Anything is possible. Believe in the endless possibilities of the universe and the magic of your dreams. When you nity by sharing their skills in any area of expertise. choose joy and passion over security, you invite abundance We have recently started a Nippers Program at the lo- into your life as well as those around you cal government school in association with RLSS and AUSTSWIM where we are training 40 students in swim, How has being India’s first professional female surfer surf and water rescue skills. The goal is to empower the changed your life? local children by training them to become junior lifeguards in an effort to reduce the number of drowning fatalities in Growing up I never in my wildest dreams imagined that I the area. We hope to continue this program as long as we would one day be recognized as the first female surfer of Inare operational! We are also working on setting up a vol- dia! It feels strange and unreal but I’m so happy and thankuntarism program where we would like to invite surfers to ful that this is the path my life has taken! Surfing opened come work with us at the surf school and also volunteer up a whole new world of possibilities for me that I could’ve their time at the government school running art, music, never envisioned for myself. The international surf community has shown me a lot of support and welcomed me with dance, yoga, skateboarding workshops etc. open arms. Surfing has given me the opportunity to travel In the future we hope to have a Shaka Surf Club in every around the world and meet the most amazing people who coastal state in India, based on the similar model, which inspire me to live a healthy and positive lifestyle. More than

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© Ishita Malaviya Tushar Pathiyan Co-Founders of The Shaka Surf Club GWR MAG 71 |

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anything surfing has given me a chance to give back to my community. I feel like I now have a responsibility to be a positive role model to other young girls in my country; to empower and embolden women to not be inhibited by their fears and daringly chase their dreams.

At the same time, setting up a surf school in a small fishing village, gives me the opportunity to raise awareness about environmental concerns and contribute towards sustainable development in the area. I feel like I am personally able to make more of an impact by doing what I do; engaging with the community on a grassroots level than I would have been able to, doing a desk job.

You’ve become India’s first professional female surfer, graduated from college with a Journalism degree, started a surf school, and been the subject of several documentaries, what advice do you have for women, in India or throughout the world, who want to overcome challenges in their life?

As someone who is doing what they love, I know it is not easy to swim against the current! I feel that there are always going to be people telling you what you can or cannot do. It is up to you to follow your heart and do what you think is good for you and adds meaning and value to your life.

There will always be moments when you will doubt yourself and it may seem easier quit or decide to just take the conventional path. At that time, it’s important to consciously let your faith be bigger than your fear and for you to believe in the power of your own dreams. Surround yourself with people who share your dream and bring positivity in your life. Do what makes your soul happy. Success will naturally follow. Aim to live a life that is rich in experiences. Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tip-toe if you must, but take that step!

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travel journal peru

by Lisa Marques

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Since I was a child, I wondered where have we came from, and I believe that by studying old civilizations we can find out where we are going. The pyramids, the moais, the legends of Atlantis, Lemur and Mu, leave me curious and wanting to know this birthplace of civilization, and the stories behind human civilization.

As with any other travel, this was an internal search, a challenge i have placed upon myself, driven by the curiosity to know more.

It was not easy to decide to leave alone to the unknown, and I did it because I had no other choice. The only sure thing was that I wanted to go, and lack of company was not going to stop me. Travelling alone is to allow ourselves to meet other people.

The travel plan was never defined, only a few “can’t miss” destinations noted in my travel notebook and a few silly missions, like “take a picture with a sloth”. I wanted to feel the places, and leave with the wind, wherever it might take me. main attraction of Puno and Titicaca Lake.

Leaving from Lima, was the kickstart to my 2 month journey in Peru. Then onto Paracas, a small village with an intense sea smell, called National Reserve, with impressive biodiversity. Seals, Sea Lions, Sea Gulls, Penguins, Pelicans, Guanays, Zarcitos, Churretes and an uncountable number of sea animals I do not know the names of, all prosper without predators on the small Islands of Ballestas. It’s an astonishing region, both the islands and the infinite miles of desert and lonely beaches on the south with different characteristics. It felt like home in Paracas, with the sea breeze comforting my soul and giving me the courage to move on.

I left to Nazca to check out the Nazca Lines, and from there to Arequipa, ancient capital of Peru, where I stayed for a couple of days.

I then moved onto Puno, where I aspired to know Lake Titicaca the next morning. So I bought a tour as soon as I arrived to the station. The lake is at 4.000 high, and it’s the second highest lake in the world. Within it there are many islands, the most popular are the Uros floating islands, made with totora reeds.

They were built by Aymara people, that decided to escape in their boats and canoes, at the time of the Spanish invasion, so they didn’t have to convert to Christianity. After a few years living on the boats, the Uros realized that it was possible to create platforms made with totora reeds and eucalyptus sticks. The layers of totora reeds placed on top, would give them consistence and would make them solid.

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The tour also offered a visit to Taquille island, a bit ahead, where the high panoramic view reveals an idyllic scenario, silence and full of pure peace. But the stairway to the sightseeing is infinite! The thin air, leaves any foreigner crawling and wishing for an oxygen bottle. Peru on one side, and Bolivia on the other, and a never ending mass of water with 8.300m2 Going to Bolivia was never in my plans, but being so close, I realized it made no sense to go back, so I traveled to Copacabana. The hostel in Sun Island, on Bolivian Titicaca, was the cheapest on the all Island, but what I didn’t know, was that it was also the highest one, with 40 minutes of hard walking on old Inca trails, carrying a 20kgs backpack at a 3.800m height.

“What if I walk fast, how long will it take?” - the truth is I didn’t want to know the answer.

I thought many times of quitting, but my body worked with to me in a way I didn’t know. My heart wanted to jump out of my mouth and my ribs seemed to have shortened and crushed my lungs inside.

I asked for donkeys, I asked for lamas, but the girl who was guiding me didn’t have a phone to ask for them. It was without a doubt one of the biggest challenges of my life, but with persistence I made it to the top, and the sight was astonishing, and the feeling of peace was very comforting.

I couldn’t stop laughing, when I finally laid in a bed! Mission

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[ Titikaka ]

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accomplished!

I left for La Paz, two nights later, where the temperatures changed a lot from night to day, because it’s in a valley surrounded with mountains. At first sight it looks like a city under construction. The buildings with only unfinished brick, dress the city in a sad orange color..

up to 7.000m could talk to the gods, the Puma, represented the strength and capacity of the human race in all its splendor, and then the serpent that lived underneath and established contact with the dead, They are still the base of all the Andean Iconography.

I wanted to travel to Oruro the next day, 12 hours journey to the southwest of La Paz, to visit the biggest salt desert My first ambition in Bolivia was to visit Tiwanako, a pre-co- in the world. But this strip revealed to be a true nightmare, lumbian archaeological site dating from 400 b.C. to 900 When the road takes many hours, it is best to travel it by b.C. and it’s considered a Humanity Heritage by UNESCO. night, because besides saving on not staying in a hostel, I could take the day to visit another place. But that day, the It extends from south of Lake Titicaca to North Chile. plans didn’t go as I hoped, and the night became a nightLegends say that after leaving Sun Island, the god Viraco- mare. The difference between Peruvian and Bolivian transcha went to Tuwanaku where he sculpted all human races portations is huge! he wanted to create. The truth is that in one of the underground temples of this place there are 175 distinct heads. A urine smell assaulted my senses as soon as I stepped foot on the bus, and I was certain it would be a long night.

The Sun door, one of the ex-libris of the archaeological site, I put aside the company blanket and opened my sleeping represents a calendar - not all deciphered, but divided into bag. I rolled my scarf over my mouth and nose and turned 45 weeks, where Viracocha’s three worlds and its three to- my pc on. Two movies in a row, good by the way, and three tems appear represented. The god’s world is represented hours spent. What now? I thought. by the Condor, the world of men, represented by the Puma, and the underground world, represented by the serpent. By that time, I started feeling uncomfortable and my bladThey believed this trilogy maintained contact between dif- der was giving me an alert sign! The remaining passengers ferent worlds. The Condor, because it’s the only bird to fly were sleeping, and I wondered how! I don’t want to be here!

[ Bolívia ] GWR MAG 79 |

I recognized this would be my first journey crisis and I spoke to my inner voices with cheap psychology: If you get restless it will be harder, relax, it’s a temporary situation.

But how could I rest, with my bladder full and the certainty that I would have to stumble against the filthy walls on that stinky bus to use the toilet?

I didn’t knew that in the middle of this challenge I would also have to hold my phone with a lantern in my mouth because the toilet didn’t have any light.

new arrivals ended up spending a couple of comfortable hours sleeping in the coffee shop. I decided to ask for a bed to rest for the next 4 hours before sunrise to be able to enjoy the next day. Closed deal!

I believe the world is made of balance, and after one of the longest nights of my life, there was one of the most astonishing days, if not the most astonishing one! I bought a tour to Salar de Uyuni, where a feeling of tranquility overwhelmed my soul and made me fly.

I wrote a letter to release my thoughts, said the world to go f### itself and saying I wished I had a dick to piss in a bottle! It ended up ok and I manage to close my eyes and sleep for a couple of hours.

The natural catastrophes and earthquakes of the land made the lake 40 thousand years ago go dry, leaving it covered in a white salt blanket. And the rain that morning had transformed the desert in a huge mirror. The light was soft, foggy and camouflaged the horizon so everything looked like sky!

Luckily the bus arrived at 4am, instead of 6. And because It was impossible to recognize the end of the desert and the it was a regular situation, the owner of a coffee shop came mirror effect created an unmatched optical illusion. Everyto receive the tourists in the cold morning and invite them thing was infinite. to go to get coffee. Since there was no other option, all the

[ Salar de Uyuni ] GWR MAG 80 |

[ Peru ]

[ Salar de Uyuni ] GWR MAG 81 |

[ BolĂ­via ]

[ Chinchero Market ] GWR MAG 82 |

It was a truly excitant experience in one of the most amaz- All places you must stop and see before arriving at the ing places I’ve ever been. I recognize now, this was one of amazing Machu Picchu. the best parts of my journey, By this time, I was also checking the best way to get to Leaving Bolivia was quite hard. The manifestations for civ- Machu Picchu. The official Inca trails can go up to $500 il rights made themselves heard, and the trucks crossed USD, and I was assured that when arriving to Cusco the in the main roads, prevented bus from passing through. prices drop a lot. The path ended up being $50 USD until After several attempts with different agencies, I managed the hydro electric, and then I had to walk the 8km between to get back to Copacabana and from there to Cusco, the rails that separated Aguas Calientes, the small village in the headquarters of the Quechua empire, the “bellybutton of slope of Machu Picchu. At a good pace, I started walking though the train line, always with the forest as my backthe world”. ground.

After the chaotic and loud La Paz, the traditional Cusco city, seemed to be a resting place for my soul. The green That afternoon the torrential rain flooded me to the bone! landscape and the simple rural life surrounding the Cusco The water was so intense, I couldn’t see 2 meters ahead of Valley are pure inspiration. The live colours of the fabrics me. I stepped up my pace, almost running between the rails on the traditional clothes, contrast with the orange of the with a new agility I did not know. No thoughts came to my colonial buildings in the center of the city. By that time, I mind at that time, only arriving! was already missing the sympathy of the Peruvian people.

The next day, already in Machu Picchu, the doubt of not Surrounding Cusco, in the Sacred Inca Valley, there are being able to see the mountain overwhelmed me. An inquite a few archaeological locations to visit, and the tours tense fog covered the entire location, and I sit on top of the are always the best option for those who want to see the mountain next to it hoping to get a few good pictures as maximum places possible in a short amount of time. Pisac, soon as the sun rays made its way through the mist. I didn’t want to miss the first signs of one of the biggest treasures Maras Moray, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, etc.. of humankind. It took a while.

[ Machu Picchu ] GWR MAG 83 |

I could hear the voices of tourists exploring the ruins below me. But I had time. Time to feel the purity of that place. In the middle of the clouds I felt closer to the gods in the sky.

But for me, I always miss the gods of the sea.

I returned to Lima to follow to the Amazon forest. I had bought a flight to Iquitos, Peruvian Amazon capital and the biggest city without road access in the world. You can only reach Iquitos by plane or boat.

I recognized the effort and determination of man, that overcomes its condition to live closer to the gods. But it’s also a recognition of the limitations of human condition, because for those who live with the eyes in the sky, the top is also the end of the road. In Machu Picchu we cannot understand with reason, but only with the heart, in an attempt of approaching the divine and a humble submission to the conditions of earth.

I was prepared to came out of the pane and feel a terrible heat with the first breath. But winter heat in the Amazon is quite bearable and smells like fresh grass on a summer day. The Amazon has been in my plans since I decided to came to Peru. I wanted to meet and feel the jungle. It’s in nature that Ii listen to myself when I need to recover my peace and in this place, surrounded by green, it would be heaven!

Revelation was done in seconds, bless those who already waited in strategic locations with set cameras. Machu Picchu is impressive. I took the photos from different angles and I came down to explore the ruins.

Tourist tours go all over the Amazon, and include visiting indian tribes, taking pictures with wild animals and a few other artificial things. But I wanted something authentic.

After a full afternoon looking for tour alternatives, I found Contemplation was paused for a few hours, after a light Ulisses, a man that had built three bungalows on the banks rain, which would be the beginning of a storm so I made my the Tapira river, which feeds into the Amazon. With his help, as he was born and raised in the jungle, he was able to ofway out of there.

Missing a good Portuguese wine, I contented myself with fer me some forest experiences. I followed my instinct and a watery Chilean wine, and by nightfall I took a toast to decided to book it. another dream coming true.

[ Amazónia ] GWR MAG 84 |

[ Amazónia ]

The bungalows in camp were built out of wood, poles, palm tree leafs and were quite rudimentary, the wc in the back didn’t have any charge (i choose to go oldstyle and just use the woods) and the shower was sweet river water, five minutes away. Truthly none of this bothered me during the five days in the jungle.

There, without anything, it felt like home. Between fishing activities, meal preparation, houses and clothes maintenance, we had time to do have several experiences and rest as much as the mosquitos allowed. There were a lot of mosquitos, so bug repellent was mandatory. They gave me a break, while some of my adventure companions, the bites caused by the mosquito’s were impressive to say the least!.

But without mosquitos, the Amazon would be paradise, and everyone would want to come” says one of the guides, Miguel. Mosquitos are the guardians of the jungle, and they don’t allow any white man to live there.

a sloth!

Sloths, in the wild with happy and slow looks, drug themselves by eating Secropia leafs, a tree with hallucinogenic properties. My wide smile was thanks to the guides, who challenged me with different activities and made sure to tell me their adventures in the jungle. Here in Amazon, you don’t eat piranha, they eat you!

I accepted the challenge to go fishing, though I’m a vegetarian for over a decade. And if I could take any fish’s life, I would eat it. The improvised fishing pole, made out of a young and small tree branch, the nylon wire with a little fish hook, purchased in the town where we stopped the first day, has proven to be very effective. But in my efforts to catch a piranha, I caught a catfish! I had lunch guaranteed any way.

From nature, man takes only what it needs, so here I didn’t felt bad to take a life. Man is in equality with everything else, with no greed or superiority feelings. They know earth Nature is unpredictable, and that is the bases for everything provides for them. This feeling of respect for nature is common, and the Indian “thank you” rituals are still very present in the jungle. No expedition can guarantee success. in the blood of the people, and several beliefs connected to Mammals are rare to be seen, but yet in one of the days we the Amazon forest. decided to go look for them in the other side of the river, a few miles North. The five of us left to go explore the forest. The hot air in the night predicted a heavy storm for the next We saw monkeys, pink dolphins, rainbow birds, a bear and day, but that didn’t make us stop going out with our lanterns GWR MAG 85 |

[ Amaz贸nia ]

[ Amaz贸nia ] GWR MAG 86 |

in hand, to appreciate the routine of nocturnal animals, specially tarantulas. Though they are shy, we found two specimens, both females.

We dared to hold them, and felt them sliding gently above our arms, after René, one of the guides assured us that tarantulas rarely bite, and that fame belonged to scorpion spiders.

The trousers and large shirt that protected me from the bugs, were dripping with sweat. I had to take a bath or I wouldn’t be able to fall asleep. But at night it was to dark to go to the river, and nobody wanted to go with me, and I was too tired to go alone. I took off my boots, prepared a clove and cinnamon tea, the only one we had in camp, and I sat outside on the comum caban stairs.

The drops slapped my face hard, and a water pool rapidly formed at my feet. Every cell of my body felt alive, and I wished everyone could be rain showering - cleaning the torments, the fears and all the evil in the world. There is a purest world, where instinct beats intellect and all emotions are felt and shared without prejudice. If the jungle doesn’t change you forever, give her some more time, until the moment you feel apart of a much bigger picture, over any personal will.

Leaving the jungle, everything felt too loud. It’s here in the mans land that the real jungle is. We get used to the noise so much, we can’t hear the silence anymore. Returning to Lima was also the beginning of my surf trip and holidays, from my holidays!

I arrived early to the bungalows built over Mâncora, after a In the middle of the jungle the noise of all the life forms 17 hour journey. Then had a 15 minute walk till the center imposes over everything else. In the jungle we know our and less than 100 mtrs from the beach. The room had the place in the world and live at the same pace of nature, like most amazing view from all directions. From here, I would a animal that is part of it all. The mind settles, and the spirit start going down the shore, surfing in different locations: Mâncora, Los Organos, Lobitos, Pacasmayo, Chicama and recognizes its purpose. others.

The hard rain started falling over the trees, and ricocheted After several surf sessions in small waves, fast waves and everywhere. I realized that this was the chance to take tube waves, with crowd, without crowd, I wanted to go to a shower, in a full moon night covered by the heavy mist. Huanchaco, my last destination of the journey, before re-

[ Amazónia ] GWR MAG 87 |

GWR MAG 88 |

[ Totora ] Rider: Lisa Marques GWR MAG 89 |

turning to Portugal

myself as a lifestyle over a decade ago.

Huanchaco is considered World Surf Reserve since 2013 and Caballitos de Totora are considered Humanity Heritage. The ancient nature harmony culture and fun on the waves on this miles of coast are still preserved by the proud local community. The Caballitos de Totora built of Totora that grows on the valley behind the bay, a few miles away, were used to the sea activities that allowed survival.

Even with low tide, and barely any waves, my last mission on the journey was accomplished with success. Thought he 80kgs of the caballito and only half an hour of play, I was able to stand up and feel like a total beginner when it came to Totoras! The round bottom makes any controlled turn hard, and the small board makes it hard to ride, so you get thrown off in a couple of seconds. Fun was assured and it highlighted my curiosity to know more about the origins of surf.

The ceramics of the Moche, Chimú and Caral civilizations can be found in several pieces that show how they were used from the beaches of Huanchaco to Lambayeque around 5000 years ago.

Returning from fishing about 10 miles offshore, the ancient surfers would face the waves on foot, riding the caballito with the help of a long bamboo paddle, they would drive the small caballito to the shore.

I felt I couldn’t come to the birthplace of Surf Culture, without trying to catch a wave with a caballito, since they were in the base of all surf culture, the culture that I choose for

This desire is coming back with me to Portugal, from where I will leave on new adventures to meet stories and legends about the essence of surf. It will be my mission, when I return.

This journey has showed me that the limit to our dreams is as much as the fear of failing, but that doesn’t mean its superior to our courage to go.

Life’s too short to be small!

[ Organos ] GWR MAG 90 |

CINDY INAP 8.75” x 29” 15” Wheelbase

/dusterscalifornia

Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word, founded by 70’s professional skateboarder, Cindy Whitehead, is a brand dedicated to giving women in action sports the same opportunities and recognition as their male counterparts. The Cindy INAP (It’s Not About Pretty) is a 70’s pool inspired board featuring metallic gold rails for longer boardslides on pool coping, artwork by Cindy herself and custom leopard grip tape, perfect for all the girl groms out there looking to shred. This board promotes Longboarding for Peace and helps fund Exposure Skate, a 501c3 non-profit organization that helps female skaters all over the world.

@dusterscalifornia DEALER INQUIRIES: dwindle.com | +1.800.500.5015 easternskatesupply.com | +1.910.791.8240 oceanavenuesk8.com | +1.321.777.9494 skatenet.com | +1.713.926.3295

GWR MAG 91 |

BODYBOARDING “ “ IS NOT FOR BOYS

by Susana de Figueiredo

It might be the Island, or the fiber of the women of the Island. It might be the blue liquid horizon, an indicator of the greatness of the future. One thing is for sure, in Madeira Island there are more and more women surrendering to the sea. To Bodyboarding.

GWR MAG 92 |

© MadSea | Riders: Mónica ViveirosGWR & André MAGCâmara 93 |

In Madeira Island, Bodyboarding is already part of the women’s passion universe, and who better than Mónica Viveiros, mentor and manager at “MadSea – Bodyboard & more” to say it! This is the first tourism company in the region dedicated to offering Bodyboarding experiences to locals and tourists. Half of the customers are women of all ages, however, thirty years and up customers have been growing significantly.

them it is an efficient way to escape and renew. The explanation is easy “no other sport allows, like this, the abstraction of the real world”.

Mónica Viveiros assures that in the water, all problems dissolve, the only thought is the next wave. After that there’s the friendly spirit that you breathe inside the group, the pleasure to share this passion, the empathy of sensations, the places found, the senses For some, Bodyboarding is an alternative to magnified. Well, let’s say this wave is not for the gym, to others an activity to enjoy with “boys”! the family, for some it is both and for all of

© MadSea | Riders left to right: Mónica Viveiros, Cecília Correia, Miriam Caires, Valentina Jesus, Nélia Andrade, Beatriz Sousa GWR MAG 94 |

© Rute Castro | Riders: Rute Castro (front) e Mónica Viveiros (behind)

In land as in Sea For someone that as always practiced sport as a way of living, it’s not overreacting to say this is the dream job. Born in Madeira, Mónica Viveiros practiced ballet, swimming and professional skating and volleyball, sports that has given her the regional and national titles on infant, beginner and junior for six consecutive seasons (Machico Sports Association). At Madeira University, she won 3 regional championships and played on the National first division team. The teams resume is amazing, but at some point she decided to drop volleyball, which was all about competition, and focus on dedicating herself to bodyboarding which is closer to her heart as she doesn’t find herself competing, but rather enjoying the sport for its pureness.

office, she made her passion for sport the fuel to restart.

The concept of MadSea is unique in Madeira Island and it has great potential, assures the bodyboarder that has established partnerships with several international companies and more: inspired by the natural attributes of Madeira, combined with the region’s history when it comes to ocean sports, MadSea CEO started a sports project and bet on one of the best bodyboarders in the world – the French Amaury Lavernhe – to bring him to the region during four days, in the first week of next September.

When in the region, Amaury will motivate the locals (not only) to discover this sport as an optional sport, but also the opportunity of sharing knowledge and experience in Being passionate about nature, Mónica takes to the sea the world of bodyboard, with conferences, physical trainwith her board. She has such an affection for Bodyboarding ing sessions, mental preparation, nutrition and classes to that as she passed from athlete to instructor, she made the athletes of all levels, genders and ages, and all the sport lovers in general. ocean her office and the sport her profession.

The best part? “Having twenty four hours a day available to surf (…) it’s amazing, in the sea I feel at peace, I feel free MadSea will prepare special packages that include your stay (with breakfast) transportation and equipment to all and happy. The adrenaline is indescribable”. those interested in coming to Madeira to participate in this MadSea was born nine months ago, and it’s the “daughter” event. of this young entrepreneur’s heart and head, after facing unemployment, and after a decade working in an advocacy GWR MAG 95 |

GWR MAG 96 |

漏 Pedro Sousa | Rider: M贸nica Viveiros GWR MAG 97 |

“Who ride? Girls!”

Mónica’s enthusiasm is contagious, Valentina Jesus, 31 years old, also from madeira, is one of the most faithful disciples of MadSea, even saying that sheherself is a terrible swimmer: “basically, I keep on the surface, and not breathing is my scene.

I combined audacity with the will to do more and better. I think next time I go back to Fajã da Areia I will not go under water again” (laughing). Valentina’s adventure in the sea is recent, but intense. She started in September last year, challenged by Mónica. “I started on the waves for the challenge, and fell in love in the first moment, the first wave, and I didn’t stop!” It’s testimonials like this (and there are many more) that inspire the project of this “sea girl”

© Joana Sousa | Rider: Valentina Jesus GWR MAG 98 |

© Marta Léon | Rider: Mónica Viveiros

© Bruno Paixão “Caxada” | Rider: Mónica Viveiros GWR MAG 99 |

© Joana Sousa | Rider: Mónica Viveiros

© Bruno Paixão “Caxada! | Rider: Mónica Viveiros GWR MAG 100 |

© Pedro Sousa | Rider: Mónica Viveiros

Sixth Sense: sea We know today, that this young ladies intuition couldn’t have been more right.

Developing MadSea, a pioneer concept on the Islands, it was easy to develop partnerships with the local hotels; and customers didn’t take long to “catch the wave”. Mónica provides all the equipment needed and does the transportation to the chosen location to surf. In “Europe’s Hawaii” the offering of locations is amazing – the beaches of Alagoa or Maiata, in the northern Island, Porto da Cruz, the beach of

Machico, or Seixal beach in the north shore, have perfect waves for beginners.

For the more experienced, they can venture onto tough access places, where the sea presents other challenges, like Fajã da Areia in S. Vicente or Paul do Mar and Jardim do Mar, in the southern coast. Plus, there are the secret spots, refugees reserved for the locals that know them like Ribeira da Janela, Contreiras or Achadas da Cruz.

GWR MAG 101 |

GWR MAG 102 |

漏 Joana Sousa | Rider: M贸nica Viveiros GWR MAG 103 |

Beginning with fun In Bodyboarding, either you are a beginner or an experienced athlete, the fun is always assured, and maybe this is one of the aspects that have made this sport grow among the female audience, as Mónica explains: “Bodyboard is a very demanding sport, we have to be good in many things, strength, balance, flexibility, and resistance.

facing the North Sea. Of course I went right in to the “devil’s layer”.. Meaning to say I went down under and I almost lost my bikini (laughter) but in the end, when I came back to the surface I laughed and thought: I did it! I went into this endless sea, and you are trying to catch waves”.

When it comes to evolution, technically speaking, Valentina goes without a rush, “everything I do is a reason to be However, for those who are starting, it ends up being easier proud. Meaning that evolution is not being about being fast, than surfing – it’s very likely that you will leave your first it’s about being consistent”. surf lessons frustrated, because the balance demanding is bigger – in Bodyboarding the laydown position makes it Just like Valentina, in Madeira, many other women are eneasier and the athlete can have fun from the first moment tering this passion wave. Yes, it’s Bodyboarding, but, like in the waves”.

Valentina says “there’s “more”, what remains after the salt releases from the body – the exchange of experiences, the Valentina Jesus agrees. “When I think of magical moments, friendships that are born or form deeper over lunch. It’s the my memory takes me back to Fajã da Areia in a Sunday “more”, the other part of the fun in land”. afternoon. I had only 2 classes and there I was fearless

© Marta Léon GWR MAG 104 |

© MadSea | Rider: Valentina Jesus

© Joana Sousa

More information at:

© MadSea | Rider: Alexandra Barreto

www.madsea.pt Facebook/MadSea Instagram/madsea_bodyboard_and_more GWR MAG 105 |

rITA

VIEIRA

“ENDURO in “ PINKSHADES She grew up surrounded by motorcycles.

At age 8 she started competing and short after she participated on her first international championship. She’s a professional pilot, world champion of Bajas and the national Enduro champion.

GWR MAG 106 |

Š Daniel Monteiro GWR MAG 107 |

INFLUENCES My love for bikes started really early, influenced by my father, and my brother. I remember being 5 years old, and all our Sundays were spent on a bike in the middle of the mud, in our city park. Competition came later, in 2003. I was 8 years old when I started Trial National Championship in Children’s class in a GASGAS 50.

has a snowball effect. My brother is the national champion of Indoor & Outdoor trials and so far the recognition he has received was absolutely zero. It ends up being frustrating.

Just for fun, I started doing some races on old bikes with my dad and my brother, I liked it and I thought it went well.

I started participating in some regional stages of National Enduro Championship with a DT50 from the 80’s (the oldest and less cylinder bike amongst 250 pilots). I did get a good results and I won the title of Regional Enduro ChamTRIAL & ENDURO pion. Next year, with a YZ85 I began to participate in the I have been doing trials since I was 8, and I have been to national championship on Hobby Category. Next year, now several international competitions like the European World with a AJP 240, I did the full Enduro National Championship Cup, and I represented Portugal in the National Trials. I’ve in the Ladies category, and I won! Last year, I added to my never missed one, and I’m in my 13th year in a row in the title with a CRF 250.

Trial competitions. Until I was 18, with the help of FMP (Portuguese federation for biking), that has supported me and Now, Enduro is what I love the most, it’s completely differmy brother, with landing us bikes, and many of the costs, ent adrenaline, and there is the velocity factor, that it’s non existent in Trial. especially in international competitions.

Unfortunately, Trial has come to a breaking point, the championships are very weak, a lot of discussion on the results, and hardly any athletes (20 per each stage) and very low audience. If there’s no audience, there’s no visibility, therefor sponsors have no interest in supporting and everything

GWR MAG 108 |

It’s two totally different sports, and the bikes are very different. I know I have been growing in Endura, and I have more of a possibility to make a living from Enduro than from Trials.

GWR MAG 109 |

BEING A WOMEN IN ENDURO

CHANGING THE SPORT

I feel good, I really never cared about it. Every day that passes by, the sport becomes a unisex sport, and women are getting stronger, either in Enduro, Dakar, or Motocross.

I believe we can’t think that we are inferior, because we are women, otherwise we will never grow! We need to think that that’s not what’s going to stop us from being as good or even better than a men. Maybe we have to work harder to have more strength and resistance, things that in a men came naturally. Because there are few women practicing nationally, my reference are the men, that’s the only way I can grow as athlete.

Every year there are more women competing, last year there were seven of us, which is a huge step! I think this is how you start, by motivating girls to participate with help and support and to show them that the sport is accessible for everyone and everyone can do it. I love to teach and I’m willing to help anyone that wants my help. Being humble to learn is one of the most important things to grow.

But I was definitely welcome by everyone, they have help me and teached me, especially my brother!

GWR MAG 110 |

COMPETITIONS This year, same as last year, I have the support of Raposeira and we choose a bike more fitting to Enduro, a Beta X Trainer 2T. I’m really loving this bike, however still in the adaptation phase, since this is a completely different bike from the one I rode last year.

PLANS FOR 2016

MESSAGE

This year, my plans are to win the Women’s National Enduro Championship, get Top 5 in the Women’s Enduro WorldCup, and above all, learn and grow. I know I have a lot of work ahead.

Fight, always fight for what you want or dream, never lower your arms facing adversities, and pain. There’s nothing better that improving ourselves, and that is not always translated in victories, but in personal satisfaction, so it’s important to keep ourselves motivated.

PRACTICING Unlike people think, bikes require a lot of physical work, so I train every day or almost every day with my brother and mt PT Pedro Quadrado. And I ride my bike around 4 times a week. I don’t have a defined routine, it depends on the weather, because if it’s raining to much, we can not go to the tracks so I choose to go to the gym and do my bike maintenance, or sometimes I trade the physical training for a full day riding my bike.

Its very hard, however very pleasant, because I’m lucky enough to do what I love.

GWR MAG 111 |

Š Daniel Monteiro GWR MAG 112 |

“Pain in temporary.

Glory is forever�.

THANK YOU NOTES I want to thank Raposeira for all the support that they have give to me and my brother, creating all the necessary conditions so that we can grow and of course, to all the remaining partners that help us everyday in the journey to our success.

GWR MAG 113 |

rollerderby

team portugal

GWR MAG 114 |

Š Vincent Micheletti Pictures GWR MAG 115 |

Team Portugal Roller Derby is back, with new goals and challenges! After participating in the Blood & Thunder Roller Derby World Cup 2014, the team is preparing for the next edition of European Roller Derby Tournament (ERDT) that will take place this year.

The beginning of this new stage is set by new skater try outs. We had two intense days, with exercises that allowed us to evaluate the technical capacity of several athletes, but also the knowledge of strategy and teamwork, through the final game.

From the try outs, we selected 17 skaters, coming from Portugal, Belgium, Finland, Czech Republic and United States, and this is the team that will push hard this year to prepare for the ERDT 2016!

Always led by the words “by the skaters, for the skaters!, the entire Team Portugal Roller Derby is managed and planned by staff connected to the sport, and by the athletes themselves, without any financial support - state or private.

That being said, this year all efforts are being made so that the necessary conditions will be created not only for training, but also for logistics, where we include fund raising,

through sponsors, donations, merchandise sales, entry at events, and others.

Without knowing the word “quit”, Team Portugal Roller Derby, expects a year filled with activity and effort, with the goal to show the evolution of this team, that has made its first appearance in 2014, after a pleasant surprise at the Blood and Thunder Roller Derby World Cup in 2014.

Join us and support this exciting journey of Team Portugal Roller Derby on the way to the European Roller Derby Tournament 2016 (September 10th and 11th), in Mons, Belgium.

facebook.com/TeamPortugalRollerDerby

© Vincent Micheletti Pictures GWR MAG 116 |

Š Vincent Micheletti Pictures

Š Vincent Micheletti Pictures GWR MAG 117 |

nutrition

by Raquel Neto

Anti inflammatory Food

GWR MAG 118 |

GWR MAG 119 |

We many times look for medicine to reduce symptoms that

could easily be avoided with some types of food. Anti Inflammatory components, present in some food, can make the difference when recovering from the injured muscle of an athlete, after a light practice, or after demanding stages of an event.

wrong food habits, can lead to chronic inflammation, which can result in severe injury. Scientists have discovered that fat acid Omega-3, inhibits an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX) that produces the hormones that are responsible for inflammation.

The fat acid action is similar to the one that occurs when There are many factors combined that can contribute to taking an anti inflammatory pill, breaking the signal track, success in a sporting event, so today we will talk about 3 and reducing inflammation and pain, however in a much healthier way! anti inflammatory foods that can help reach that goal.

One of the most known is òmega-3, the super known lipid profile reducer (reduces cholesterol) and prevents cardiovascular diseases. This fat polyunsaturated acid is also amazing for reducing muscular pain! Inflammation is limited, and works like a immunological response to physical damage or invasive pathogenic agents.

How to consume omega-3? Consuming more certain types of fish during the week is the best and healthiest way. You can eat salmon, herring, sardines, tuna, and mackerel, since they have the biggest concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in all foods.

It’s important that we don’t go looking for chemical anti in- However, we can find minor, yet significantly quantities in flammatories that will interrupt the natural process of mus- other foods like for example nuts, almonds, and seeds, like chia, flax and hemp seeds cular hypertrophy and end up hurting the muscle.

This situation can be continuous, and combined with the

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Another great nutrient is gingerol, that now is starting to get

well known, though it has been used in oriental kitchens for it’s not recommended for people taking anticoagulant medthousands of years. Where do we find this? In ginger! Ideas ication. It’s a great anti inflammatory that can be combined with the addition of black pepper. to use it?

You can place some fresh ginger slices in water with mint and basil, lemon slices and cinnamon, the water gets very fragrant and helps hydration during the day Zest of fresh ginger in meat or fish to substitute salt, also gives more flavor to the food.

Besides their huge inflammatory power, ginger tea, is also great for pregnant women during the first trimester (helps with the nausea) But make the tea with ginger slices, don’t buy it in in bags You can also add it to juices, porridge, or fruit with yogurt.

Last , but not least, we have turmeric. This substance can be found in a well known spice, that we in Portugal don’t use much - saffron. The quantities must not exceed 15g per day (3 teaspoons), because it can become toxic, and

How to use it? When cooking we usually use it in rice, some people add some raisins for a more Morocco style, but besides this, there are an endless number of ways to use it.

You can mix it with fresh herbs like chives and thyme, and sprinkle over vegetables before taking them out the oven.

Cauliflower is great with saffron. Making a paste of mashed garlic to season grilled meat or fish, or add lemon juice to season salads, are also excellent choices!

A perfect lunch and post training? Salmon in the oven, seasoned with ginger and garlic paste served with vegetables with saffron. For athletes that seek to recover quickly between practices, these 3 anti inflamatory must be consumed in the regular diet.

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Salmon Tartare Ingredients: - 1 salmon fillet (250g) - 1 bunch of chives - ½ lemon juice - 1 lime juice - 1 teaspoon mustard - black pepper

Preparation 1. Cut the fillet in same size cubes.

2. Season with the chives, lemon, lime and black pepper.

3. Mix well and leave it to marinate for 10 ~15 minutes If you like it raw, leave the lemon and lime acidity for less time, if you like it well done leave it for more time.

Serve with a good salad of lettuce, spinach and watercress

spicy salmon in the oven Ingredients: - 3 salmon fillets - 1 piece of fresh ginger (the size of one finger) - 1 red chilli - 1 green chili - 3 garlic cloves - 2 tablespoons of olive oil - 1 tablespoon paprika - Dry tarragon - bunch of chives

Preparation 1. Clean the salmon fillets, removing skin and bones, 2. Crush the garlic, the chili, and season the fish. Add some pieces of ginger.

3. Sprinkle with paprika, fresh herbs and olive oil.

4. Put in the oven at 170Âş for around 25 minutes

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Saffron Shrimp Salad Ingredients: - 1 tablespoon saffron - 1 tea cup of couscous - 1 frozen shrimp pack (200g) - ½ red pepper - 2 garlic cloves - 1 teaspoon coconut oil - 150g cooked broccoli

Preparation 1. In a deep dish put in the couscous and sprinkle with saffron. Boil the water and spread over the couscous. Cover the dish with a plate for 5~8 minutes so the couscous will cook.

2. Cook the broccoli in another pan 3. Put the shrimp under water to break the ice.

4. Cut the garlic and place in a wok together with the coconut oil, the shrimp and the red pepper (also cubed). Let it cook.

5. Drain the broccoli and add them to the couscous and the shrimp

Raquel de Morais Carvalho Neto Nutritionist (CP 1641N) Site:www.mangi.pt Instagram: mangi.pt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mangipt/ Contact: raquelmcneto@gmail.com

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news Castelo do Bode HOSTS WAKEBOARD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP & OPENS WAKE RESORT Wakeboard Portugal Project just presented their 2016 strategy, and the World Championship “Nautique European Pro/am” which will be held for the first time in Europe in June, 2016.. Also, the first world wake resort, with 5 cable systems connected by boat transfer will be open at the same time. Simultaneously, another project for a Wakeboard High Performance Center is being developed, with the WWA stamp - The Wake Academy High Performance Center.

The world Championship will be held between June 10th and 12th, in Ferreira do Zêzere, and according to Corrie Wilson, WWA executive director ““Everyone loved the event last year! Portugal just has so much to offer and see, that everyone had a good time on and off the water.

I think this year you will see some new faces who have heard about what a great event it was last year and want to see it for themselves this year.”

When questioned about gender equality in wakeboarding Corrie highlights that “this is one of the best times in History to be a female rider! Last year the WWA put the women on the same world stage as the men with the WBWS and in 2015 Meagan Ethell (a female) received the second highest total prize money payout for the year!

There is also so much camaraderie between the younger girls coming up who ride together and push each other.

The future is really bright for women in wakeboarding”.

She also reminded us that “having the women at all of the WBWS has put us in the spotlight on the contest scene more regularly, and girls are pushing themselves to learn new tricks which in the long run is paying off”.

On the same date, the World’s Wakeboard first resort opens at the hands of Wakeboard Portugal, a project launched in 2015 that is adding Portugal on the map of wakeboarding. With five cable systems, in five different locations, it will be a paradise for athletes and sport fans.

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“One of the problems with the sport and its expansion in Portugal was the lack of accessibility. The creation of the resort will allow athletes and new athletes to practice wakeboarding without the dependency of boat availability. Naturally, when access to the sport gets easier, we expect to have more regular practitioners, and new athletes emerging. Through the cables, we will also create a new tourist destination in the center of Portugal.

With the support of The City Hall in Abrantes, Ferreira do Zêzere, Sertã, Tomar and Vila de Rei, we are making Portugal the european cluster for wakeboard. When we think about wakeboarding in the United States, we think Florida, and Florida is almost the same size of Portugal. I hope that in a few years, when we think of Wakeboarding in Europe, Portugal just comes up to mind” - explains André Matos, president of APWW (Portuguese wakeboard and wakeskate association) This Wake Academy comes with the goal to promote the sport in Portugal and in all of Europe “It’s the first of its kind, and it has the quality stamp of WWA (World Wakeboard Association). Wake Academy - High Performance Center will create exceptional training conditions for athletes all over the world, and they will find in our country, things they don’t have in their origin countries. Not only will we allow national athletes to grow in technique and training, but we can also create synergies with teams and international athletes”.

Also according to André Matos “we have excellent female athletes in Portugal, that have been growing with the sport and have been promoting the same amongst other women. International Championships coming to our country, has allowed athletes to know each other and learn from the best international riders, like current world champion Megan Ethell, or Dallas Friday. This sharing is key to take the sport to another evolution level, national and internationally”

Š Jason Lee | Rider: Corrie Wilson GWR MAG 125 |

THE MOST WANTED TAKE OFF! 1ST WOMEN IN RED BULL AIR RACE After experiencing the competition environment for the first time in Abu Dhabi, where she only had access to training, the French competitor Mélania Astles, made history in Red Bull Air Race World Championship. On the weekend of April 23th and 24th she was the first women to enter the most important air competition on the planet. The place was the Spielberg F1 track in Austria.

With 5 French titles and several top10 classifications in the European and World Aerobatics championships, Mélania Astle, 33 years old, is the first woman to participate in the Red Bull Race World Championship The French competitor flew a competitive Extra 333LX, following a childhood dream. The woman who now made his-

ABOUT: RED BULL AIR RACE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Created in 2013, and transformed in 2005 in the World Championship, Red Bull Air Race has been followed by millions of fans, on the 70 locations it has visited so far.

The competition includes the best aerobatics pilots in the world, in a challenge that combines speed, precision and skills. Flying the most modern planes of our days, this pilots do their best to beat the clock in a path with giant inflatables, reaching velocities above 300/km at low altitude.

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news

tory – has entered the Challengers Cup, that gives access to Red Bull Air Race – has an inspiring path. At age 18 she left her studies behind to work at a gas station. Soon, she was managing several gas stations, and saving the money for her aerobatics training, at 21. In her first competition, she reaches victory in hopes category.

With a consistent evolution, Mélanie reached the top in France and won a spot on her aerobatics team. The 7th place in the 2014 World Championship (1st of the ladies) represents her progression well. Now, the time has come to live a challenge that goes behind aerobatics, in a high speed race among inflatables.

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Merrel Foot Wear CIVE

must have

Ericeira Surf Shop Shirt

Ericeira Surf Shop Shirt

New Era Cap CAMILLE WALALA collection

Ericeira Surf Shop Shorts

Ericeira Surf Shop Long Top GWR MAG 128 |

Birkenstock Gizeh Sandals

tech Length: 99 cm – 38.9 inches

Width: 24 cm – 9.4 inches

Wheelbase: 68 cm – 26.7 inches or 65 cm – 25.5 inches Concave: 1,3 cm – 0.3 inches

The new LGC board has the perfect length and width for women (or men with small, size feet). The concave is perfect for dancing and freestyling, but also for some serious freeriding. It is a symmetrical board, with just the right amount of tail and nose, while being extremely versatile.

By purchasing this board you are not only getting a high quality product, designed specifically for you, you are also contributing to LGC’s work supporting and promoting women and female athletes world wide.

DECK available @ wave.de COMPLETE BOARD (with trucks and wheels) available @: skatedeluxe.com

It’s a perfect board for beginners, but also for more advanced riders. Finally a board for all longboard disciplines.

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NEXT EDITION: JOANA ScHENKER

NEXT EDITION: VALERIA KECHICHIAN

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gwr.mag staff Oriana Brás Catarina Faustino Cindy Whitehead Previous Editions Facebook Instagram e-mail

issuu.com/gwrmag facebook.com/GWRpt GWRMAG gwrmag@gmail.com

contributors Susana de Figueiredo Raquel de Morais Carvalho Neto Mad Sea Mónica Viveiros Wave Girls Lisa Marques Team Portugal Roller Derby

susana.rfigueiredo@gmail.com www.mangi.pt www.madsea.pt Facebook/MadSea www.wavegirls.pt Facebook: Lizzy Portfolio facebook.com/TeamPortugalRollerDerby

big thanks Gretchen Bleiler Christin Rose Ishita Malaviya Rita Vieira Cole Barash Joana Sousa Pedro Sousa Marta Léon Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word Chris Hotell Wakeboard Portugal Ganesh Colectivo 71.86 Nicole Birkhold Rute Castro Bruno Paixão “ Caxada”

http://gretchenbleiler.com http://christinrose.com/overview/she-plays-we-win.html www.theshakasurfclub.com facebook.com/RitaVieiraRacing www.boundlessartproject.com www.joanasousa.com www.behance.net/petertall https://leonmarta.wordpress.com/contact www.girlisnota4letterword.com www.alexbottle.com www.wakeboardportugal.com facebook.com/ganesh.comunicacao www.colectivo7186.com

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www.facebook.com/GWRpt instagram: gwrmag

Š Tiago Gomes

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