(A Story by Jessica Boynton, Founder and Designer of Hakuna Wear)
You may have heard of surfing in Peru, probably because of the famous longest left in the world, Chicama, only an hour and ½ drive away from Huanchaco and about 3 hours away from Lima. When arriving in Peru however, just looking outside the window of the plane, it is evident that swell is coming in along the entire coast. In fact, surfing is historic here. Their tabla (surfboard): Caballitos are stacked along the bay, ready for fishing and surfing.
I came to visit Groundswell Community Project's headquarters for the next 5 months (their summer) to bring surf and service to a community of awesome women in Peru. The first night, we attended one of their events, "Miercoles y Mujeres y el Mar," an event to bring together women surfing out in the water. We paddled out with two locals in tow; one amazing woman who surfs despite the lack of the use of her legs and another amazing local woman who finds peace and strength in the ocean. Our other attendees were ex-pats deciding to make a life in humble Huanchaco.
Out in the water, we met other ex-pats; but, not a lot of local women. It is a situation you see often in surf spots around the world. In Bali, I only met Australian women in the water. Whether it's culturally unacceptable for women to be athletic or it's the weight of the responsibilities of the family and the home, or a reason beyond our understanding, you can only know from asking. As we sat there chatting about our intentions for our surf session, a young girl came over curiously trying to sit in on our conversation; and, Natalie Small, the founder of Groundswell Community Project, happily welcomed her in. Throughout my stay, this happened several times. There are dreams of being a surfer in these young girls eyes. They are hungry for the adventure and the ocean but terrified, as well.
Groundswell wants to make a difference in these local girls lives and in all women's lives. Their surf therapy retreats/programs bring women from all over the world to educate about plastic pollution and amazing abilities to surf to overcome trauma. Throughout every January-February, Groundswell Community Project is hosting 6 weeks of retreats to work with the women in the community. The goal is not to be its own movement but to facilitate some of the movements that have already been put in place.
The community in Huanchaco is palpable. The ex-pats want to make a difference, somewhere, somehow, and the locals have their utmost support. The waves were a blast, as Huanchaco acts as gigantic left point break where you can ride all the way to the pier and into the bay where the beginners' practice. The waves were head high the entire time, and we were the first to paddle out every morning.
They are a town full of potential but without the funds to realize it, buildings that need a little extra love and care, restaurants filled with delicious smells and creative foods but with dirt roads leading up to them.
The roots of Pachamama are strong, as we sat on the rooftop eating ceviche watching the people fish in their caballitos. The people of Huanchaco need their precious resources.
So what is it about this city? It's hope. The hope of a simpler and better life. The hope of making a difference.
