Healing on the High Seas: Surf, Yoga, and New Beginnings

March 2020: A World Turned Upside Down

For many in 2020, especially those in healthcare, the world blurred into an unrelenting cycle of long shifts in ERs and ICUs. Masks left painful ulcers on faces, exhaustion became the default state, and connection to loved ones was limited to Zoom or FaceTime. For one ER doctor and a trauma ICU nurse, the pandemic was a storm they had to weather daily—giving everything to others while quietly losing pieces of themselves.

Marney, an ER doctor in New York City, reflected on the toll it took:

"The stress I had experienced working as an ER doctor during the pandemic became my baseline way of life. The things I saw couldn't be unseen. I lost my sense of balance and felt desperate to get it back but didn't know how to find it amidst this changing world."

Stephen, a trauma ICU nurse in Toronto, shared his own story:

"It's not an easy job at the best of times, but one moment stands out. I cared for a young patient whose family, stuck in India due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, couldn't be by his side. He was my age, fighting life-threatening injuries and completely alone. I made it my mission to be there for him—to hold his hand, to remind him to keep fighting. That moment stayed with me."

For two years, they gave everything to others while carrying the weight of their experiences. Then, unexpectedly, they received a life-changing gift.

A Gift of Adventure

When SurfYogaBeer (SYB) reached out to Marney and Stephen, informing them that they'd been selected for a gifted trip honoring healthcare workers, it felt like the universe was giving them a much-needed nudge. After years of sacrifice, they were finally being encouraged to prioritize themselves.

Arriving in Managua, Nicaragua, they met for the first time at the airport. By the time they boarded the bus together for the journey to Playa Maderas, the conversation was already flowing effortlessly. What began as small talk soon turned into laughter, stories, and the start of a friendship neither of them had expected.

A Week in Paradise

Greeted with hugs, wide smiles, and refreshing welcome drinks, it wasn't long until Marney and Stephen felt like they were part of a new family.

Each day brought its own kind of magic. Mornings began with high-energy beach workouts that left their quads burning but their spirits soaring. Breakfast was a feast of fresh, local ingredients, including the biggest avocados they'd ever seen.

Then came surf lessons. Guided by local instructors, they learned to navigate the waves, laughing at wipeouts and celebrating small victories. By the end of the week, they weren't just standing on their boards—they were fully riding the waves, chasing the exhilarating high of the ocean.

One of the week's highlights was Boat Day, a signature SYB experience. Sailing through crystal-clear waters, snorkeling in secluded bays, feasting on freshly caught tuna, and watching dolphins play alongside the boat felt like something out of a dream.

Moments of Reflection and Puppies

The yoga sessions were transformative. Practicing on a serene deck overlooking the ocean, with the sound of waves crashing and the sun setting on the horizon, creating a tranquil and deeply emotional atmosphere. For Marney, one session brought her to tears, finally releasing emotions she hadn't realized she'd been holding onto for years.

And then there was puppy yoga. Yes, puppy yoga. A local rescue organization brought over a litter of adorable puppies, turning a yoga session into pure joy. Downward dog with actual dogs was an experience neither Marney nor Stephen would ever forget.

Late Nights, Laughter, and Lifelong Memories

The nights were as unforgettable as the days. Themed parties, tacos, tequila shots, and late-night swims became the norm.

One particularly memorable night ended with a group skinny-dipping in the ocean, laughing like carefree kids. For the first time in years, Marney and Stephen felt truly alive.

A Life-Changing Perspective

What started as a getaway had transformed into something much deeper. The strangers they'd met on day one had become a family. They stayed in contact, visiting and reuniting with other SYB members. The trip's energy stayed with them, a reminder that life is about balance, connection, and the willingness to step away from the chaos to truly care for oneself. 

A Heartfelt Thank You

Marney and Stephen remain deeply grateful to SurfYogaBeer and the SYBeInspired Foundation. Their mission to give back—whether through supporting breast cancer survivors, aiding communities in need, or honoring healthcare workers—is a testament to the power of connection and community.

For anyone considering their own adventure with SYB, Marney and Stephen offer this advice:

"No matter where you are in life—whether thriving or struggling—SYB will meet you where you are. It's not just a trip. It's an adventure that can change your life."

And in the spirit of SYB's mantra, they add:

Don't think. Just do.

SurfYogaBeer is an active and social travel company focused on global, local, and private adventures, offering group trips for people of all ages and fitness levels. We're all looking for adventure. Travel with us–change your life.