There’s something magical about bodyboarding in El Salvador — tropical waters, powerful waves, and a community of passionate riders pushing their limits together. But for our returning guest Renee, this year’s trip wasn’t just about catching waves and soaking up sunshine — it was a profound transformation in confidence, mindset, and skill.
Watch the full video above to witness Renee’s incredible journey in her own words.
From Nervous Beginner to Barrel-Hunter
A year ago, Renee joined our El Salvador trip with one major obstacle holding her back: fear. Like many bodyboarders — especially those new to powerful waves — that gut-level anxiety about wipeouts, judgement from others, or simply facing the unknown was standing between her and true progression.
With guidance from our coaching team, including Dr. Steve’s psychological insights and Rob’s proven mindset techniques, Renee began rewiring her reactions in the surf:
- Rationalising fears (“Is that surfer really going to hit me, or am I catastrophising?”)
- Becoming more present in the water instead of anticipating what might go wrong
- Using positive physical cues, like consciously smiling in the lineup to trigger relaxation
Fast forward 12 months, and Renee’s transformation is nothing short of remarkable.
"I went from being the most fearful on the trip to the most fearless. I can feel it in my body. There's no tension in my face, I'm smiling, and I've developed a real trust relationship with the waves now."
Trust, Coaching & Barrel Vision
Renee’s biggest breakthrough this year? Trusting the process and her coaches.
“At first, the idea of dropping into the barrel felt like a death wish,” she laughs. “But when Rob told me it’s actually the safest place to be — he was absolutely right. Once you’re inside, it’s pure magic.”
By truly listening to her coaches and letting go of those mental barriers, Renee found herself confidently riding bigger barrels, laying into powerful cutbacks, and feeling completely at home in heavier surf that would have terrified her just months earlier.
She didn’t just survive the trip — she absolutely thrived.
Fitness Fuels Confidence
Mindset wasn’t the only area where Renee levelled up — she arrived at this year’s trip physically prepared. Through a combination of cross-training, flexibility work, and specialised workouts inspired by bodyboarding champion Iain Campbell (who hosts his own coaching weekends and Nusa Lembongan holidays), she showed up stronger and more capable than ever.
"We trained specifically for bodyboarding demands. Floor work, targeted strength training, flexibility — it all contributed. I wanted to go faster, get deeper in barrels, and start trying new tricks I'd been too scared to attempt before."
The payoff? Immense. Her technique sharpened dramatically, her confidence soared, and her enjoyment factor went through the roof.
What's Next? Morocco, Jeff Hubbard... and Beyond!
With El Salvador now firmly conquered, Renee has her sights set on even more epic surf adventures — possibly our Secret Morocco trip with 3x World Bodyboarding Champion Jeff Hubbard, and continuing her progression journey.
“Each trip gets exponentially better,” she beams. “The growth curve is incredible, and I’m fully committed to making this an annual highlight in my life.”
Ready to Face Your Own Fears?
And remember — it’s completely normal to feel uncertain. As Renee proved, it’s astonishing what can happen when you simply show up, trust your coaches and fellow riders, and learn to smile into the face of those intimidating waves.
If Renee’s journey has sparked something inside you, perhaps it’s time to write your own transformation story in the waves. Whether you’re battling persistent fear, chasing the next level of progression, or simply craving a surf adventure with like-minded wave enthusiasts – we have a place waiting for you.
