Self-Care Surfing Trip for my 29th Birthday

Jairus Castaneda Start Date: Aug 8, 2023 - End Date: Oct 6, 2023
  • San Diego, CA, United States of America

My Travel Story

by: Jairus Castaneda Start Date: Aug 8, 2023 - End Date: Oct 6, 2023
Chicagoland can be quite rough on a day to day basis. I've been dreaming of the one and only time I got on a surfboard back in 2021. Even though I fell countless times, I was able to catch one wave during my one hour lesson! I rode it towards the shore for about eight seconds.

Catching that one wave made it all worth it. I felt inspired and truly alive! That feeling has stuck with me since, and I dream of returning to San Diego to continue to practice my surfing skills as a self-care trip for my 29th birthday. 

I am someone who is learning to overcome stress and anxiety. My current location of where I live doesn't help much either. I know I love the ocean and the way it brings a real sense of contentment to my soul. As a beginner surfer, I've been told that the Fall season is an ideal time to come practice, since waves are generally calmer and more welcoming towards those who are just starting out. It goes hand-in-hand with my 29th birthday, which I'll be celebrating at the end of September!

I'm currently paying off debts, which have huge interest rates that activate at the end of September,  as well as my monthly living expenses. It leaves little to no room for me to save for this trip, which I really wanted to go on during the Fall for those two factors I mentioned above. It's left me overwhelmed and disappointed.

Surfing is the only thing I've been really looking forward to for a very long time now. I truly believe it's a sort of sport/nature therapy for me. The Pacific Ocean is something I've missed ever since the last time I swam in it over two years ago. 

Any and all help you're called to donate towards my dream to surf for my birthday is greatly appreciated! My goal is to be out in the ocean every single day for the entirety of my one week trip to San Diego. I'll even send you a picture of me and my rental board with a recap of how my Surf trip went.

Thanks for reading this all the way through! I ask that you also share this with your family and friends! ✌️
  • San Diego, CA, United States of America