False Cape Surf-Yoga-Massage Retreat: June 9

Words by John Streit. Photos by Shaun Devine and Bryan Brough

The dictionary defines the word “retreat” as “a place of refuge, seclusion, or privacy.”

So as far as False Cape State Park goes, there are few better words at describing the experience of making the journey to the pristine maritime environment. The air just seems to feel cleaner, the water clearer and the waves more fun.

There’s something invigorating about being so far removed from the hustle and bustle of a Virginia Beach summer day, and on June 9, Surf & Adventure Co. tapped into the essence of False Cape with 24 friends at our women’s Surf-Yoga-Massage Retreat.

After departing from Little Island Park for an interpretive nature excursion on the Blue Goose Express, the girls arrived at the secluded beach ready for a warmup of yoga provided by Hot House Yoga’s Sammi Lizotte.

Loose and limber after the yoga session, the group hit the water. Experienced surfers jumped right in and enjoyed a perfect longboard wave in the clear, green water. The first-timers were treated to a surf lesson from S&A crewmen Shaun Devine and Nick Brown. Before long, everyone was catching waves and feeding off of each other’s stoke.

There’s no better way to unwind after a surf than a personal massage. Former S&A crewman and current massage therapist Heath Scott (Karuna LLC.) set up shop on the beach to relax the participant’s muscles after the yoga and surf sessions.

Leaving False Cape and returning to city life was bittersweet for the group, but smiles were wide and memories were made that will last a lifetime. We will be hosting ventures such as this in the future, so stay tuned to our media channels for your next opportunity to make the retreat to False Cape. Special thanks to Cindy Stokes and the Wahine Surf Club for helping us network these ladies together for this amazing trip!