Catherine Haena Kim Instagram – I got into a bad wipeout surfing here two years ago. I’d been trying to learn to surf in LA inconsistently for 6 months during the strikes and took myself on a ‘me’ trip after a hard but necessary breakup. Just my luck. 🏄🏻♀️
The ocean, it thrills me, terrifies me and grounds me all at once. My dad loved the water and being near it now makes me feel somehow more connected to him. 🌊
I ended up needing surgery. Discovered Pilates while rehabbing. And the first time back on a board was last week, almost two years to the day since I first got hurt. Something in me always has to get back up when I fall. To know I can. Every day I left the ocean with a surfer’s high only to tell myself I should probably quit while I’m ahead by night. But little by little I gained confidence. Largely due to my incredible surf coach @firmanoinara at @safarisurfer ❤️
Nosara has become my place of grounding, healing and joy. I can’t imagine having started the year anywhere else. 🎊
If you’ve read this far, this is your reminder to keep going. You got this. I’ll see you out there ✨✨ | Posted on 14/Jan/2026 12:03:08
