Introducing Surf Retreat

Danielle (my wife) and I both love the beauty and joy that comes with surfing; even more so, we love the beauty and joy that flows from having a a relationship with God.

About two months ago, Danielle and I felt the Lord place a pretty rad idea on our hearts. We’ve been doing Surf Church, which has been a super awesome addition to the ministry we’re doing here at Ride Nature, but the day always goes too fast; time flies when you’re having fun! We thought the only thing better than a day full of fellowship and surfing is a weekend full of fellowship and surfing. The idea sprouted into action, and two weeks ago we took a group of 10 surfers to the east coast for a weekend full of camping, surfing, and most importantly, creating an environment that cultivated intentional growth in our relationships with the Lord and each other.

It is truly perplexing at how the Lord orchestrated everything, from three people on our trip choosing to fly in from out of state to join us, to the very specific conversations He led us to have over the weekend. We quickly realized that getting away from regular day-to-day life really opened up the door for us to focus on God’s presence.

There is something special about being in creation, from sleeping under the stars to sitting out in the line up and recognizing the vast depth and beauty of the ocean.

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” Romans 1:20

Being in creation isn't the only way to feel connected to the Creator of the universe. As the weekend progressed we encouraged our group on the importance of an actual relationship with the Lord and the fruit of what that relationship looks like. The first light of morning led to each member of the group seeking solitude in prayer, studying scripture, or pursuing mere stillness with God.

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10

 After a long day of fun waves, intentional conversations, and growing closer to one another, we found ourselves around the campfire discussing God, faith, and the fruits of an intimate relationship with our Creator. Before the night had ended there were testimonies being shared, praise reports of healing, vulnerability, and declarations of who God is in our lives. To top the weekend off, a girl on our trip (one of the three that flew in from out of state) decided to get baptized literally minutes before loading up the van and driving home. She is now signed up to intern with us this summer! We’re so thankful for how the weekend played out, from little details of weather and wave reports, to lives being changed forever because of Jesus Christ.

Thank you for your prayers over this retreat. We’re stoked and ready for part two!

– Travis Curie // Wake and Surf Outreach