Nicaragua seems like the place to be.

Yesterday I spoke with Laura, who can't get enough of the Maderas surf. Today I am interviewing India Reinartz. India is an old pal of mine originally from Vancouver Island who now lives in San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua, where she runs Papaya Wellness, a retreat that offers surf and yoga immersions. She also has a studio in town called Papaya Grove where she teaches yoga to her neighbours and friends.

When I see her updates on Facebook, I am always blown away. Her tanned face and serene smile are a jolt of inspiration and I always wonder, "what made a girl from Victoria, B.C. create a life somewhere completely different?" Let's find out why she does what she does.

meet india

alexis: Okay, so let's jump right into it. Tell me how you got into surfing?

india: I began surfing on Vancouver Island when I was 15 in little spots close to my hometown of Victoria - places like Sooke and Sombrio. As I got older I began regularly visiting Tofino, where I really became serious about it. By 18 I was completely hooked.

alexis: After high school, what were your next steps?

india: I went traveling and took my surfboard with me. I was drawn to Central America because I wanted to learn Spanish and I heard the surf was amazing. After traveling to many different spots, I settled in Nicaragua. I freelanced for 3 years as an adventure and surf guide before settling here permanently.

alexis: How did you begin your journey with yoga?

india: I started doing yoga in Victoria with my mom at a young age - she would take me to our local recreational center to get our bend on (*editor's note: your mom is awesome). I have been practicing ever since - it is just a part of my life, but I never considered instructing. I then decided to do a teacher training called Yoga Lion in Nicaragua a few years ago, more with the intention of self-discovery and complementing my surfing rather than actually teaching. It was after I completed this training that all of my friends, neighbours and surf buddies in Playa Gigante started asking me to instruct classes. The rest, as they say, is history. I now have a studio in town called Papaya Grove.

alexis: What are the things you appreciate about living in Nicaragua versus Canada?

india: Simplicity. It's not about needing anything - the life is basic and so, so sweet. The feel of consumerism is a far away notion here. The locals are really LIVING life and it inspires me every day - it has taught me a whole new level of appreciation. It is an incredible community.

alexis: What are some things you miss about Canada?

india: It is WAY easier to get things done – things go extremely slowly here. Even the most simple errand can be challenging! Also, I love the openmindedness & progressiveness of Vancouver Island - everyone is open to recycling and health. Also, I miss my friends like crazy. I'm hoping to come home for an extended visit this summer - I want to promote my business and also get a good visit in with the people I love.

alexis: You've already achieved so many amazing things. What is a long-term goal you are working on now?

india: My ideal long-term goal is to live half the time in Nicaragua and half the time in Victoria. I'd also like to expand Papaya Wellness outside of Nica too - there are so many incredible places in this world for surf, yoga and adventure!

India is a great example of someone living a big, juicy life. If you want to learn more about her retreat Papaya Wellness, check it out here. When you fall asleep each night, what is your dream life? Go find it!

My buddy Laura is obsessed with surfing. Every time we chat she is either planning a new adventure or freshly tanned from a recent trip, filled with stories of far-off swells she has just conquered. She's got a serious case of surf fever and it's incredible what she gets up to.

Laura just got back from a two-week jaunt to Nicaragua. I sat down with her to find out what makes her crave the wave.

why laura loves nicaragua

what keeps you coming back to Nicaragua? I've been a few times before and I love it. Why? Offshore winds 300 days a year, not too many reefs and warm water make it pretty ideal. Also, the swell is just starting to pick up in February making it a nice time to visit.

what spots do you like? Maderas and Hermosa are my two favorites. For beginners, Chicka Brava surf school is fantastic.

which are your favourite towns to visit? Maderas Village is incredible - I recommend it to anyone making their way to Nicaragua. If you are an architecture nut, check out Granada - it is filled with colourful colonial buildings. San Juan Del Sur is a really cute little town with shuttles to all of the local surf spots. Lastly, I wouldn't stay too long in Managua - it can be a little dicey.

how expensive is it? Very affordable – like Costa Rica 8 years ago. Once you get there the cost of living is very accommodating.

what is the food like? The food in Nica is AWESOME - very fresh and lots of fish! They also have an amazing local beer called Tona and the best spiced rum around, Flor De Cana. Don't say I didn't warn you!

any traveling tips for first timers? Overall, Nicaragua is very safe and the locals are wonderful. There are a few things to keep in mind however. Don't share taxis - sometimes there are people who will scam you into getting into a car with them. It's easy to avoid - just don't split taxis. This seems obvious, but make sure to drink bottled water...it's easy to get sick if you ingest some by accident. I would pack Dukoral - it seems embarrassing to mention but you'll be happy you brought it in case you get sick. Lastly, double check with your airline about packing your surfboard - every airline is different and it can get pricey, so check and see what their fees are before you book.

laura's vital surf stats

home beach:  Tofino, B.C. (Cox Bay, Long Beach)

real-life job: Video and Photo Producer at lululemon (she wrangles our crazy photographers and videographers and makes sure we get our shots, book our flights and the models get fed!)

how many years surfing: 6 - she started surfing in Costa Rica in the summer of 2008 and was hooked!

dream location to go next:  El Salvador. Warm water, super affordable...everything I've heard is incredible.
board: JS Nitro Hybrid short board - 5'8" 19 1/4 2 3/8

We love Laura's joie de vivre for the water! What adventures have you embarked on in recent years that have become a way of life?