Surfer Holly Beck enjoying a simple, green existence in Nicaragua
July 11, 2009 | 9:36
am
For those wondering whatever happened to Holly Beck, check out the video. The former pro surfer is living the simple life -- and it's a truly green existence -- in Nicaragua.
I'm not sure if she has relocated there permanently, but I have not had a Holly sighting in at least a year in our South Bay neighborhood.
It's understandable given the quality of waves and roundness of barrels in her new Central American neighborhood. If you're a surfer, watching the video will make you green with envy, if not totally jealous.
-- Pete Thomas
Ya, that is my ambition too what a life. What about the other "GREEN" that it took to get there? Where did that come from? Did it come from "indorsements" from clothing manufactures with cheap labor, chemical manufacturers that built Surf Boards, etc, etc,. What about medical issues how do ya cover the "GREEN" in that. Hospitals, drug manufactures, energy requirements, transportation, etc. Ya, she is living "GREEN" Her finances might not be.
Posted by: Texas Observer | July 12, 2009 at 07:35 AM
Hi Pete,
Thanks for posting that. I hope it inspired a few people. Like "Texas Observer" noted, it is nearly impossible to live a 100% "green" lifestyle. You'll notice a diesel 4x4 in the background of a few of those video clips. I had to fly down there. My surfboards are still made of epoxy foam and fiberglass, etc. But we can all adjust our lifestyle at least a little. Living without power and running water is a little extreme for most, but I definitely enjoy it for a few weeks at a time. Haven't made the move permanently yet, but am working on a few plans to be able to sustain myself financially down there. Look for an all-women's surf retreat called Suave Dulce coming soon!
See you in the South Bay,
Holly
Posted by: Holly Beck | July 13, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Wow, Texas Observer, are you a green Saint? By your standards, I guess that would include over 99% of the population not living on "green sourced" income.
Speaking as the owner of one of the companies that sponsor Holly (Betty Belts), I can tell you that we are a Green America Approved Business, having passed their strict screening process for environmental and social responsibility. Not that that even matters here.
Holly has the talent to back it up and walks her talk so she deserves every endorsement job she gets. She is a great ambassador for my little company in many ways.
Give the girl a break! You're not focusing on the bigger picture here.
Posted by: Donna von Hoesslin (Betty Belts) | July 13, 2009 at 11:25 AM
Nice rock thrown at Holly posted by Texas Observer. Makes me wonder how much change this attitude ever gives birth to. Unless one likes war of course.
As someone who has traveled the world with Holly and seen the social good she promotes, I have witnessed her be the proverbial good steward of her resources and a good ambassador of the US.
The fact that she preaches sustainability and works with local people in increasing awareness is a good thing. To accuse her and the choice of her lifestyle as being some sort of greenwash is typical of someone with no life hiding behind a computer monitor.
Kudos to the Times for running this piece. We need more stories about Americans doing good as well as on alternative lifestyles.
Posted by: David Pu'u | July 13, 2009 at 11:43 AM
Keep doing what your doing Holly. You have a great spirit and are a light for positive change, doing what ever is in your power to make a difference all the while maintaining happiness. Keep taking the proactive love based thinking apprach and worry not about those who use fear based thinking and blind criticism.
Peace & Empathy
The WILEY One
Posted by: Sam Wiley | July 13, 2009 at 12:30 PM
Holly, besides being an admirer and dreaming of a surf sesh with you, I want to give you props for your response to the first post. That was extremely gracious of you. If we all do just a little on our own, it will go a long way as opposed to misspelled, incoherent complaints. Also, I have recently dropped everything I was doing in the states & began chasing a life-long dream of opening a unique surf camp project in the North-Central area called GreenSurf Nicaragua. We are in the Leon department not too far south of you. I plan to visit the Aserradores area very soon. I actually have be-friended some very well-connected Nicaraguan locals who would be of greater help than you could ever imagine in opening your camp and also in the 'green' department. Our goal is to be completely self-sustainable and eco-friendly in every way possible. There are some specific things I'd love to discuss with you. You can find us on FaceBook at GreenSurf Nicaragua or greensurfnicaragua@gmail.com. The website www.greensurfnicaragua.com will be up and running soon as well.
Posted by: Dave S | October 30, 2009 at 11:06 PM