Ivana Bajic is a Los Angeles-based multimedia producer specialised in developing projects that are merging art and technology. She has worked on a variety of projects ranging from artificial intelligence startups to eminent artists including Marina Abramovic and Jeff Koons. Her clients include the British Society of Cinematographers and Warner Bros. Studios.“I discovered surfing in my thirties, the first time I visited Nosara. The ocean and jungle gave me a sense of the greatness of mother nature and grounded me in real-life values. The women I met in the lineup boosted my confidence, taught me about self- love, and importance of female communities. I became inspired to share their stories—not just as surfers, but as wise, strong women who have found a way to live fulfilled and productive lives.Ivana Bajic

Gabriela lives between France and Costa Rica developing interdisciplinary and cultural mediation projects. Her photographic vision is a hybrid between "storytelling" documentary photography and contemporary artistic image. Gabriela is a member of the Agency Light Motiv in the North of France. In 2020, World Press Photo Organization chose her as one of the emerging talents for the 6x6 program.“Before starting this project, I had my apprehension about the sea. When I arrived in Nosara, I felt I was coming face to face with my fears. Like many of the women in this book, I found that the ocean became both an embodiment of and a metaphor for my struggles. Over time, it guided me to a place of greater peace and acceptance. In creating these photos, I began to overcome my fear and to recognize that I can exceed my own expectations”. www.gtellez.com

Holly Beck traveled the world as a surf pro for ten years before settling in Nicaragua and founding Surf With Amigas, a surf retreat program specifically designed for women. Now relocated in Southern California, Holly is adding another level to her career by pursuing a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology, whereby she intends to integrate her studies into a nuanced form of surf coaching: Holistic surf therapy. 

“I believe in women supporting women and telling the stories of women who may not always be represented in surf media - the woman of color, the single mother, the woman who learned to surf at age 50, the woman who is still surfing at age 65. These stories need to be told. Nature of Surf Women celebrates women surfers exactly as they are. These are real pictures of real women who love the ocean and are passionate for the sport and lifestyle that unite us all. It is my hope that we can reach beyond our lives as waveriders and connect to the global movement to protect and preserve the oceans that we love.”

Martyn Stewart is a renowned audio-naturalist whose work has been broadcast on BBC television and radio. In a half-century career, Martyn visited over 55 countries and recorded 97,000 sounds: the dawn chorus, the dusk symphony, the rush of the tides, the whispers in the grass – the chirps, cheeps, buzzes, songs, calls that make up Nature’s glorious cacophony. Today his work is available under The Listening Planet project.

"I thoroughly enjoy working on this project. The photography is outstanding. Combining the sounds of nature in Costa Rica- the sounds of the ocean, rain, insects, monkeys and birds -with audio interviews we have created the perfect atmosphere for your journey with the surfers captured in the book."

www.thelisteningplanet.com

Katherine was a creative director in the digital space for many years before realizing it did not bring her joy. What really brought her joy was riding waves, and using her voice to protect the environment. Katherine served as a volunteer activist for Surfrider Foundation and was a recipient of Surfrider Foundation’s Wavemaker of the Year Award in 2011 for her work on the Rise Above Plastics program. 

"There are myriad ways to get involved and make oneself of service here, especially since Nosara is home to the Ostional Wildlife Refuge. I support the work of Nosara Civic Association a community organization that has given Nosara its precious trails and green spaces. I co-founded Yo Defiendo Ostional in June 2021 in response to the overturning of the temporary building regulations in Nosara.

Kate Urban is a writer and editor living in Park City, Utah. Her work spans a wide range of genres, from short fiction, memoir, and lyric essays to research, commentary, and journalism. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found hiking and running in the mountains with her dog, Emi, or cooking delicious post-adventure snacks. 

“Nature has always been where I find strength and peace. I had the chance to surf in Nosara with my mom a few years ago, and it was such a profound experience of feeling connected to her, to the environment, and to the local community. I hope this project will inspire women of all ages and backgrounds to get out there and discover their power in the water!”