TIB x ISA MARTINEZ

Isa Martinez, is your modern-day nomad, and a living example of how following your passion can turn into a life rich in purpose.

Today she stands as a yoga and surf instructor, who travels the world with her work, and is co-founder of Shaki Collektive - a surf and yoga retreat in Puerto Escondido Mexico.

And it was her passion for movement and adventure that brought her here.

She was born in Mexico City, but her heart led her to California, where she studied dance, and found her love of yoga.
After graduating, she moved to New York to pursue a career in dance but realised this wasn’t the path she was meant to take. So she returned to Mexico where she studied Industrial Design and in her final semester she went to Argentina for a six-month placement. But this wasn’t enough to satisfy her wanderlust, so she set out to continue travelling the world.

So she did. And it was in Central and South America that she discovered her calling in surfing and the stillness of the asanas.

The pandemic reshaped many lives, and Isa’s was no exception. She returned to Mexico and settled in Puerto Escondido. A curve ball turned lucky strike, as it was here that she dedicated herself wholeheartedly to the twin pursuits of surfing and yoga where the idea for Shaki Collektive retreats was born.

Isa's journey has taken her to many different places, but it has also been a journey of self-discovery. Through surfing and being connected with the ocean, she has learned to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and how that has reshaped her own perception of what true beauty means. She realised that beauty is not just about what you look like, but also about how you feel and the experiences you have.

In this exclusive interview with TIB, we spoke to Isa about surfing, skin care, finding beauty in the unexpected and words of encouragement for aspiring women surfers. So let us dive in and uncover the wisdom that Isa, the embodiment of passion and purpose, has to share.

Isa, take us back to that magical moment when your love for surfing was born.

It was in 2015 when I took a trip to San Pancho, Nayarit, to visit my brother, who was living there at that moment. He had been there all summer, and many of his friends were either trying or already surfing. I, being a complete beginner (or 'kook' as they say), rented a surfboard back then (I'm sorry, yes, I was one of those) and went out with my ex-boyfriend and two of my best friends. We didn't make it past the whitewash, obviously haha, but since then, I knew I wanted to learn how to surf. The next summer in 2016, I travelled to Ecuador where I volunteered to help out at a hostel in exchange for surf lessons and accommodation. I stayed there for two months, and that's when I definitely knew that I wanted to surf and live by the ocean.

We know that spending so much time in the water can have an impact on your skin. Do you have any tried-and-true skincare practices or favourite products that you swear by to keep your skin protected while riding those waves?

It has all been trial and error. When I first started spending a lot of time in the water, I tried out different sunscreens and zincs, but I began to get a lot of pimples. For my face, I use a super thin sunblock called ISDIN fusionwater. The key is to apply it 30 minutes before paddling out, and if the sun is exceptionally strong, I might use a natural zinc to protect my forehead and cheeks.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE SKINCARE PRODUCTS TO HELP combat the effects of sun and saltwater? We'd love to know your secrets!

I use the all-natural skincare brand, Baja Basics, for my daily routine. As soon as I wake up, I wash my face with their Aloe Vera cleanser. After a day of surfing, I make sure to wash my face again once I'm back from the ocean. If my hair feels dry or damaged, I turn to their RoseMary hair oil for nourishment. My skincare routine isn't fixed, and I prefer to 'listen to my skin.' If it feels dry, I opt for La Roche-Posay Hydrophase light moisturizer, as I believe living in a humid climate naturally moisturizes the skin. So, 'less is more' works well for me at the beach. When my skin is already moisturized, I apply some Collagen booster from Baja Basics. A friend shared a helpful tip with me—to wash my face with water 4-5 times a day using a clean towel, which I change every 2-3 days. I avoid wearing makeup at the beach, as it can clog pores. Instead, I focus on understanding my skin's needs throughout the day. To refresh my skin in the scorching heat, I rely on a soothing rose water spray. I keep it in the fridge and spray it on my face 3-4 times a day, making it a delightful ritual.

When you think about the ocean and surfing, what do you believe is the most breathtaking and beautiful aspect?

I am always grateful that I found a way to truly merge with the ocean. While living by the ocean allows for occasional swims, nothing compares to the experience of learning to read its movements and being able to dance with it. Whenever I'm out there, gazing at the horizon, waiting for waves, I feel tiny and humbled, grateful to have been accepted by its majesty. It's a privilege as if the ocean has allowed me to be a part of its magic, cleansing both body and mind.

Being out there is akin to yoga or meditation; in those moments, there's no time to think of anything else. The saltwater is cleansing for the body, and every time I return from the ocean, I feel renewed. There's never any regret about paddling out.

I want to understand the exhilaration of catching the perfect wave with you. Can you describe the build-up and the feeling of it all?

When you first see and commit to the wave, everything that follows is done mindfully. You calculate the speed you need to paddle at and keep an eye on the wave's peak. But when you feel the wave carrying you, and it's time to make the drop and start the ride, everything else fades away. In that moment, you allow your muscle memory to take over; there's no awareness of your name, nationality, or gender. It's just you and the wave—a harmonious interaction where the wave dictates your actions, not your mind.

As you progress and become more skilled at surfing, your sense of awareness refines. A 15-second wave can feel timeless and infinite because your awareness stretches to embrace every second of it, guiding you in harmony with the wave's rhythm. It's an experience that transcends time, now you not only learn how to surf but also how to stop time.

And that feeling is beauty, right there.

Picture a specific moment while surfing when you felt an indescribable connection with the beauty of the ocean. How did that experience impact you? Did it reshape your understanding of beauty?

I believe the time in between sets, when you're out there and take a moment to look at the beach and everything around you is truly special. Each beach has its unique charm, and you never judge; you simply embrace the beauty it offers. It's a breathtaking moment when you realize your place in this vast landscape and how small you are compared to everything around you, even smaller than a palm tree. The diverse landscapes are truly impressive.

Surfing has reshaped my understanding of true beauty. It has taught me that beauty comes in countless ways, encompassing various shapes, colors, and forms. Nowadays, surfing holds immense significance in my life. When I'm out there on the waves, looks don't matter at all, and that liberates the mind from the obsession with appearances, making it less of a priority. In those moments, the focus is purely on the beauty of surfing and connecting with nature.

Let's talk about embracing your au natural self while surfing. Did you ever feel insecure about your appearance in the water? And how has that mindset shifted for you over time?

When you're out there, you become a human being, forgetting about your identity and appearance. There's no time to think about looks; all that matters is feeling comfortable in your skin. I've experienced moments of insecurity when wearing the wrong bikini—those times when I try a new one to see if it's surf-proof (hahaha). I worry that my top might come off, or the bottoms won't hold tight. However, I've grown accustomed to being all-natural and avoiding makeup, which helps me focus on just being myself.

The key is to wear something you feel comfortable in. When facing big waves, I prefer a one-piece swimsuit, so I don't have to worry about my bikini coming undone and can fully concentrate on my surfing. That's what I cherish most about surfing—the moment I'm in the water, I leave behind all thoughts of appearances and everything else. It's a liberating experience, where the focus is solely on surfing, and I feel completely present and connected with the ocean.

The mindset required for surfing is remarkable, full of perseverance, resilience, and self-belief. How do you think this mindset translates into cultivating self-love and appreciating your own unique beauty? ( what has it taught you about your own version of beauty )

Definitely, knowing that beauty comes from within is empowering. It stems from recognizing your inner strength, acknowledging your accomplishments, and reflecting on the journey that has brought you to this point. This realization boosts your confidence significantly. Once you've learned to dance with the ocean, it feels like there's nothing you can't achieve. Surfing constantly pushes you outside your comfort zone, fostering courage and confidence. As a result, this inner confidence radiates outward, and it shows in how you carry yourself and interact with the world.

When you're out in the water compared to being on land, how does your perception of beauty change? Are you less influenced by social media and more focused on being fully present in the water? Tell us about the shift in perspective you experience.

I don't know if it's because of surfing or all the experiences I've had in the last 7 years - traveling, living in different places, and constantly changing scenarios. I feel like I've lived many different lives, if that makes sense. Moving so much and meeting diverse people have shifted my perspective and simplified my mind. I've come to realize what is truly important in life.

I am very aware of the impact of social media, so I try to limit its use. I mainly follow my friends' lives and watch surf videos to continue learning. Of course, I also enjoy watching funny videos, hehe.

For all the women out there who aspire to start a surfing journey but may feel self-conscious, what advice would you give them to take that leap into the world of surfing?

I would say, just go ahead and pay for your first lesson, and you'll quickly realize that as soon as you touch the water, all those doubting thoughts will vanish. Having someone next to you during your initial encounter with waves makes a significant difference. You'll be fully present in the moment, living and embracing the experience, and you won't regret it.

Though it may not be easy at first, and fears might arise, trust the process just as you would with any new learning attempt on anything. Have fun and enjoy that part of yourself that transcends age, name, gender, or societal roles. Surfing has a unique way of connecting you with a pure and authentic aspect of who you are.

And finally, what is your definition of beauty?

My definition of beauty comes from an inner space, with what eyes do you see the world? Beauty is perceived through the lens through which you view the world. Clear your mind from judgmental thoughts and labels, just observe without overthinking, and you'll realize that everyone is beautiful, and the world itself is beautiful. When you look in the mirror, you'll see yourself for who you truly are—a human doing your best in this journey. You'll begin to treat yourself with greater gentleness, free from labels and judgment. As a natural result, you'll radiate an inner shine that will reflect your beauty on the outside.