My love for the ocean runs deep, though I didn’t grow up by the sea. My first encounters with water were at a community pool, where I quickly found comfort, joy, and a sense of belonging. My love for the water only grew as I experienced the Mediterranean shores during trips to Europe, where I discovered the magic of the sea and the freedom of open water.
At a young age, however, I faced my first fear—a fear born from watching Jaws, which left me dreading what might lurk beneath the pool drain. It may sound simple, but this early encounter with fear taught me valuable lessons in self-regulation. I learned how to reframe my thoughts and ease my mind. By eight years old, I was not only overcoming my own fears but helping others learn to swim, giving me my first taste of guiding others to comfort and strength in the water.
This journey deepened as I grew older. I supported family members through their own fears; I helped my grandmother face a lifelong fear of water and enabled my mother to put her face in the ocean for the first time, allowing us to snorkel together in Mexico. Witnessing their courage and trust was transformative, fuelling my desire to help others overcome their anxieties and embrace the water with confidence.
As I fell in love with surfing, I found myself drawn to bigger waves, which required stronger mental resilience and physical endurance. I began training with techniques used by big-wave surfers, focusing on breath control, mental clarity, and physical conditioning. Each new challenge in the ocean was a dance between respect and resilience, pushing myself to understand my mind’s response to fear and my body’s capacity for strength. Over time, I learned how to stay calm, focused, and clear-headed, even when the stakes were high.
What I call now "The Zen Zone".
My experiences expanded from surf and sailing to sea kayaking, expeditions, and venturing far beyond the familiar waters. Each encounter shaped my respect for the ocean’s depth and mystery. There’s something humbling about being a small dot in a vast, powerful sea, learning to balance fear with focus, excitement with calm. The ocean has become my greatest teacher, revealing lessons in resilience, presence, and strength.
Through my journeys across French Polynesia, Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Cuba, and now living in Mexico, I’ve experienced diverse waves and unique ocean energies that have deepened my connection to the sea. From the powerful swells of Tofino to the vibrant reefs of the South Pacific, each destination has enriched my respect and skill in the water. These experiences have shaped my approach to Ocean Confidence Coaching, bringing a global perspective to every session and retreat.
This journey has inspired Ocean Confidence Coaching—a program where I now share these techniques, blending athletic mindset training with a profound respect for the sea. I believe that anyone can learn to stay composed and find joy in the ocean, regardless of past experiences or current fears. Each retreat and training session is crafted to help people deepen their courage, agility, and connection to the water.
Whether you’re new to the ocean or seeking to expand your comfort zone or level up your surfing.
Each training/ Coaching session is crafted to help people deepen their courage, agility, and connection to the water.
I look forward to helping you connect with its power, beauty, and wisdom. The ocean will always be a place of endless inspiration and respect for me—a journey I’m excited to share with you.
Lorana,
Natacha 🌺
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