Carmel Magazine-Spring 2022

Peninsula Nonprofit Expands Access to Water Spor ts B Y R ENE E B R I NCK S T hroYKh 8he ;ahine 4roNect a nonTro½t teaching self-empowerment and conser- vation via ocean sports, Dionne Ybarra links participants to the sea. “We live on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, but there are kids in Seaside who can see the ocean and don’t even know how to swim,” she says. “Water provides us with an overall feeling of wellness and a connection with nature, and that connection is important. It gives us accountability to the environment.” Ybarra grew up in East Salinas and didn’t start sYr½nK Yntil she reacheH her s 8he sTort changed her life. She established The Wahine 4roNect in anH has since serveH some TarticiTants throYKh sYrJ camTs clinics school clubs, adult trips and other campaigns. -n late the orKani^ation oTeneH a 7anH City headquarters and retail space called Alma del Mar. Part surf shop and part community center the FYsiness also re½lls soaTs anH shampoos and sells products without plastic packaging. Sales support Wahine Project scholarships anH TroKrams that Joster Hiversit] con½Hence body positivity and more. ±8he Fene½ts oJ water on oYr emotional health, mental well-being and physical health are mind-blowing,” Ybarra says. “Overcoming a Jear oJ swimminK or sYr½nK transJorms TeoTle It’s a feeling of accomplishment and freedom.” To volunteer, donate, register for camps or shop, visit www.thewahineproject.org or call 831/236-0327. SHORT CUTS NEIGHBORS Dionne Ybarra and husband and Program Manager, Dave Eckstaedt, at Alma del Mar, the exciting new shop and headquarters of The Wahine Project in Sand City. 80 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 2 Photo: Kelli Uldall

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