Jodi unites the warriors, partners and supporters through online and in-person connections. It was her vision that created Barnacle Babes, an international magazine, web-series and Warrior Women of the Sea Conferences. As a catalyst of change for human development and ocean conservation, Jodi has been a life-long lover of all things water. Having been a competitive swimmer for 15 years and a provincial level water polo player, her lack of fear of water then took her to white water and ocean tour kayaking and a continued yearning to continue other ocean/water pursuits into her late 40’s. But don’t take our word for it — read all about it, straight from Jodi’s lips (and fingertips)!
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Q: What’s the story behind you and Barnacle Babes?
I had been working on another project prior to Barnacle Babes where I was doing video interviews with Cruisers (people who said “F” it to the rat-race…we’re sailing the world). I talked to a lot of couples and would ask each of them the same question, “What is it about the ocean that speaks to you?” Usually, the men would answer, “I love the thrill and the excitement that she gives me”, “I love the adventure”, “I love the smell, the challenge, the opportunity to push my boundaries and conquer my fears”.
Then, I would ask the women. Women would answer, “She is my mother, She is my church, She is where I find peace, She is my grounding.” “The ocean is where I can breathe”.
Such different answers! And not everyone woman answered this way. Some hated the ocean. Their husbands or partners had dragged them reluctantly along and they were bitter. The ocean was the mistress.
So, began my quest to dig into this community of women who had this CRAZY love and passion for the ocean. Those that have it, get it! So Barnacle Babes was born, a community platform for these ocean passionate women. We had created a web-series (which is just in redevelopment and temporarily on hold), a magazine, and newly created, “Warrior Women of the Sea Conferences”. We have some destination retreats coming up too, one partnered with SwellWomen in March 2018. And we are presently building out a community membership platform that will allow our members access to daily live Facebook Shows (with live videos such as “How to paint in nature”, “Beach Yoga”, “Ocean Swimming 101”, “Spiritual Warrior Training” and others), access to our soon to be library of films and videos for ocean related sport, conservation, spirituality, vocation, and recreation. We’ll be offering discounts to our online store, trips, give back events and more.
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Q: What keeps you inspired and gives you bliss?
Seeing change in the world. Seeing women connect and create community and work together to make the world a better place. When I see someone give of themselves, step out of the box, and in fierce and strong determination say…”I will be a catalyst for change”. That riles me up and gives me bliss like nothing else!
That is part of the reason for BB. It’s an action community. The purpose is to bring the women together and then figure out ways that we can help heal the ocean, us as women, and ultimately the planet!
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Q: What do you hope to share with your readers (an experience, high quality, etc)?
The experience that we hope to share is one of connection, as well, an experience of expression and inspiration! Our contributors are everyday women, pro-athletes, marine biologists, spiritual healers, ocean conservationists and women with desires to make a difference. The articles and conferences are aimed to inform, educate and inspire action and change. The magazine is pretty, it’s feminine and the pics are high quality. I’m proud of the magazine as well as the rest of the stuff we are now creating.
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Q: Do you have a favorite travel and/or retreat memory? What was it?
My favorite memory in the world was actually in my backyard. As a child I used to go boating with my father up and down the west coast of British Columbia Canada, visiting all the Gulf Islands. I remember my first time swimming in the ocean, I was 5 and my dad had stopped at a large school of jellies and said…”Jump IN!” My sister and I did and swam with this this crazy gelatinous school of jelly fish for about 20 minutes and I instantly felt like I was where I was supposed to be. This was my element, these were my friends. Then later, we got to experience dolphins following our boats and playing in the wake, sea lions roaring on the shorelines and living off dungenous crab for days! The BC Coastline is wild and beautiful with fiords, islands and inlets everywhere. It’s my favorite place in the world! And it’s my home!
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Want to follow along with Jodi and Barnacle babes? Follow her on her website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Youtube!
Interested in finding your own tribe of warrior women? Check out SwellWomen’s surf and yoga retreat with Barnacle Babes in El Salvador… and yes, Jodi will be there 😉
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