Tatiana Howard Talks About Her Water Woman Movement
Tatiana, you and Juliana started The Butterfly Effect in Hawaii in 2007. How did the two of you come together and organize this epic adventure?
I was doing the professional windsurfing circuit for a couple years, and there just wasn’t too much happening for the women. There were a bunch of contests happening for men in windsurf and all around waterman contests, but many of the events for women were canceled or not offered. I knew that there were a bunch of water girls just like myself that would be interested in doing an event if it was there for them.
I told my friend Juliana my idea of doing a downwind (5 miles) on the north shore of Maui. She loved the idea and we started to brainstorm about the event.We designed it in the way that we liked it, which was non-competitive, fun, helping one another, raising money for a charity, and bringing awareness towards the ocean and keeping it beautiful. We invited all girls on Maui who kitesurf, windsurf, SUP, and even kayak! After having a great successful event and positive feedback, we took The Butterfly Effect to Brazil and haven’t stopped traveling the globe with it since.
Where did the name “The Butterfly Effect” come from?
We were just sitting watching the surf with my brother and discussing our new event that we wanted to do. We were thinking of different names but none fit. All of a sudden a butterfly flew by and “The Butterfly Effect” was called out! Right away we all knew that “The Butterfly Effect” was just right. It has a few different meanings and they all matched what we had in mind for the event and for ourselves. A small shift in the mind, atmosphere, or way of thinking can change into something huge. Another explanation is that when you look at a butterfly, that second you glance over to look changes the rest of your life and the pattern of it. So, by one girl being a part of a positive “effect” will help The Butterfly Effects’ goals of raising awareness for the ocean, promoting women in water sports, helping one another, helping local charities, and learning new health tips.
Why did you decide to incorporate Yoga into your clinics?
The Butterfly Effect is not only about the water sports, but includes yoga and fitness. Incorporating yoga helps promote our overall health and awareness. It is also injury prevention, meditation, and growth for our body, mind, and souls.
