Story with Christa Russo & Ally Baraban
Story by Christa Russo, Ally Baraban and Parker Hansen
Photography by Parker Hansen
IG: @christarusso_ & @allybaraban_
Intrigued by their demonstrated passion for the ocean, I reached out to Ally and Christa separately asking to feature them in this series. I was unaware at the time they were already friends. After speaking to each of them, they both suggested the other one and with that this post shifted from featuring one story to featuring two.
How did you two meet?
ALLY: We became instant soul sisters the day we met and have since shared ambitions, stories, inspirations, and growth while being in the water together.
CHRISTA: I met Ally through divine intervention. The universe brought us together through a thread of community connection reinforced by surfing.
What does the ocean provide for you?
ALLY: I was privileged to find the ocean and with it a community. I knew from a young age I wanted to spend my entire life in & around water and help guide others to feel safe & connected in the same way.
CHRISTA: She is a life source, therapy, healing, cleansing, my favorite place to play and cry. She is a source that I return to almost daily for truth and life. She is also a large piece of my work and how I share my light with this world.
How does the ocean reinforce your relationship with each other & other women?
CHRISTA: The ocean brought Ally and I together. There is an empowerment of women surfing together, a bond and journey that we share through surf. It ignites our sisterhood, connection to the environment and primal essence.
ALLY: There is a deep understanding among women of the ocean. To feel seen, vulnerable, heal, gain strength, confidence, shatter fears & societal paradigms.
During my time spent with Ally and Christa it was clear they derive strength, empowerment, and community from the ocean and invite others to join them in this sisterhood. They are two hearts connected through one body of ocean.
