About
Helena Richardson
Founder, Yoga Teacher, Assistant Surf Coach
Hi, my name is Helena, I’m originally from Poland where I spent most of my life. At the beginning of 2015, I left with one way ticket to Bali to become a yoga teacher and change my life completely. While living in Bali I fell in love with surfing and simple lifestyle that revolves around ocean.
After meeting love of my life and moving to Australia, my relationship with surfing had mainly status “it’s complicated”. While I was pregnant I didn’t surf at all and once I started going out again it felt like learning everything from the beginning.
I felt inadequate in the water. Being surrounded by majority of men, who lived by the ocean their whole life, made me feel quite self conscious. It took awhile to feel the stoke again.
During this past couple years I met other women who had similar feelings. Lots of them dreaming of learning to surf but at the same time feeling too intimidated, not having another female friends interested in that, thinking they’re too old...
And that’s how the idea of Women Soulful Surf was born.
It’s an inclusive place that welcomes all women, no matter age or experience. It’s a place where you’ll fall in love with surfing and discover the benefits of yoga.
Meet other likeminded women and feel empowered and supported during your journey.
Mikayla Atkins
Head Surf Coach, SA Level 1
Helloooo Mikayla’s the name, I've been surf coaching for almost 7 years now. I feel absolutely blessed that I get to share my stoke for the ocean through Women Soulful Surf & teach all you amazing ladies what surfing has to offer.
You will usually find me bouncing around & doing weird dance moves at our events, maybe the odd Dad joke or two if you’re lucky.
Outside of the waves I’m a qualified interior designer & freelance artist, but if I had to choose just one profession, I know where I would be...
The ocean is an extraordinary place, to be able to experience it’s beauty & power through surfing is a feeling like no other. Once you’ve had a taste... you’re bound to be hooked!
See you all in the waves, yew!
Alyx-Jane Smith
Surf Coach, SA Level 1
Hi, I’m Alyx-Jane! I have been surfing on and off since I was 9 but since finding a community of women to surf with I have been in the water a lot more in the past few years.
When I’m not at the beach I am working on my business, a Plant-Based cafe in Blacksmiths, or hanging out with my husband Angus and our 3 pups.
The empowerment and supportive community Women Soulful Surf is creating makes me really excited to see more women in the Surf!
Sam Wilson
Surf Coach, SA Level 1
Hi I’m Sam! I’m an ocean dweller and sunshine chaser.
I’ve been surfing for many many moons, starting my surfing journey with my original girl gang back when I was 13.
Initially I found my feet on a short board but now spend most of my time cruising around on my 9’4 log.
When I’m not floating around in the ocean I’m a clinical nutritionist teaching people to slow down, to listen to their bodies and arming them with the tools to optimise their health.
I’m super excited to join the Women’s Soulful Surf team and to help empower more women to get out in the ocean!