Meet the Team
We're so lucky to work with so many inspiring women!
Meet the Women Soulful Surf Team
Founder & Owner
Helena Richardson
I’m originally from Poland, at the beginning of 2015,
II 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.
I moved to Australia in 2016 and was out of the water for 4 years. When I started going out again it felt like learning everything from the beginning. 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 starting Women Soulful Surf was born.
I'm so inspired by all the women who join us - stepping out of their comfort zone to learn something new as an adult is a huge act of courage. To watch and support them on this journey is the most rewarding thing!
Surf School Manager - Caves Beach
Alyx-Jane Smith
I’m beyond excited to be part of the Women Soulful Surf team.
I’ve been coaching for 3 years now, and I absolutely love helping women discover the joy and empowerment that comes from connecting with the ocean.
I’m all about supporting women to build their confidence and joy in and outside of the surf, one wave at a time!
When I’m not out on the water, you’ll find me practicing yoga, enjoying nature, or simply soaking up the good vibes that come from living a soulful life with my friends, husband and dogs.
Surfing has such a special way of connecting us to the present moment, and I can’t wait to share that experience with you!
So, whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your technique, I’m here to guide you through the process with support and encouragement.
See you in the surf!
Surf Coach - Crescent Head & Byron Bay Retreats
Sam Wilson
I’m lucky enough to have been part of the WSS team since 2022.
There is nothing that brings me more joy than empowering women to get in the ocean and watching their confidence grow.
I caught my first wave in the year 2000 with my two best friends by my side, and I have never looked back. I still surf with those two gals to this day! Surfing to me is my physical activity, my mental health practice, my sanctuary. I’m an ocean dweller, sunshine chaser and wholefood enthusiast.
When I’m not catching waves, I’m a holistic clinical nutritionist guiding individuals through the healing power of food.
It is an honour to share surfing with the WSS community and I am inspired every day by the women who join us and embark on this surfing adventure. It’s not easy but my goodness it is life changing!
Surf Coach - Caves Beach Surf School
Briley Bosworth
I started surfing in 2016, and in more recent years, I have overcome the fear I once had of the ocean and have fallen completely in love with the sense of freedom it gives me. When I’m not coaching or surfing, I have many hobbies and passions. I’m passionate about all flora and fauna, I’m a yoga teacher, and I love to create, write, bake, garden, snowboard, and bushwalk with my three dogs. Basically, I love anything that gets me outside and in touch with nature. I feel so excited to be part of the WWS community, and I can’t wait to join you on your journey of learning how to surf!
Host - International Retreats
Mel Halls
I feel so lucky to be a part of the Women Soulful Surf team as a host on overseas retreats!
I have been surfing for about 6 years now and in that time, I was a guest on two WSS retreats and joined one retreat as a collaboration partner. During these retreats, my passion for supporting and empowering other women in the surf was ignited.
When I'm not on retreat, I am living in Bali connecting with my balinese family, immersing myself in the culture and growing my own small business - Elation, a sustainable swimwear brand, where I also get to connect and share my love for the ocean with others.
Surfing and connecting with the ocean has taught me many valuable lessons over the years - patience, self love and empowerment. It was the first skill that showed me that with effort, patience and self love, I really can do what I put my mind to. I think that is the most valuable lesson in life and I am grateful that I get to now share that with you on your very own surf journey.