Meet the Team
Ellie Hayden
Founder / Molchanovs Wave 3 Instructor
Growing up next to the Great Barrier Reef in Far North Queensland, Ellie has been diving since the age of 5 and thus began a life long deep love for the ocean. After being introduced to spearfishing around 5 years ago, Ellie fell in love with hunting underwater, sourcing food from the ocean, and has since obtained several Australian Women’s Records and an unofficial World Record for Spearfishing.
Realising that there was a major gap in approachable, fun and safe education in freediving and spearfishing for females, Ellie founded the first Women’s Freediving group in Australia (@eastcoastseasisters) which has since run over 15 National and International Retreats.
Ellie's passion lies in helping to empower and inspire women of all abilities, ages and backgrounds and bring them together to create life long memories, friendships and helping women realise how much they are capable of through freediving.
Although the main focus for Ellie is to have fun and seek regular play through being underwater, she is a confident diver of 58m CWTB, and 40m CNF. Ellie realises that everyone's reasons for freediving are completely different, and is committed to making sure everyone feels supported, safe and understood while teaching!
Interests:
Surfing, underwater videography & photography, snowboarding
Qualifications:
Molchanovs Wave 3 Freediving Instructor, Spearfishing Instructor, Ski Instructor, Coxswain (Commercial skipper ticket)
Johno
molchanovs wave 2 instructor
Meet Johno, a Port Stephens local who developed a love for spearfishing at 14, driven by sustainable food collection. Despite his years of experience, he sought to improve his skills safely through Freediving Courses in 2021. Since then, Johno has been teaching freediving for 2 years, and has the most calming, kind and supportive teaching approach. If you're lucky enough to share some time in the water in Johno, you will immediately feel comfortable and safe.
Interests:
Family time, fishing, exploring the coastline, and camping.
Qualifications:
Molchanovs Wave 2 Instructor
PADI Freedive Instructor
Zac
Molchanovs Wave 2 Instructor
Born and raised in North Queensland, Zac grew up immersed in the world of spearfishing. With both his father and grandfather being passionate spearos, life beneath the surface quickly became second nature. For Zac, the ocean isn’t just a playground, it’s home and the place he feels completely at peace.
In 2020, a freediving course changed everything. What started as a love for the hunt evolved into a deep appreciation for the mental and physical journey of freediving itself. The experience opened his eyes to the science of breath-hold, the importance of safety, and the powerful mindset that freediving cultivates both in and out of the water.
Now a certified Molchanovs Freediving Instructor, Zac is passionate about helping others unlock their potential in the water, whether they're just getting started or looking to deepen their connection to the ocean.
Zac has also been chosen to represent Australia on the National Spearfishing Team, alongside some of the sport's biggest names - heading to Brazil to compete on the world stage.
Jordy
Molchanovs Wave 2 Instructor
Growing up in a small beach town in northern New Zealand, Jordy was introduced to the moana from a young age by her dad, a keen diver and fisherman. This early introduction resulted in a deep connection with the ocean and natural comfortability in the water which Jordy is beyond grateful to have.
A "fish nerd" at heart, Jordy went on to study Marine Science but soon realised her true passion was in freediving and spearfishing. She has been seriously spearfishing for the past six years, working as a commercial diver and spearo, and filming the TV series South Seas Spearo.
A turning point in her journey came after completing the freediving instructor course with Salty Pilgrims, which ignited a desire to push her limits and share her knowledge with others. Now a certified freedive instructor, Jordy is passionate about helping people experience the life-changing benefits of freediving.
Interests: Spearfishing, cooking, fishing, surfing, travelling, photography
Qualifications: Molchanovs Wave 2 Instructor, SRL (commercial skippers ticket)
Taya
Molchanovs Wave 2 Instructor
Taya grew up in Newcastle and her journey in the water started in the pool as a swimmer. Discovering Freediving at the beginning of 2023 and completing her Wave 1 Course with Salty Pilgrims, Taya has since done numerous dives to 40 metres and has completed her Molchanovs Instructor Course.
For Taya, freediving is much more than a physical endeavour; its a mental challenge that has taught her so many lessons which have crossed over into her everyday life.
Also working as an Outdoor Leader/Educator for children of all ages, Taya's nurturing and energetic approach to teaching will leave you inspired to connect more with yourself and the natural world.
Interests:
Hiking, canoeing, spearfishing, art, photography, skiing, bushwalking
Qualifications:
Molchanovs Wave 2 Instructor
Spearfishing Guide
Cert 3 in Outdoor Leadership
Zofia
Molchanovs assistant instructor
Zofia grew up in a small country town and signed up for her first freediving course with Salty Pilgrims in 2022 (which happened to be the first time she'd ever put a mask & snorkel on)!
Since, Zofia's love for self progression and the ocean has lead to her completing her Wave 3 Molchanovs certificate. The moment you meet Zofia, you will be both instantly relaxed and most probably laughing. Not only is Zofia an extremely strong diver, but the energy and care that she brings in the water is very special.
Interests:
Fitness, jewellery making
Qualifications:
Molchanovs Wave 3