Meet the Team
Jordan Black
Founder / Molchanovs Instructor Trainer
Meet Jordan, a Nelson Bay local with 18 years of diving experience. Starting out snorkelling in his younger years and transitioning through scuba diving, Jordan found his true passion in spearfishing when he was just 14 years old, and went on to win the NSW Junior State Spearfishing titles in 2011. Fast forward to the start of 2021, when he completed his Molchanovs Freediving Instructor Course, Salty Pilgrims Freediving was created to help people discover and unlock their underwater potential, live happier and healthier lives, and gain confidence in themselves through this incredible sport.
Jordan is now one of only 3 Molchanovs Instructor trainers in Oceania, which is the highest level you can reach as a freediving instructor. Teaching freediving full time and working as an instructor all around the globe, Jordan has led groups as large as 50 people through freediving courses from beginner level to instructors. He now instructs on the majority of the courses and trips, and is always so encouraging, supportive and stoked for any and all progressions no matter what level he is teaching.
Jordan doesn't put pressure on numbers and depth and realises everyone has their own reasons for freediving. Even though he has never focused on freediving competitions, he is a confident freediver of over 55 metres and has helped hundreds of people reach their depth, relaxation and equalisation goals, Jordan continues to inspire and empower others to embrace the great outdoors and seek adventure in life.
Interests:
Surfing, bowhunting, snowboarding, and skiing
Qualifications:
Molchanovs Wave 3 Instructor Trainer, Spearfishing Instructor, Surf Apnea Instructor, Snowboard Instructor, Cold Immersion & Breathwork Coach, Coxswain (Grade 1 NC) (Commercial skipper ticket)
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 began a life long deep love for the ocean. After being introduced to spearfishing over 4 years ago, she fell in love with the hunting and sustainable ways of spearfishing, and has been awarded a couple of Australian Women’s Record’s for since.
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 10 National and International Retreats.
Ellie's favourite thing is to help 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 55m 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, videography, photography, snowboarding, guitar & pilates
Qualifications:
Molchanovs Wave 3 Freediving Instructor, Padi Freediver Instructor, Spearfishing Instructor, Ski Instructor, Coxswain (Grade 1 NC) (Commercial skipper ticket)
Johno
Freediving 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
Jordan Hunter
Spearfishing Guide & Freediving Instructor
Jordan's journey into the world of spearfishing began about a decade ago when a close friend introduced him to the sport. Since then, it is speculated that he has grown gills, and is one of the best spearos there are in Australia. When you're around Jordan, you know that you're in safe hands with his expertise in spearfishing and freediving, and all round calming presence. He is constantly dropping knowledge bombs in the most humble way possible.
Jordan is also an incredible videographer and has captured many incredible moments on film on our overseas retreats.
Interests:
Videographer, photographer, spearo
Qualifications:
Molchanovs Wave 2 Instructor
Alethea
Molchanovs assistant 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 Wave 3 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 3
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