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 she can remember. In 2019, she discovered spearfishing and fell in love with everything about being able to source her own food from the ocean in a sustainable way.
Since then, she's shot several Australian women's record fish. Her passion for underwater photography has grown, hoping that her work helps more people to get underwater and experience it for themselves.
She founded East Coast Sea Sisters as the first women's freediving group in Australia when she realised how many women in particular felt intimidated by freediving and spearfishing, or simply didn't know where to start. The group has now run over 16 national and international retreats and most importantly, has positively impacted the lives of the girls involved! This is Ellie's proudest achievement.
Pouring her heart and soul into each experience, her goal is to leave each person with a newfound sense of connection, both with themselves and with the natural world.
Whether that's pushing their limits, finding calm amongst the chaos life brings, or simply spending more time beneath the surface, she believes freediving offers a fast tracked opportunity to rekindle connection to the ocean, and is dedicated to making sure everyone feels supported, safe, and inspired throughout their journey.
Johno
molchanovs wave 2 instructor
A Port Stephens local, Johno discovered spearfishing at 14 and fell in love with everything about sourcing his own food from the ocean in a sustainable way. Despite years of experience, he sought to improve his skills safely through freediving courses in 2021, and hasn't looked back since.
Now teaching freediving for over 3 years, Johno naturally has the most calming, kind, and supportive approach that immediately puts people at ease. His deep connection to the local waters and genuine passion for helping others discover their own capability underwater is infectious!
Interests:
Family time, fishing, exploring the coastline, and camping.
Qualifications:
Molchanovs Wave 2 Instructor
PADI Freedive Instructor
Thierry
professional underwater photographer | assistant instructor
Meet Thierry, our international retreat underwater photographer.
Interests:
Fast cars, spearfishing, catching yellowfin tuna, surfing, cooking
Qualifications:
Molchanovs Wave 3 Assistant 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
Growing up in Newcastle, Taya's journey in the water started in the pool as a competitive swimmer. She discovered freediving at the beginning of 2023 and completed her Wave 1 Course with Salty Pilgrims. Since then, she's gone on to completing the Molchanovs Instructor Course, and has taught on several international freediving and spearfishing trips since.
For Taya, freediving is more of a mental challenge that has taught her lessons which have crossed over into everyday life. Working also as an Outdoor Leader and Educator for children of all ages, her nurturing and energetic approach to teaching creates an environment where people feel empowered to explore their own capabilities.
Interests:
Hiking, canoeing, spearfishing, art, photography, skiing, bushwalking
Qualifications:
Molchanovs Wave 2 Instructor
Spearfishing Guide
Cert 3 in Outdoor Leadership
Zofia
Molchanovs assistant instructor
Growing up in a small country town, Zofia 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 and snorkel on! Since then, her love for self-progression and the ocean has led her to complete her Wave 3 Molchanovs certificate.
As a certified counselor and studying psychology, Zofia is deeply passionate about the mental aspect of freediving. She loves connecting with people on a deeper level while teaching, understanding that the journey underwater is as much about the mind as it is about the body. The moment you meet Zofia, you'll be both instantly relaxed and most probably laughing, her energy and genuine care in the water creates the most memorable experience.
Interests:
Jewellery artisan
Qualifications:
Molchanovs Wave 3