Women's Seal Rocks Freediving & Spearfishing Weekend Retreat
Women's Seal Rocks Freediving & Spearfishing Weekend Retreat
Salty Pilgrims Freediving
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Our Girls Seal Rocks Freediving & Spearfishing Weekend Retreats are back this winter with some very exciting additions!
Join us this June in a small paradise beach-side town known as Seal Rocks. This will be a weekend filled with freediving from a dive boat, freediving workshops ran by freediving instructor Ellie Hayden, spearfishing workshops ran by Australia's top spearfisher-woman and world record holder Erin McGinty, morning breathwork and meditation sessions, beachfront accomodation, underwater photoshoots, delicious catered group dinners, beach hangouts, group surfs, sunset drinks and so much more.
There is nothing more beautiful or inspiring than spending time in the ocean with so many like-minded women. Join this weekend trip to switch off from the business of life, build new friendships, learn new skills and spend some beautiful moments together.
We've created this weekend to welcome and foster everyone no matter their abilities, to create a safe and fun learning environment for those who love the ocean. Everyone is welcome.
We can't wait to dive with you all, and share in the magic of this seaside town x
Limited spots available.
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Dates
June 14th-16th, 2024 (kicking off Friday afternoon and finishing Sunday afternoon)
Check in 2pm Friday, Check out 10am Sunday -
Location
Seal Rocks, NSW, Australia
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Cost of trip
Total cost (including deposit) $850-990pp depending on your accommodation choice
-Single bed - $990 pp
-Shared Queen bed in private room with friend - $950 pp
- No Accomodation $850 (if you have your own accom or are camping)
$300 Non-Refundable Deposit, then the remaining balance is due 45 days before the trip starts.
(Afterpay Available) -
Accomodation
We will be staying in the Deluxe Cabins at Reflections Holiday Park in Seal Rocks. Located on the Beachfront across the road from the stunning No. 1 beach which has a shore dive location and point break for the surfers straight out the front.
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Food
We will be joined by professional Chef and Clinical Nutritionist, Emma from the Surfing Nutritionist, who will be cooking us nourishing buffet-style dinners Friday & Saturday evenings. All dietary requirements will be catered for.
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Freediving Ability
Beginner to Advanced divers welcome, the only prerequisite is that you can comfortably swim 200m unaided.
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Freediving Workshops & Boat Freediving
Improve your freediving with workshops ran by a highly experienced female Molchanovs Freediving Instructor.
We will be headed out on a boat to dive all the best spots Seal Rocks has to offer.
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Breathwork Sessions
Harness the power of the breath, and learn how to use your respiratory system to calm your body and mind for freediving, surfing and everyday life.
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Meditation and Relaxation Workshops
Learn powerful meditation techniques to calm your mind and unlock greater performance in your freediving and everyday life.
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Spearfishing Workshops
Learn underwater hunting techniques and catch and cook methods from Australia's top spearfisher-women & World Record Holder Erin Mcginty.
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Underwater Photos and Videos
Your best moments will be captured with professional underwater cameras and GoPros. These will all be sent to you.
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Getting there
1 hr 40 Drive from Newcastle
3 hr Drive from Sydney
6.5 hour drive from Gold Coast
There will be a Facebook Group Chat for those wishing to organise car-pooling.
Inclusions
☼ 2 Nights Beachfront Deluxe Cabin Accomodation at Reflections Holiday Park
☼ Boat Dive session to visit the best underwater locations Seal Rocks has to offer! This way, we can find the best spots to dive at and you can dive multiple locations
☼ Buffet-style dinner Friday & Saturday nights. We will be joined by Emma from The Surfing Nutritionist who will be cooking us all nourishing, healthy meals on both nights. There will be a range of fresh, in season food for all dietaries
☼ Freediving Intro Workshop for those wishing to get into freediving or level up their skills!
☼ Spearfishing Workshops - for both beginner and intermediate spearfishers. Whether you're interested in getting started, learning more, or improving on your skills - learn from Australia's best female spearo and hear her story
☼ Breathwork, meditation and relaxation workshops for freediving
☼ Guided Spearfishing from the shore (optional)
☼ Fish filleting workshop & how to store your catch properly
☼ Underwater photos & videos of yourself with professional camera
☼ Group Surfs
Intro to Freediving Workshop & Freediving Workshops
This 2 hour theory session is for those who haven't yet been introduced to the world of freediving, or have been unsure on where to begin. In a safe, fun and expectation free environment, you will learn:
- Basic freediving theory. What is pressure? What is happening in our bodies when we hold our breath and freedive?
- How to equalise your ears without discomfort
- Relaxation & breath hold practice
Other freediving workshops for those who already freedive include:
- Breathwork session
- Mental Techniques session
Spearfishing Workshops
Learn how to Spearfish with Australia's best Female Spearfisher, Erin McGinty. Erin is a Doctor of Marine Science, has represented Australia in International Spearfishing tournaments and holds an impressive 3 World and 10 Australian Spearfishing Records!
In these workshops, you will learn:
- Erin's story in overcoming hurdles in a predominately male sport.
- How you can get started as a Spearfisher
- Gear Info, how to load a speargun
- Spearfishing Sustainability
- Safety
- Hunting Techniques
- Relaxation Techniques
- Fish filleting & storing workshop
- Much more!
Itinerary
Friday
☼ 2pm Check-in & arrivals
☼ Welcome Chat
☼ 4pm Freediving Intro Course for beginners
☼ Freediving Workshop for more experienced freedivers (run at the same time as the intro course)
☼ 6pm Group Dinner by the Surfing Nutritionist - buffet style
Saturday
☼ Morning Spearfishing 101 Workshop with Erin McGinty
☼ Explore Seal Rocks from a Boat! Boat freediving sessions to the best dive sites Seal Rocks has to offer
All boat dives include underwater photography session
☼ Afternoon drinks/ snacks/ group surf on the beach for the surfers
☼Group Dinner by the Surfing Nutritionist - buffet style
Sunday
☼ Early Morning breathwork & mental techniques for freediving workshop
☼ Breakfast & group coffee date on the hill
☼ Morning Intermediate Spearfishing Workshop with Erin (hunting techniques, choosing your dive spots, safety, improving your bottom time & comfort)
☼ Spearfishing shore dive with guides (split into groups of experience, each group will have a guide teaching you spearfishing skills in-water)
☼ Freediving dive (for those not interested in spearfishing)
☼ Lunch time filleting & seafood storage workshop
☼ Departures
What Gear to Bring & Gear Hire
You will need to bring:
☼ Mask & snorkel
☼ Wetsuit (5mm thickness recommended)
☼ Fins
☼ Weight belt & weights
If you don't have any of your own diving gear or a warm wetsuit, you can hire top of the range freediving gear from us for $60. If you only need a few things, send us a message.
Wetsuit hire is $50
Trip FAQ’s
Can I book my own accommodation instead?
Yes, just select the I'll book my own accommodation if you'd like to stay or camp somewhere else.
What if I'm not interested in Spearfishing?
That's no problem at all! We totally understand Spearfishing isn't for everyone. Everything over the weekend is optional and you do not have to sit in on any workshops if you're not interested!
What if I have had no freediving experience?
As long as you can swim 200m unaided, you will learn what you need to become more confident in the ocean in the Freediving Workshop!
There will also be a freedive instructor in the water with you at all times guiding you and helping you stay relaxed and happy.
We would love to help to introduce you to this incredible sport, and you're more than welcome to come along even if you don't have much experience.
What wetsuit thickness is best?
We would recommend at least a 3mm hooded wetsuit. If you have a 5mm wetsuit, this will be the best option as the water will be colder at this time of year.
Will there be an opportunity for me to go spearfishing?
Yes, Seal Rocks has some of the best shore dive locations in NSW. Grab a buddy and head out to catch some fish whenever you would like. (If you choose to go out freediving or spearfishing in your own time without the guidance of our instructors you are doing so at your own risk so please be safe.)
We will also be offering a spearfishing workshop for those who don't have any experience but want to learn or feel more comfortable with Spearfishing.
What will be in the Freediving Workshops?
Our Instructors will be running beginner and advanced freediving workshops which will include:
- How to equalise your ears for freediving
- Mental Techniques, Meditation and Relaxation Tools
- Breathwork for freediving and relaxation
Our Instructors will also be in the water with you to give tips throughout the dive sessions!
Will I get photos and videos of me diving
Yes, there will be a professional underwater camera to capture the most amazing videos and photos of you underwater.
Feel free to bring your own camera or Gopro too!
Cancellation and Refunds Policy?
Unfortunately we can't offer refunds
If you cancel within 45 days before the trip start date, we are able to transfer the amount paid onto a future trip or course. You are able to transfer your ticket onto someone else.
We recommend getting travel cancellation insurance upon booking your spot on the trip, to save you any financial hardships if you need to cancel your trip. You can get travel insurance that covers this.
Exclusions
☼ Freediving Gear
☼ Transport to Seal Rocks
☼ Meals unless otherwise stated in the Inclusions
☼ Alcohol
☼ Spearfishing Equipment
Adverse Weather and Cancellations
* The $300 deposit is non-refundable.
* If weather conditions leading up to the trip are looking unfavourable, you will be contacted and have the option to either rebook or receive a full refund (including deposit)
* Please read our 'Product Terms & Conditions' under the section 'Terms or Service' at the bottom of the website before booking. This also includes the full refunds policy.