Ready to be inspired by local legends and wellness icons?

Brett Connellan faced every surfer’s nightmare when a Great White Shark attacked him in 2016, leaving him inches from death. Despite losing much of his left quad, he survived with help from a friend and emergency responders. Brett’s recovery fostered resilience and a renewed purpose, driving him to inspire others with his powerful story.

In 1970, 19-year-old Kent Ladkin left his university economics studies and job as an office clerk to pursue a different life. He hitchhiked to the south coast of NSW, surfing and camping, then moved to Angourie. He lived in a tree house near the iconic point break, surfing, reading and doing yoga. Inspired by the inefficiency of paraffin wax for surfboards, he experimented with a new formula, creating one of the world's first surf-specific waxes, "Honey Surf Wax."

Barron lived in New York for seven years where he co-founded CONVICTS, a purpose-driven ad agency with the mission statement "Trouble makers for a better world." During this time, he learned Vedic Meditation, which had such an impact on him that he became a teacher. He left New York to launch Be Here Nowra, a community happiness project based on the South Coast. This social intervention documents the impact of meditation on a regional town. His mission is to make the world a happier place, one person at a time.

Jess is a nurse, personal trainer and yoga teacher. Her professional journey has focused on health, movement and human connection, leading her to our retreat. Jess offers movement, breathwork and meditation experiences to enhance wellbeing, and she has curated self-care practices to manage anxiety, maintain fitness and uplift the spirits of those around her.

Brent Oeding-Erdel, the President of Werri Boardriders, has been instrumental in the surf club's recent success. Under his guidance, the club has flourished, drawing in new members and organising thrilling surf events. Brent's passion for surfing and dedication to community spirit have made Werri Boardriders a vibrant hub for local surfers of all skill levels.

Sarah Cooper is the driving force behind Scoop It Up, a wellness platform promoting healthy living. As an accredited clinical nutritionist, she shares workouts, wellness tips and healthy recipes. Her viral dishes captivate audiences worldwide. Beyond her website and social media, Sarah offers podcasts, personalised consultations and ebooks to empower individuals to live healthier, more holistic lives. Her philosophy emphasises living well and eating deliciously.

Tom Bull’s passion is helping those who feel disconnected. Having faced his own struggles with hopelessness and feeling unloved, he has dedicated himself to realigning people with their true selves. Tom aims to empower individuals to become the best version of themselves, using his personal experiences to guide and support others on their journey toward self-discovery and fulfilment.

Izzy Lakin is a wellness advocate and co-founder of Tsavo Wellness Centre in Mosman, Sydney. Izzy is dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey to health. Inspired by their own experiences with mental and physical health, they designed Tsavo to prioritise wellbeing, drawing on holistic practices and the expertise of various consultants who share their passion for health and wellness.

Eamon is an accredited exercise scientist passionate about health, fitness and human movement. With expertise in strength, mobility and aerobic fitness, he helps individuals (from beginners to elite athletes) reach their goals. Eamon’s active lifestyle, which centres around the ocean and mountains, inspires his training philosophy: train to live, not live to train. He is dedicated to creating sustainable, healthy lifestyles.

Ryder Ladkin is an enthusiastic general manager and hardware buyer at Natural Necessity Surf Shop. He’s also your go-to guru for all things surfboards. With a keen eye for quality and variety, Ryder ensures there's a perfect board for every surfer, from first-timers to pros. Ryder hopes to inspire and equip the surfing community at Swell & Well with the best gear… all the while imparting some serious new-board stoke!

Eddie is a huge proponent of the transformative power of breathwork. Once plagued by stress, trauma and disconnection with her body, she found immediate relief through conscious breathing. This practice brought her joy, positivity and a profound shift in his life experience. Now, Eddie is sharing her breathwork practice with others, helping them reconnect with their bodies and find inner wellbeing. In a demanding modern world, Eddie believes our breath can guide us back to peace and wholeness.