Life is Better When You Surf® - Helena Richardson

Surfing has a way of transforming lives, and Helena Richardson is proof of that. From her first waves overseas to building a new life in Australia, she has turned her passion into a community that celebrates connection, confidence, and joy in the ocean.

As the founder of Women Soulful Surf, Helena has created a space where women of all ages can discover the magic of surfing in a supportive and empowering environment. Her story is one of courage, change, and inspiration—both in and out of the water.

I am sure you will enjoy this Life is Better When You Surf Story.

GSI: Hi Helena, please tell us about yourself and where you live. 
HR: Hi, I’m Helena, the founder and owner of Women Soulful Surf - an all-female surf school and retreat business. I’m originally from Poland but have been living in Australia since 2016.

GSI: How old were you when you learnt to surf?
HR: I learnt to surf at 30 years old :)

GSI: Where was it, and who taught you?
HR: My very first lesson was in Lanzarote, Canary Islands - and it literally changed my life. After that trip, I quit my job, left Poland with a one-way ticket to Bali, to become a yoga teacher and to surf more. In Bali, I had a few lessons with an incredible local instructor, Ayok, who helped me with the basics. From there, I just kept going out on my own.

GSI: What inspired you to start Women Soulful Surf? And what personal experiences led you there?
HR: When I moved to Australia and returned to surfing after having my son, I noticed how male-dominated surf culture was - especially in a small coastal town. I wanted to see more women in the water. At the end of 2019, I started a Facebook group called Women Soulful Surf to connect with other female surfers in the area. Many of them were eager to surf but didn’t have much experience or support.

A few months later, I planned my first Surf & Yoga Retreat. As a yoga teacher, I teamed up with a female surf coach who was going to lead the surfing side. We scheduled it for April 2020, and the response was overwhelming - it was clear there were so many women wanting to surf but craving a safe, supportive space. That retreat sold out quickly… but never happened, as we went straight into lockdown.

During those months, I kept working behind the scenes to make it more local and accessible. In August 2020, we officially opened with Mini Retreats, classes, and programs. From there, it grew into something far bigger than I ever imagined.

GSI: How do your own experiences of fear, confidence, or empowerment in the water guide the way you support other women?
HR: Having the lived experience of learning to surf as an adult is invaluable. I remember all the steps, frustrations, and breakthroughs of surf progression - so I can truly relate to my students. I know what it takes to build confidence in the water, and I guide women with that same understanding and patience.

GSI: Can you share a story of someone whose journey with you really highlights the impact of your mission?
HR: There are so many it’s hard to choose just one! We’ve had women who were once scared of the ocean and now absolutely love it. Women who were really self-conscious and are now shining with confidence. Even ladies in their 60s who learned to surf with us - and now it’s a regular part of their life. Watching these transformations is the most rewarding part of what I do.

GSI: What is the best tip you have for anyone learning to surf?
HR: Be kind to yourself and remember why you started! Surfing as an adult can be so challenging - you’ll feel discouraged at times. But if you focus on the positives, on how surfing makes you feel, and celebrate every little win, the journey becomes so much more enjoyable.

GSI: Could you tell us about a surf session that really sticks in your mind?
HR: There are a few! One was in Lombok, at a dreamy spot with long, perfect lefts - I didn’t want to leave the water. Another was in the Maldives, during our retreat - it was the final session of the trip, and we stayed in the water for hours, laughing and catching waves. And in Sri Lanka, I’ll never forget just sitting on my board in the channel, watching the progress of all the ladies from the retreat - we were the only ones at the spot, and it felt magical. Honestly, there are so many sessions that hold a special place in my heart!

GSI: What is your favourite surf spot?
HR: I’ve been lucky to surf incredible breaks around the world, so it’s hard to choose just one. But I have to say, I love my home break on a good day - when the banks are working, the sun is shining, and there’s a gentle offshore wind. It’s pure magic.

GSI: What is your favourite GSI board at the moment?
HR: Right now, I’m riding the Salt Gypsy x Cynthia Rowley 9ft Dusty. It’s so much fun - and I love the red and pink colour combo!

GSI: Our company mantra is ‘Life is Better When You Surf®’. How does that statement resonate with you?
HR: It resonates completely - life really is better when you surf. Surfing has changed my life and shaped everything I do. It’s more than a sport; it’s a lifestyle, a community, and a way of reconnecting with yourself.