Apr - Dec 22, 5 nights
Retreat Highlights:
Combined Surfing and Yoga retreat while staying in a permaculture eco retreat.
Our inspiration is the undisturbed coastal bushland of the surrounding Yuragir National park and the pristine Clarence Valley beaches and river systems.
Yoga:
Eco Surf:
The Farm:
Salty Soul Eco Retreats are founded on the benefits of creating a deeper connection with nature and therefore ourselves. Through yoga and mindfulness practices and our daily morning ritual of a sunrise surf we open pathways to align with a more natural way of being. Our inspiration is the undisturbed coastal bushland of the surrounding Yuragir National park and the pristine Clarence Valley beaches and river systems.
Belle Wehner
Belle is a qualified surf coach and yoga instructor with over 20 years of professional teaching experience around the world.
After completing a BSC in Eco Tourism Belle began the salt gypsy lifestyle that has lasted more than 20 years! This has included hosting Surf and yoga retreats in the likes of Costa Rica, Bali, Fiji, Western Australia and Europe.
Owning and operating a surf school at Broulee on the NSW South Coast and spending a life of living and teaching yoga; uniting these passions was a natural progression. The journey brought Belle to Yamba on the North coast of NSW. Which has been home to Salty Soul Wellness for the last 5 years.
Salty Soul Wellness offers weekly yoga classes, private surf lessons and combined retreats for couples and groups, offering an all-round experience focussed on health, well-being and a strong connection with the beautiful surroundings of Yamba and the Clarence valley.
Our location is at the Higher Ground Eco Retreat, an off-grid sustainable living project set amongst 146 acres of protected coastal bushland. A newly evolving permaculture project, Higher Ground welcomes guests, friends and willing workers into a unique and authentic eco yoga experience.
Optional private surf lessons are available three of the mornings in the 4 day full days we have available to play. This is included in the price however if you prefer to just swim and relax by the ocean while the others surf that is totally welcome. We will leave before the sunrise on the ‘beach days’ in our 4WD on our amazing secret bush track down to some uncrowded beaches in the National Park.
We will then practice yoga on the beach watching the sun rise over the ocean, enjoy a few hours of surfing or ocean time, followed by a fresh picnic hamper breakfast. We will then head home in time to enjoy our lunch and free time. If you would like to surf in your free time in the afternoons over the week, independent of the group there is plenty of waves to choose from.
The surf in Yamba is mostly sand bottom beaches with some of the best learn to surf waves you can find. For the more experienced surfers you have a selection of many beaches within a 30 minute drive, from Brooms head to Yamba. For the more adventurous, Iluka and Minnie Water have many uncrowded waves and are around 45 minute drive.
Our Surf lessons are adapted for excited beginners taking the plunge for the first time and also the experienced surfer who wants specialised instruction to push their surfing to another level. Our main focus is gaining water time, learning about a variety of new breaks and using the support of your coach and the yoga to help you achieve a new level of confidence in the ocean!
You will receive personal attention from Belinda Wehner, qualified Level 1 surf Instructor with over 20 years of international coaching experience. All coaches are qualified lifeguards with advanced resuscitation and first aid.
Let us know if you would like to bring your own equipment, otherwise we supply you with a soft mini Malibu and rash shirt for your protection. We suggest a lightweight wetsuit or surf top and leggings for the cooler days.
The yoga will consist of gentle yoga classes in the morning and afternoon Yin Yoga with props. We have a beautiful dedicated yoga space in the main house overlooking the garden open to the sunrise and the sunset. On this retreat our focus will be on re-connection in the morning to assist in grounding into your body and breath, primarily through a gentle flow sequence.
This more active yoga style will also be complemented with afternoon yin yoga for deep release and relaxation, allowing you to assimilate the excitement of a day in the garden or at the beach.
And don’t worry: the yoga is adapted to accommodate both complete beginners and experienced yogis so you will be completely supported to progress at your own level over the 2 days.
The Eco Adventure Yoga Retreats are open to all levels of yogis, surfers or gardeners from absolute beginner to advanced.
Numbers are limited to 9 guests on any given weekend so you are guaranteed plenty of space and also personal attention in the yoga class.