OceanFolx

Founder

Scientist, sailor, surfer, photographer and lover of all things in the ocean, OceanFolx is the culmination of all of Maddys’ greatest passions.

Maddy grew up in Toronto, Canada and ended up on the west coast in Vancouver, Canada for University. She studied Marine Biology at the University of British Columbia where she published her thesis in marine mammal conservation issues. Her degree brought her to Sydney, Australia where she led a team of researchers to analyze citizen science tools as an effective way of monitoring underwater habitat health.

During the pandemic, she planted trees in remote Canada and then moved to Tofino, where she worked as an outdoor educator and Indigenous fisheries monitor.

She is endlessly committed to engaging youth in hands-on experiences that stimulate their growth and fosters responsible stewardship for the environment. She believes immersive experiences are the best way to to do this and is SO excited for the OceanFolx 2024 programs.

Surf and Sustainability Instructor

When she realized playing mermaid in the pool wasn’t going to cut it as a life-long career, Yuliya began looking for other ways to integrate the ocean in her day-to-day. Murky dives in Lake Ontario - Anishinaabe territory, transitioned to research dives in tropical locales, and a newfound understanding of the ocean as not just a playground but as a resource in need of vigilant protection arose.

Moving to Vancouver, - xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) territory, to pursue a degree in Earth and Ocean Sciences refocused Yuliya’s research on temperate ecosystems. She spent the latter half of her degree studying remotely in Tofino, Canada on Tla-o-qui-aht territory. With the pandemic cutting out a significant portion of field research opportunities, Yuliya realized the power of science communication in propelling ocean advocacy. Her role as a surf instructor allowed lessons to become a medium for ocean education, and she eventually jumpstarted a program for guided walks in the intertidal zones for visiting tourists. She’s now working on bringing the spotlight to kelp forests and hopes to play a role in building a sustainable framework for seaweed farming in Indonesia.

As much of her passion and skillset is rooted in the marine conservation programs Yuliya was involved in as a kid, the OceanFolx vision is close to her heart and she hopes to help youth explore their fascination with the ocean through fun and informative experiences.

Yoga and Mindfulness Facilitator

Embodying a unique fusion of dynamic marketing expertise and deep-rooted passion for yoga, surfing, and mindfulness, Rachael has crafted a career as captivating as it is diverse. With a decade-long history of bringing brands like Red Bull and Alo Moves to new heights and pioneering wellness movements, she excels in the intersection of bold action and mindful living. Rachael’s oceanic love extends to her profound commitment to environmental sustainability, embodied in her collaborations with leading surf media and environmental organizations.

A certified yoga instructor since 2013, Rachael combines high-energy instruction with an uplifting and mindful approach to counterbalance daily stresses. Her yoga journey has taken her from the hot power yoga rooms to private workshops in Los Angeles and virtual sessions globally.

This retreat in Lombok provides a unique opportunity to learn from Rachael's extensive experience in nurturing self-appreciation and resilience through yoga, journaling, and surfing. Prepare for an immersive experience designed to inspire, challenge, and revitalize in the tropical haven. Come surf the waves, find your zen, and make a positive environmental impact with Rachael.

Surf Therapy Instructor

Founder of Groundswell Community Project, the first ever surf therapy org. to provide trauma informed training programs approved by a therapy association. Natalie is excited to bring her expertise in therapy, surfing, sailing, and conservation to the OceanFolx retreat space.

Aside from being a licensed Marriage and Family therapist with her expertise in using the arts, somatic, and eco therapy models for healing and personal growth, in the surfing world Natalie has been teaching surfing since 2003, has her ocean lifeguard cert, and has been a surf coach and retreat lead for Surf With Amigas since 2020.

In 2007 Natalie started working on boats as a side job during her masters, was on the EXXpedition all women sailing team through the Caribbean, and lived aboard her 28 ft sailboat in San Diego Harbor for over 10 years.

The ocean is her home, office, healing space, and playground and she is excited to support young girls and women to access the healing benefits of mother ocean through sailing, surfing, and ocean conservation.

You can learn more about her work with Groundswell through National Geographic TV, CBS and NBC. Photo submitted by Natalie Small.