Who We Are

Ellen grew up on the South West Coast of WA, where the white sand and blue waters meet the raw rugged swells of the Indian ocean. Being in the water has always been a central part of her life. After a car accident in her late teens left her with a back injury that put an end to her beloved netball, she turned to swimming for solace and healing. It was in the ocean that she rediscovered her connection to movement — and soon after, found a new passion. Surfing became her outlet, offering the perfect blend of freedom, adventure, and adrenaline. What began as a way to cope grew into a lifelong love for the sea and the energy it brings. Ellen has travelled the world chasing waves and collecting unforgettable experiences along the way. Surfing has taken her to incredible places — but perhaps the greatest adventure it led her to was meeting Grae. Their shared love for the ocean is what brought them together, and it continues to shape the life they've built by the sea.

 

Grae grew up in Onerahi, Whangārei, chasing waves along the stunning Tutukaka Coast and Whangārei Heads. At 16, he moved to Ocean Grove in Victoria, Australia, where his love for surfing deepened as he discovered the world-class breaks along the southern coastline. Surfing sparked a lifelong passion for travel and adventure, taking him across Australia — from the Gold Coast to the crystal-clear waters of Esperance, where fate introduced him to Ellen.

 

Alongside his love for the ocean, Grae developed a strong passion for carpentry. He thrives on creating with his hands, bringing ideas to life through craft and construction — whether it’s shaping timber or shaping the life he and Ellen are building by the sea.

 

Ellen and Grae have called New Zealand home for over 10 years. What began as a one-year adventure to reconnect with Grae’s Kiwi roots quickly turned into something much more permanent. In 2017, they took a leap and purchased the local surf school, Learn 2 Surf Waipu Cove, planting their roots firmly in the sand. Now proud parents of two "Kwaussie" boys (Kiwi-Aussies), they’ve fully embraced the laid-back, salt-tinged lifestyle that Waipu offers — where community, coastline, and a love for the ocean come together.