Co-Founder & Director

Kylie lives and breathes the ocean and has built her family life and career around this passion.

With success through numerous business ventures, a childhood dream was realised when she purchased Oceanfire surf store in 2018 which she currently owns and operates

Creating and giving back to the community is something that comes naturally to her, and since 2018 Oceanfire Surf has sponsored or supported more than 10 developing surfers.

As someone who truly enjoys all aspects of putting on great events, Kylie has also been heavily involved in the Frenchman’s Boardriders Club for many years, helping coordinate functions, sponsorships, and assisting to run their monthly events.

She has broken barriers as a female actively involved in surfing for over 30 years, before representation in the line-up was a concept, and female surfers needed to brave a heavily male dominated environment to catch a wave.

Kylie is passionate about all surfers “getting out there amongst it and having a great time regardless of what level you are at, but at the same time have an understanding of the line-up and etiquette that is so important. There are a set of invisible rules that everyone should know to have fun, earn respect and most importantly, show respect for each other.”

Balance Getaways is an opportunity for Kylie to combine her passions and share the enjoyment of organising great experiences for people that merge surfing with safe progression and important knowledge that can often be overlooked.

“Being in or near the ocean just makes you feel better. Breathing in the salt air, swimming or going for a paddle are all so healing. There is nothing quite like the experience of a sun rise on the beach while I am breathing in a new day.”

Co-Founder & Director

Eloise’s favourite place is the beach, where she was drawn to getting on waves (successfully, and unsuccessfully!) from a young age growing up on NSW’s beautiful Central Coast.

She is a natural born organiser, both professionally and socially amongst her friends, and a lifelong learner surfer. Having had a decades long corporate career, in recent years she has transitioned into roles focused on customer experience and design, as well as other creative pursuits. Eloise has worked with many of Australia’s most well-known Charities and Not-for-Profit organisations, helping them to drive Innovation and find opportunities to better connect with their supporters.

In looking to merge her passions for creating community, crafting great experiences, and promoting a growth mindset both mentally and physically, Balance Getaways is where these passions have all come together.

Through her many years working in busy corporate role’s, Eloise deeply understands the importance of getting away and recharging in big nature, especially by having fun in and around the ocean.

On weekends, Eloise regularly volunteers in her community, including as a Surf Lifesaver at Garie Beach in Royal National Park south of Sydney. She is a major advocate of increasing people’s knowledge of water safety, holding Bronze Medallion, Advanced Resuscitation and First Aid qualifications.

She looks forward to taking the stress out of your next weekend trip away with friends, or on your own making new friends, so you get the absolute most out of your getaway and create incredible memories along the way.

Counsellor, Anxiety Coach, Yoga Teacher

Mel is an experienced counsellor and anxiety management facilitator who has close to 30 years of experience working across various psychological practices in New Zealand and Australia.

Mel’s balanced approach to life and mental health led her to pursue qualifications in both Yin Yoga and Power/Hatha yoga which she has been teaching regularly for the past 13 years.

“I have a personal belief in the healing power of yoga. I believe that yoga can be a way of creating balance, strength, calm and health. The breathing and meditation intrinsic in yoga have their place as ‘therapy’ for many mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, fatigue, depression and trauma. I have seen yoga “heal” and strengthen bodies and reduce the impact of injury.”

Mel is also passionate about the healing, regenerative qualities of the sea, and the beautiful natural beaches around Lake Macquarie are where she prioritises time in the ocean daily.

Owner, Newcastle Surf School

Dan’s passion for surfing developed at a young age with a competitive career that began at 11 years old, and was further nurtured at the Hunter Academy of Sports. Highlights to date include competing on the Australian Championship Circuit and Six years on the (WQS) World Tour.

Dan’s love for surfing and competition have made the natural progression to sharing his experience and passion by Coaching others, and in 2000 he founded the Newcastle Surf School.

Dan and his team work with a wide range of clients including elite juniors, primary and secondary school students, other sporting groups, corporate teams, plus hens, bucks and birthday parties! Over the past 20 years Newcastle Surf School have coached thousands of beginner, intermediate and elite surfers.

Notable surfers names like Ryan Callinan, Jackson Baker, Morgan Ciblic plus so many more, have all benefited from Dan’s humble approach and easy-going Coaching style.

Newcastle Surf School has proudly run inclusive programs for Surfers with a disability, Camp Quality, Surfers for Autism, AASC, and the Australian Sport Commission.

Outside of Newcastle Surf School, Dan has held positions including in NSW including Junior State Coach, Junior Development Officer, and President of Surfing Newcastle.