Nine To Noon Ellen Snelling's mission to get more women surfing
Mar 18, 2026
Ellen Snelling, a surf coach who runs Learn 2 Surf at Waipu Cove after 20+ years coaching, shares her move from Western Australia and life by the ocean. She talks rehab swimming leading to open-water passion. She explains teaching methods for adult women, a knee-under pop-up technique, how quickly learners stand, and the camaraderie of women-only surf retreats.
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How A Back Injury Started A Surfing Career
- Ellen Snelling transitioned from competitive netball to ocean swimming after a serious back injury at 18 and only later tried surfing for fun.
- That casual try sparked a lifelong passion that led her to coach for over 20 years and eventually run Learn 2 Surf at Waipu Cove in New Zealand.
Moved For Love And Found A New Surf Community
- Ellen moved from Western Australia to New Zealand with her husband expecting a year away and stayed for ten years while setting up life and work here.
- She notes she grew up in a remote WA town with few female surfers, then found a gentler, larger surfing community after moving to the city.
Learn 2 Surf Offers Year Round Programs
- Learn 2 Surf at Waipu Cove (bought in 2017) runs after-school, holiday, school-term and private programs covering kids and adults.
- Ellen describes a broad offering including term schools, holiday programs, and tailored private lessons year-round.