about
WHAT IS ‘THE SOULTY SURFER’?
‘The Soulty Surfer’ was created to support ocean lovers and surfers; encouraging wellness through movement practices, breathwork, and meditation while building a connection to a community of kind, like-minded people.
In sessions I work with you on a journey toward mental and physical confidence, we focus on flexibility and strength in our bodies while developing a quieter mind and a peaceful soul.
SHARING practices that strengthen the body, quieten the mind and SOOTHE the soul
about me
My name is Dani, I’m the founder of ‘The Soulty Surfer’ which began in January 2021. I’m passionate about health optimisation and community.
I was bought up in a Jewish family in Bournemouth, though I’d say my spiritual journey began in 2008 when I joined a meditation community in deepest, darkest Dorset. I fell in love with practice at this time, initially through zen Buddhism, sitting for hours in silent rooms and in nature.
More recently I found yoga, I love its playfulness and connection to the heart. I’m a yoga student and teacher and share breathwork and other movement modalities in my sessions. I’m a 200hr Yoga Alliance accredited vinyasa and ashtanga yoga teacher, and a 50hr Yin Yoga & Meditation teacher. I continue to attend classes, and workshops and study wellness practices, I love sharing these with you.
Join me for a class, you don’t need to be flexible and you don’t need to have any concerns, all are welcome. I aim for my sessions to be friendly and accessible, just come and try and see how you get on. I’ll support you to find calm and balance in body and mind regardless of your age and body type.
My classes combine fluid movement with breath, encouraging strength, confidence, and flexibility. Whether you are a surfer looking to gain mobility, confidence, and endurance in the water, or you would like to develop a calm mind and strong body to support you day-to-day.
My journey
For as long as I can remember I've been interested in understanding what it is that makes us human. This developed into an exploration of a spiritual practice, initially through meditation, then as a yoga student and now a teacher
Began a BSc degree in Health Science and spent a 2 month break in India, volunteering in a women’s refuge and visiting ashrams.
2000
I worked in the charity sector, mainly with young people, focusing on supporting communities to connect with their environment and well-being. I gained a teaching and mentoring qualification.
2003
2009
I began exploring Zen Buddhist Meditation and moved into a meditation centre in North Dorset. I devoted my life to this practice for over 6 years.
2016
I moved back to my hometown of Bournemouth and bought a surfboard and a yoga mat! I became hooked to the sense of freedom I experienced when in the ocean riding waves or moving and breathing through yoga postures on the mat.
2018
I Completed a 200hr yoga teacher training in Goa India. The yoga school had incredible teachers, and the setting (jungle meets ocean) was breathtaking, and right by a surf break too!
Due to the Covid pandemic, I was made redundant from a 5 year job role in a charity as a Community Development Youth Officer, giving me the opportunity to set up “The Soulty Surfer” and share my practices and passions with those around me.
2021
Community is the heart of what I do
Community is one of the key values in my personal and business life. Find out more about how we work to support the community around us, who we partner with and how we want to hear your voices as we grow.
My aim is to create an inclusive community of ocean lovers who feel confident to support their physical and mental health and connect to the highest version of themselves and that of the people and environment around them.
vision
COMMUNITY/ CONNECTION
We’re in this together – Find contentment in connecting to a community of like-minded souls, who focus on wellness, love and mutual respect.
FREEDOM/ FUN AND FLOW
Respect the flow – Finding balance in body and mind, learning to accept the ebb and flow, tuning into what you need to feel your best so when there are waves, you’re ready to ride and feel the stoke!
nature/ environment
Connect to nature through practice; your own and the environment around you. Understanding that everything is connected, we show respect and kindness to everyone in our community, the wider environment, cultures and traditions.