Meet the Team
Jordan Black
Founder & Lead Instructor
Meet Jordan, a Nelson Bay local with 18 years of diving experience. Starting out snorkelling in his younger years and transitioning through scuba diving, Jordan found his true passion in spearfishing when he was just 14 years old, and went on to win the NSW Junior State Spearfishing titles in 2011. Fast forward to just under 3 years ago when he completed his Molchanovs Freediving Instructor Course, Salty Pilgrims Freediving was created to help people discover and unlock their freediving potential, live happier and healthier lives, and gain confidence in themselves through this incredible sport. Since then, Jordan has been teaching freediving full time and has worked as an instructor all around the globe, leading groups as large as 50 people through a freediving course. He now instructs on the majority of the courses and trips, and is always so encouraging, supportive and stoked for any and all progressions no matter what level he is teaching. Now a confident freediver of over 50 metres, Jordan continues to inspire and empower others to embrace the great outdoors and seek adventure in life.
Interests:
Surfing, bowhunting, snowboarding, and skiing
Qualifications:
Molchanovs Wave 3 Freediving Instructor, Padi Freediver Instructor, Spearfishing Instructor, Surf Apnea Instructor, Snowboard Instructor, Ski Instructor, Surf Coach, Cold Immersion & Breathwork Coach, Coxswain (Grade 1 NC) (Commercial skipper ticket)
Ellie Hayden
Founder & Lead Instructor
Growing up next to the Great Barrier Reef in Far North Queensland, Ellie has been diving since the age of 5 and began a life long deep love for the ocean, and for freediving. After being introduced to spearfishing over 3 years ago, she loved the hunting side of freediving and being able to catch a sustainable dinner and share the experiences and amazing meals with friends. Since then, Ellie has been awarded a couple of Australian Women’s Record’s for Spearfishing. After completing her Molchanovs Freediving Instructors Course over 3 years ago, she fell in love with teaching and decided to start Salty Pilgrims Freediving full time. Over the past few years of teaching, Ellie has led large groups of over 50 people around the globe, and has founded Australia’s first Women’s Freediving group which runs Retreats and courses in various locations around the world to give girls more confidence in their own abilities. Now a confident diver of 55m, Ellie has found so much relief from stress and anxieties through freediving, and believes that everyone can benefit from this incredible sport.
Interests:
Surfing, music, pilates, snowboarding, photography
Qualifications:
Molchanovs Wave 3 Freediving Instructor, Padi Freediver Instructor, Spearfishing Instructor, Ski Instructor, Coxswain (Grade 1 NC) (Commercial skipper ticket)
Johno
Freediving Instructor
Meet Johno, a Port Stephens local who developed a love for spearfishing at 14, driven by sustainable food collection. Despite his years of experience, he sought to improve his skills safely through Freediving Courses in 2021. Since then, Johno has been teaching freediving for 2 years, and has the most calming, kind and supportive teaching approach. If you're lucky enough to share some time in the water in Johno, you will immediately feel comfortable and safe.
Interests:
Family time, fishing, exploring the coastline, and camping.
Qualifications:
Molchanovs Wave 2 Instructor
PADI Freedive Instructor
Jordan Hunter
Spearfishing Guide & Freediving Instructor
Jordan's journey into the world of spearfishing began about a decade ago when a close friend introduced him to the sport. Since then, it is speculated that he has grown gills, and is one of the best spearos there are in Australia. When you're around Jordan, you know that you're in safe hands with his expertise in spearfishing and freediving, and all round calming presence. He is constantly dropping knowledge bombs in the most humble way possible. Jordan will be leading some of the 2024 Solomon Islands Spearfishing Expeditions.
Qualifications:
Molchanovs Wave 2 Instructor