Bully was first introduced to surf coaching in 2006. What started out as a job soon became his life’s passion and purpose. He taught at almost every surf school on Maui before opening up his own surf school in 2012, Bully’s Ohana Surf School, which is still in operation today. Seeing the impact that his surf instruction and life coaching had on people made Bully realize it was a calling for him to help people heal and become the best versions of themselves. Bully and his wife, Ashley, share a passion for ocean therapy, which led them to acquiring Swell Retreats and running retreats to empower, heal and help others find their bliss. Their hope is to share their own experiences and inspire others to awaken to their true potential and the limitless possibilities that life offers all of us. 

Ashley was born and raised in Alberta, Canada. She earned a business degree at 21 and a law degree by age 25. A lifelong athlete, she grew up playing soccer and volleyball and spent her winters downhill skiing. She is also an avid cyclist and golfer having lived next to the majestic Rocky Mountains for most of her life.  While traveling the world, she spent most of her time by or in the ocean and always wanted to learn to surf. So in January of 2022, in the face of burnout, trauma and a lot of grief, she took a month-long break from the world of corporate law to come to Maui to do exactly that. She was directed (by Lulu!) to the best surf coach on Maui- Bully Kotter. A month-long trip was extended by weeks and then months, and Ashley now lives full-time on Maui and is married to Bully (and loves to surf!). Starting a retreat business has been a lifelong dream for Ashley and acquiring Swell Retreats allows her and her husband to share their passion for ocean, nature, longevity and wellness to help others live the highest vibration life possible!

How do we fit so much into one day? By taking care of all the details so that you can truly enjoy your luxury holiday. The surfing time depends upon tides and swell size, but here is an example of a SwellWomen Day:

• 6:15am  Meditation & pre-surf warm-up
• 7:00 am Breakfast
• 8:00 am Depart for surf  // beginner lessons based on tides
• 11:00 Free Time
• 12:30 am Lunch
• 2:30 Journaling & Blissful Yoga
• 4:30 pm Depart for 2nd surf session OR Free Time for snorkeling, SUPing, nap, massage
• 7:00 pm Dinner

The schedule may change according to surf conditions, destination, or other events that may be added to your surf and wellness package. Do you need to participate in everything? We are here to provide many options for you to choose from. If you opt to relax by the pool the entire day or choose to participate in only one activity per day, you will be supported in that decision. It’s your surf and yoga retreat, and we are here to accommodate you in whatever choice brings you the highest bliss.