About Us
LunaWave Retreats was born from a deep desire to create balance and support for women stepping into the world of board sports—whether riding waves, carving slopes, or gliding across fresh powder.
Surfing, snowboarding, and skiing are more than physical skills; they’re powerful journeys of mind, body, and spirit that challenge us on multiple levels. As adult women, we often learn differently from men and children, bringing our own unique strengths, fears, and rhythms to the process. That’s why we believe women deserve an approach to learning that is holistic, empowering, and tailored specifically to our needs.
At LunaWave, we blend expert instruction across surf and snow with nourishing practices that honour every aspect of the female experience. Our retreats bring together mindful yoga, balanced nutrition, women’s health education, and ocean and mountain awareness to support your journey both in and out of the water—or on and off the slopes. By syncing with the elements—waves, wind, and snow—and staying in tune with your own movement, you’ll master the core of board sports while building strength, resilience, and balance in your lifestyle.
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to working with local instructors, chefs, sourcing food from local producers, and partnering with communities in a way that respects and supports the environments we explore. We recognise that we are only visitors in these natural spaces, and with that comes a responsibility to tread lightly, learn continuously, and deepen our respect for the land, mountains, and oceans. In a world where environmental awareness is more important than ever, we encourage ongoing reflection on how we move through and impact the places we love.
Whether you’re here to build confidence on the basics, refine your technique, or simply immerse yourself in a transformative experience with a like-minded community, LunaWave is here to guide you.
Our Team
Meet Emma - Your Surf Coach/Main Host
Speaks English, French, Spanish, Portugnol und ich lerne Deutsch!
Emma’s lifelong passion for nature began in the French Alps and deepened when she moved to Australia and discovered surfing. After learning to surf in 2018, she recognised the unique challenges adult women face and realised that a holistic approach—combining mindset, ocean awareness, and body care—could boost confidence and performance.
Inspired by her own journey, Emma created Lunawave, a space she wished existed when she first started surfing. Certified by the International Surfing Association and trained in mobility and yoga, Emma has honed her skills in Australia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Portugal. At Lunawave, she combines her love for surfing with wellness, crafting a supportive environment focused on rest, nourishment, and self-respect. Her mission is to empower women to strengthen their connection with the ocean—and themselves—while fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
As an environmental scientist, Emma understands the importance of sustainability in and out of the ocean. She is dedicated to creating a sustainable retreat and educating guests on respecting the environment and how to protect it. From mindful resource use to eco-friendly practices, Emma incorporates sustainability into every aspect of Lunawave Retreat.
Meet Laura - Your Yoga Teacher/Facilitator
Speaks English, French & Spanish
Laura is an E-RYT 500-certified yoga teacher with over a thousand hours of training. She is currently advancing her expertise in yoga therapy with the Svastha Yoga Centre under Dr. Mohan, A.G. Mohan, and Indra Mohan—students of the legendary Krishnamacharya—and deepening her understanding of somatic practices and emotional health through Compassionate Inquiry with Gabor Maté and Sat Dharam Kaur.
With nearly 15 years of dedicated practice and study, Laura’s teaching blends the timeless wisdom of yoga with modern insights into female health, hormones, and wellness, as well as the dynamic energy of surf culture. Her approach empowers women to build physical strength, mental resilience, and emotional balance, fostering a deep connection to their bodies both on the mat and in the water. Through her sessions, Laura supports women in aligning with their natural cycles, enhancing their surf practice, and cultivating self-awareness and vitality.
More details on her journey can be found here: https://lauraroseyoga.com/about/
Meet Lionel - Your Chamonix Snowboard Coach & Guide
Speaks English & French
Born in Chamonix in 1978, coincidentally on December 21, the first day of winter. Like many local kids, he started skiing at the age of 2 with the alpine ski club. He then pursued cross-country skiing at a high level for 10 years.
With a father passionate about the mountains, he and his brother were fortunate to be introduced from a young age to the Mont Blanc massif, an immense natural playground.
In 1988, his father got him a snowboard, and that’s when he began riding the spots in Chamonix and participating in various half-pipe and big air competitions. But with a playground like Chamonix, the high mountains quickly captured his attention.
In 2010, he graduated top of his class from “SSBS,” a specialized snowboard program in Switzerland, earning awards for Best Technique and Best Teaching.
He then founded Chamonix Snowboard School to share his passion and introduce others to the Chamonix valley. In the summer, he works as a mountain biking guide, pursuing his other great passion.
Meet Hamza - Your Morocco Surf Coach/Facilitator
Speaks English, French, Portuguese & Arabic
Originally from Essaouiara, Morocco, where the waves are truly amazing, Hamza has been surfing for over 12 years. A passionate surf and kitesurfing coach, he has taught in both Morocco and now Portugal, sharing his love for the ocean with others. With his warm and encouraging approach, Hamza helps students build confidence, connect with the sea, and embrace the joy of riding the waves
