Tess Kelly was born and raised in Perth, Western Australia, growing up by the ocean. She spent most summer weekends doing surf lifesaving at her local beach, where she developed a deep understanding of the sea. Always dreaming of travel, she went on to study anthropology and communications at university, using every opportunity to explore the world along the way. After graduating, she booked a one-way ticket to South America—and 8 years later, she’s still there.

Tess now lives in Huanchaco, a small surfing and fishing town on the coast of Peru, where she enjoys uncrowded waves and an ocean-centered lifestyle every day. She works within a social impact project that empowers women in her local community, creating opportunities for a more sustainable future for them and their families. Tess is also a trained holistic kinesiologist and is passionate about holding safe, supportive spaces where women can reconnect with their bodies. For Tess, surfing is a central part of her life—it brings her a deep sense of community, peace, challenge, adventure, and endless joy.