Join us
Here’s how to get connected
Become a Member
Join our family of churches united in vision and mission.
Offer Your Skills
Volunteer Roles: Graphic Designers, Surf Ministries, Builders, Medical & Social Aid, Surfboard Shapers, Artists, Worship Leaders & Bands, Skate Ministries, Videographers, Partnering Organisations, Speakers, Entrepreneurial Projects.
The Team
If you are interested in church planting, wanting to help your church become intentional in reaching surfers and the local beach community, or you would just like to find out more about joining the collective, book a personal meeting with one of our team.
Richard
Richard Ellerington
International Director
When I first started dreaming about surf-friendly churches, I could never have imagined what God would do. What began with just five or six churches back in 2018 has now grown into a global movement of over 70, with new churches being planted in surf and beach communities all around the world. From Portugal to Costa Rica, South Africa to Japan, God is stirring hearts and calling people to reach their coastal communities in creative and contextual.
George
George Hulse
Chair of the Board
George serves as the Chair of the Surf Church Collective and is the Founder and Lead Pastor of The Shoreline Church in San Clemente, California. A former professional surfer in the 1980s, George experienced firsthand the global surf culture and the deep spiritual hunger within it. His journey from the lineup to the pulpit was a direct response to God’s call to reach surfers through the local church. Founding The Shoreline was the beginning of that vision — to see coastal communities transformed by the hope of Jesus. George brings seasoned leadership, pastoral wisdom, and a deep heart for the global surf family to the Collective.
Robbie
Robbie O’Brien
Board Member
Robbie is the Founder and Lead Pastor of Salty Church in Ormond Beach, Florida — one of the earliest and most influential surf churches in the world. His passion for reaching beach communities and raising local leaders has made Salty a model for others globally. Over the past decade, Robbie has been instrumental in driving the vision of the Surf Church Collective forward. Having served as our Chair for the past five years, he continues to provide strong leadership, insight, and encouragement as we grow together as a global family of surf churches.
Roy
Roy Harley
Board Member
Roy is the International Director of Christian Surfers, leading a global network that connects thousands of surfers to Jesus through local chapters in more than 35 nations. A visionary and strategic thinker, Roy brings decades of ministry experience and deep relationships across the surf world. As the leader of one of our most important global partners, Christian Surfers International, Roy plays a vital role in linking surf missions, church planting, and disciple-making movements. His wisdom, collaboration, and global perspective continue to strengthen the shared vision of the Surf Church Collective.
Dennis & Kyle
Dennis & Kyle Leon
Area Directors for the Americas
With decades of experience in ministry and church planting, Dennis and Kyle serve as the Area Directors for the Americas, based in Costa Rica. As founders of Pura Vida Church Esterillos, they have helped plant and strengthen multiple churches throughout Costa Rica and beyond. Their heart is to see surf communities encounter Jesus through authentic, locally led churches. Dennis and Kyle dedicate much of their time to mentoring leaders, building relationships, and encouraging healthy, missional churches that impact coastlines across the Americas. Their leadership and passion continue to shape the culture of the Collective.
Samuel & Cláudia
Samuel & Cláudia Cianelli
Area Directors for EMEA
Originally from Brazil, Samuel and Cláudia have spent many years serving as missionaries and church planters across Europe. They helped pioneer and now lead Surf Church Porto in Portugal, a thriving community at the heart of Europe’s surf culture. As Area Directors for EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa), they focus on strengthening and multiplying surf-friendly churches that bring faith and community to coastal regions. Samuel and Cláudia travel widely to mentor leaders, support teams, and develop regional strategies. Their warmth, creativity, and commitment to Jesus continue to shape the Collective’s mission across Europe and beyond.
Regi
Regi Ellerington
Global Pastoral Support & Development
With over 30 years of experience in church leadership and pioneering ministry, Regi has planted and led churches in the UK and France alongside her husband, Richard, the International Director of the Surf Church Collective. In her role overseeing Global Pastoral Support & Development, Regi dedicates much of her time to travelling and visiting families in ministry around the world — checking in, listening, and encouraging those who serve on the frontlines. She believes that “family on mission” only works if we are first a family, and her care, wisdom, and faith have become a cornerstone of the Surf Church Collective’s culture.
Asheley
Asheley Lotter van Rooyen
Head of Communications & Administration
Asheley brings a wealth of experience leading teams in statutory mental health services and leading volunteer production teams within church settings. She combines creativity, precision, and care in her role as Head of Communications & Administration, helping ensure the Surf Church Collective runs smoothly behind the scenes. Ashley keeps our teams connected, organised, and supported across the globe. Her background in both people care and operations gives her a unique ability to foster clarity, health, and unity across the movement.
Grant
Grant Garge
Financial Development Advisor
Grant brings decades of experience from the corporate finance world, having worked with some of the UK’s leading firms before turning his focus toward faith-based mission. As the Surf Church Collective’s Financial Development Advisor, he offers strategic guidance in stewardship, sustainability, and long-term growth. His ability to combine clear financial strategy with a heart for impact helps strengthen the foundation of everything we do. Grant’s insight, professionalism, and commitment to generosity ensure that the Collective remains both financially healthy and missionally strong.