We recently welcomed ocean advocate and Cornwall-dwelling model Sophie Hellyer to the North Devon coast. Among the swimming, sauna-ing and soaking up of sun rays, we sat down for a catch up. Read on to learn about Sophie's connection to the sea and the unwavering pull the South West has on her...
Let’s start with the sea! What is it about the ocean that has had such a hold on you?
The ocean has always been my playground, my safe place, I joke that it’s my church. I moved out of my mum’s house when I was 14 because I wanted to go to Surf Lifesaving Club instead of church on Sundays. I was lucky to grow up playing in the ocean and anytime I jump in the waves it returns me to that state of childlike play. And as I’ve gotten older I’ve realised how much the ocean really has held me, whatever’s gone on in life somehow immersing in the salt water helps. A place to reflect, to be present, to hit reset, whatever I need the ocean normally gives it to me. I’m also lucky that it’s been my office for many years, through professional surfing to owning a Surfschool, now swim coaching and all the bits in between. I also love how the ocean connects us all geographically.
Have you found that your relationship with the ocean always felt this deep and personal?
Yes, although the relationship has changed slightly. The ocean used to be a place I would escape to, to get away, whereas now it’s a place that I purposely go to knowing it’s going to help soothe my soul in some way. I more actively and purposely seek it out when I need it these days.
"I’ve realised how much the ocean really has held me, whatever’s gone on in life somehow immersing in the salt water helps. A place to reflect, to be present, to hit reset, whatever I need the ocean normally gives it to me."
You’ve travelled the world, but something’s clearly pulled you back to the South West. What is it about this corner of the world that feels like home?
I grew up in Devon but left when I was 17 and spent many years travelling and living elsewhere, before settling down in Cornwall in 2019. There’s something about the coastline, the coves and the cliffs, the waves, the secret tidal pools. I’m not sure what it is but I could watch the light reflecting on the water for the rest of my days.
Rise Fierce is such a powerful space, what inspired you to create it, and how has cold water swimming shaped you?
Rise Fierce created itself really, it wasn’t intentional. I was cold water swimming daily with friends and sharing the adventures online, and people started messaging saying they were trying it too. Rise Fierce began there really, it started with just rising in the morning with a fierce enough attitude to jump in the Atlantic Ocean, but it soon became so much more.
I really saw the power cold water had on people, increasing their resilience to stress and creating community. At the time I was living on the west coast of Ireland, practicing daily yoga, growing food and surfing. Lots of people were asking to join so we turned it into a little retreat experience. It became little pockets of community around the UK and Ireland and further afield, friendships formed in the cold water. Rise fierce is all about empowering women and creating community, and cold water is a brilliant way to facilitate that.
What excited you most about working with Wanderlust Life?
I’ve loved and worn Wanderlust Life for over 10 years! I love that it’s a female founded company that originated in the place I’m from, and I also just love the simplicity and wearability of the jewellery, you can wear it all everyday, but a lot of the pieces carry a deeper meaning as well. Whether it's your zodiac sign, the birthstone of your child or the personalisation from a friend. I don’t have any tattoos but for me my jewellery carries that same kind of meaning, each piece having a story or relevance that’s more than just how it looks. I love carrying that with me wherever I go.
"I don’t have any tattoos but for me my jewellery carries that same kind of meaning, each piece having a story or relevance that’s more than just how it looks. I love carrying that with me wherever I go."
What do you look for in the jewellery pieces you wear every day? Has that changed over the years?
I love the way jewellery completes a look, it can really elevate a simple outfit. A grey jumper… but add a stack of necklaces. Or a baggy t-shirt… but throw some bracelets and rings on! For me, I love pieces I can put on and keep on. I don’t like having to take it all on and off overnight so I tend to choose pieces I can really live in, run in, sleep in. Plus what I said in a previous answer, that my jewellery isn’t just jewellery, it all carries a story.
What’s your favourite thing about North Devon?
I love some of the remoter parts of the coastline, the lesser-known coves where I grew up surfing. Also some special memories from childhood scattered along the coast. And, a more recent addition, we mustn’t forget the donuts from Heartbreak…
And finally, do you have a personal mantra you come back to when life feels a little noisy?
A few. I try to live by “Don’t sweat the small stuff”, and, of course, “Just keep swimming”.
