Keith_ Enviro-Reefs Paddles and Surf School
Keith has been surfing for most of his life and he started coaching roughly 25 to 30 year ago. Around 15 years ago he began Enviro-Reefs Paddle and Surf School, he went from being a sole coach to now employing 5 surf coaches. The school and all the coaches are fully affiliated with Surfing Queensland and Surfing Australia. They provide paddle and surfing classes for all age groups and abilities, this includes short board, long board, and paddle board. Additionally, they teach people ocean awareness and techniques to overcome fear of the ocean. They have also recently started a yoga component to their paddle and surfing classes. Keith tells me that as more and more people are looking for new ways to get and stay healthy and active there has been exponential growth in paddle boarding and surfing as a sport.
When I asked about the impact of Covid19 on his business, Keith stated: “You could say dramatically here, but there again you look at other states, what they have gone through, and it’s been a lot more adverse to them then what it’s been to us”.
Keith did have to close the business completely for between 2 to 3 months and they have lost around 90% of their clientele as many of their customers were holidaymakers from overseas. Once restrictions began to be lifted, classes were able to start back up again, ensuring to maintain the social distancing measures. However, it was still difficult to operate under these new rules.
As restrictions are further eased and borders begin to open again things have started to improve even more for Keith’s business, and he believes that it will continue to improve further as more and more people are allowed to come back to Queensland for holidays, he stated “things are improving now as we speak, which is good”.
Keith found it hard that he could not employ his coaches in the same way during these times, that he had to reduce their hours. He was saddened a little to see this happen to the business he has built up over time.
Due to the changes brought about by Covid19, Keith and his coaches have been able to spend a lot more time considering issues such as passing along ocean awareness and knowledge and has afforded more time to share this with kids and other clubs, this information can reduce fear and instils knowledge at an early age that will allow them to enjoy the ocean for their whole life. Additionally, they have been able to add programs such as the yoga component to the classes.
When I asked Keith about any acts of kindnesses that have been shown to his business, he told me that he has felt fully supported by Surfing Queensland and Surfing Australia. That they provide updates and emails everyday on the best ways to run and fine tune a surf business during these difficult times.
Keith feels that there are a lot of people missing out on the experience of the ocean, he encourages them to come down, maybe join a paddle, surf or yoga class and see the health benefits, stating that there are “quality coaches that will be able to understand what you require in your life… in regards to better health and a better understanding of not only of yourself but of the ocean”.
A big thank you to Keith for a lovely interview on the beach and for sharing his time and knowledge.
Enviro-Reefs Paddle and Surf School, Bargara QLD
Ph: 0428 889 556
http://www.enviro-reefspaddleandsurf.com/