Learning to surf has traditionally meant being part of a group.
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With the advent of COVID-19 restrictions it has become a lot more personal.
Pines Surfing Academy has had to dramatically change the way it operates at Killalea Beach (The Farm) since surfing lessons were first restricted to groups of 10.
"That hit us pretty hard because we do about 45 schools," owner Vaya Phrachanh said.
"Then a week later we had to change again to one-on-one lessons which hurt us even more".
Mr Phrachanh said it was a big change when the surf school was no longer able to do its normal lessons.
But he is really keen to keep his dedicated team who are so passionate about what they do together.
"Everything has been reduced so much for us," Mr Phrachanh said.
"I am trying to keep my five staff working and help protect their mental health. I am also trying to look after my clients," he said.
"When you're running a business you have a responsibility to look after things like that. I am trying to do the best I can to do the best for everyone. A lot of people out there are hurting".
Mr Phrachanh said some people have asked him why he was still running the surf academy when it won't make much money with such small classes.
But he said the water is warm (22 degrees) and people are looking for exercise and activities they can still do while practicing social distancing.
Pines Surfing Academy has reduced its prices to just above cost. And is working to the old principle of 'if you look after people in the bad times they will still be there in the good'. Which has attracted a new opportunity.
With so many people feeling socially isolated surf lessons are becoming appealing for some who now not only have the time to take lessons but feel like they are getting special treatment with more personalised tuition.
"Learning to surf is always on someone's bucket list. And this is a great way to do it. Being in the water and fresh air is also good for your mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing," Mr Phrachanh said.
Learning to surf is always on someone's bucket list. And this is a great way to do it
- Vaya Phrachanh
PInes Surfing Academy is basically running lessons at a price that just makes enough money to pay staff.
Mr Phrachanh said.families can book to have lessons at the same time. It just means each family member has a different instructor.
The social distancing rule is that anyone at a beach in NSW needs to be actively participating in exercise. Fishing.is also accepted.
Mr Phrachanh said the rangers in Shellharbour were pretty good at moving anyone else on.
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The Illawarra Mercury has launched a Taking Care of Business campaign.
Each day we will highlight a local business who is adapting or evolving to be able to keep operating under these trying times.
If you know of a business adapting, please send us an email titled Taking Care of Business to gellis@illawarramercury.com.au.
We have also put a call out and will run a list of cafes, restaurants and clubs who are offering takeaway or delivery on our Facebook page. If you know of an outlet now offering home delivery or takeaway, please let us know and add it to the list.
Read more:
- With so many bars closed cocktails are now being bottled at one Wollongong venue and delivered to your door
- More mobile drive-thru food trailers start rolling out in the Illawarra from restaurants closed by COVID-19 restrictions
- Barstool Blokes becomes even more important with COVID-19
- Drive-thru food trucks are providing restaurant hot meals close to home and creating employment
- Liquor and Gaming Authority allows Grill'd to deliver beer or wine with meals
- Wollongong-founded COVID-19 Facebook foodie group 'Illawarra Menus' racks up 20,000 followers in six days
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
