An integral part of the Gold Coast identity and lifestyle is our vast stretch of pristine beaches, a canal system larger than Venice’s, the Broadwater, Straddie and our ease of access to the sea, the Reef and beyond.
Boaties certainly enjoy the liberty to explore our waterways and offshore, and Superior is there to supply pontoons, boat lifts and marina berths. But as CEO, John Hogan explains, “the on-water lifestyle is fundamental to work-life balance, whether you own a boat or not. Superior makes infrastructure that is accessible to all people, not just only owners”.
“As work-life balance becomes more vital for our health and well-being, the waterfront is a magnet for people seeking to revitalise body and soul. Whether swimming, walking on the sand or pathways, kayaking, standup paddle boarding or sailing, enjoying time on the water provides a connection to nature we all find enriching.”
In Sydney’s Rose Bay, Currumbin on the Gold Coast and hundreds of locations around lakes, inlets and even on the breakers, fitness entrepreneurs are tapping into this fundamental urge to enjoy the water with ‘Work out on Water sessions’ involving SUPs, kayaks and other aquatic gear.
“You see people of all skill levels doing yoga and Pilates on SUPs, and then there are the myriad kayak and jetski groups on the Broadwater at Wavebreak Island and even on the lake at Evandale,” observes John. “Plenty more just jog on the foreshore, have a picnic or meal at a waterfront venue and just enjoy the view.
John recounts the story of a recent customer who had relocated his family to the Gold Coast, but continued to commute to Brisbane each day. “He had 20 year old pontoon in need of repair. He asked us if we could you make it look new again. We stripped it back, replaced some of the deck, made an infill panel in aluminium and added new carpet and a fender on the outside. Then he wanted a jetski dock. He bought a wakeboarding boat and a seapen to keep it in. He came back to us and bought another skidock for the kids’ tinnie, and told us they bought SUPs for Christmas.
“Every weekend, as a family, they go wakeboarding and paddling. It’s big commitment in terms of investment, but it speaks volumes about their love of the water, the importance of work-life balance and quality time as a family.
“On the Gold Coast, and much of Australia, we have the water lifestyle at our doorstep. It’s part of our psyche, whether you live on it, or have to drive to walk along the shorefront – it’s part of us and part of the visual landscape.”
Good for you!
Studies show watersports are good for every aspect of our health and well-being:
- The brain releases feel-good endorphins, plus a dip in the water cools you off and makes you feel energised to work out.
- Skills: Many watersports carry a degree of skill mastery, which keeps your brain active and focused on the task at hand, as well as being good for your self-esteem. Experts consider this a form of meditation for a busy or stressed mind.
- Fun factor: instead of the tedium of the gym, playing in or on the water is a great way to burn energy and keep fit.
- Vitamin D: in small doses, sunshine helps the body create Vitamin D which is great for all-round health and helps elevate your mood.
- Natural attraction: exercising in nature benefits your mind and your mood and clears the mind ahead of a busy day.
- Feel good factor: being around water just makes us feel good. Numerous studies have shown the calming effects of waves and water, the favourite soothing sounds of meditation music.
