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When it comes to summer, Raglan is the place to be; whether you love to relax and enjoy the surroundings or get active and adventurous.
And after decades of searching the world for the ultimate lifestyle, Justine Quarrell and Keith Jarmey reckon they’ve found their version of paradise – and yes, it’s Raglan.
With a lifetime love of watersports, it comes as no surprise that the couple are sharing their passion and have made a successful business out of it.
The pair started off encouraging visitors to explore Raglan by bicycle or kayak and now own and run Raglan Watersports, offering everything from stand up paddleboarding and kitesurf lessons to kayaking, cycling and fishing.
“We just want people to enjoy the amazing activities Raglan has to offer, and the fact we get to be out on the water every day showcasing it is a bonus,” says Justine.
Justine and Keith thrive on adventure, and their love of surfing and skiing has seen them travel around the world together for 22 years, including a long stint in Hawaii and Portugal.
They’ve finally found a place to call home and seven years after arriving in Raglan, still feel like they are on holiday. That’s not to say running such an adventurous business isn’t hard work. They start early in the morning and finish late at night and are used to adjusting to last minute changes to accommodate people and the weather.
However they wouldn’t have it any other way.
“We’re not ones for a nine to five office job,” laughs Justine. “And this business definitely keeps us on our toes.”
From private sessions to tourists, schools and even corporate groups, there’s no shortage of people wanting to experience the great Kiwi outdoors. And stand up paddleboarding is the current hot trend.
“We’re serious about helping people enjoy these sports,” says Justine, “and part of this is making sure we have all the proper safety measures in place which is why we are one of the very few Work Safe New Zealand accredited Adventure Activities operators out there.”
The harbour is Keith’s office and if he’s feeling stressed, he gets out on the water, where he never fails to appreciate the scenery and wildlife.
“Sharing it with people is a great way to appreciate it every day,” says Justine.
“We want to help people explore Raglan, whether they are a local or a tourist. And if they want the adrenaline rush of paddleboarding, kitesurfing, or prefer a more relaxed pace with fishing or kayaking, or even a scenic drive, bicycle or walk, we’ve got endless spots to share.”
For more information, visit: raglanwatersports.co.nz