Kia ora friends!
The Paddle Board Rotorua team are fun, friendly and professional, here is a sneak peak into our awesome community!
Nev - Owner
In July 2017 a handshake between mates is where it all started, by that summer PBR was open for business! Nev is an experienced outdoorsman with a lot of love and respect for the local lakes of Rotorua. With his grassroots leadership he ensures PBRs valves thrive, keeping connection, contribution, and care for the conservation at the forefront of our business efforts.
Nevs love for the outdoors is shared by his beautiful family, you will regularly find Nev, his wife, and their 4 children living that true kiwi lifestyle. Kayaking and SUP is just the start, add surfing, beaches, skateparks, hiking, if you’re looking for a good time they are experts.
Even now 7yrs later with many happy faces as part of our team, you will still find when you contact us you may be lucky enough to have Nev answering the phone! Always ready to help you plan your next adventure and dedicated to elevating every aspect of the business, taking it to the next level, setting us up as leaders in the community.
Tom - Operations Manager
Tom has a great love for the outdoors, he saw how awesome PBR is and knew he had to be a part of it. Tom & Nev sat down for a cup of tea 5 years ago and the rest is history!
Tom may not be a kiwi but you wouldn't know it, he’s one of the most relaxed, coolest, barefooted guys you’ll meet. Creating his own path Tom loves getting outdoors, hiking, mountain biking, and exploring New Zealand. From all of his travel and backpacking days it’s true testament to how amazing our Rotorua Lakes and PBR tours are for him to now call us home. Tom said “it's that moment when people see a geyser or glows-worms for the first time and the absolute captivation that follows, you just can't beat it”!
Behind the scenes Tom works tirelessly to ensure the PBR tours are exceptional. He’s on the ground, on the phones, and everywhere else you can imagine the business may need him. We are very lucky to have Tom making sure the wheels of PBR are running smoothly every day - he’s a superstar!
Jannel - Communications Marketing & Sales Manager
Jannel joined us early 2024 as our Communications Marketing and Sales Manager. She immediately fit into our team bringing her passion for adventure and Rotorua tourism with her. You might not see her out guiding your tours but that is because she is busy creating new and exciting connections for PBR.
Jannel loves getting outdoors and taking her young family to explore new environments, having New Zealand as a backyard is the dream. She will always be happy doing anything water related - hanging out at the lakes and beaches, swimming, kayaking, boating, and most importantly spa days!
Alongside working hard at building our PBR connections, Jannel is putting a lot of her time and efforts into our exciting new Brand Taiao Adventures. Helping create a space where we can build on our values & visions, where we can connect more, contribute more, put more time and energy into our conservation, and of course have more awesome activities available - Thank you Jannel, we look forward to seeing all the amazing things you do!
Jess - Tour Guide & Education Programs Executive
Jess has been a part of the PBR family since the beginning, after joining in on one of the first ever tours she loved it so much she asked for a job! We have been lucky enough to have her as part of the team ever since.
Jess is a true local and loves being immersed in nature and seeing the untouched beauty of Rotorua's backyard. She loves hiking, swimming, foraging for plant life, trying to surf (her words haha) and the occasional sup yoga session.
Alongside being a fantastic tour guide, Jess has put a lot of time and love into developing our Educational Tours which we are very proud to be introducing to our Tamariki. Bringing young people into the outdoors to explore the rich history of Rotorua, Geothermal Landscapes, Geysers, Bioluminescent Glow Worms and also provide the excitement of kayaking and Paddle Boarding is an extremely rewarding position - and it’s all thanks to Jess!
Zita - Tour Guide
Zita has been with us for many years now and we LOVE having her here in Aotearoa guiding our tours. She brings her bright energy and enthusiasm to work everyday, creating fun for everyone!
Zita is a massive fan of water sports, whether it's white water kayaking or paddling on the lake, she is in her element. Constantly joking and enjoying each day as it comes, if you have had the honour of Zita taking your tour then you will be among the countless people who adore her. We stand out from the crowd because of our guides and the experiences they take you on, we are so pleased to have Zita as part of our team!
Jacob - Tour Guide
Jacob first came to Rotorua because of the incredible access to adventure sports and our diverse community. While out Kayaking on the Kaituna River he bumped into some of our guides who brought him out to participate in our tours, he loved it and has been a part of our team ever since! Every tour with Jacob is fun, professional, and educational, you’re in for a real treat if you land him as your guide!
Jacob says “I was overwhelmed with the beauty of the tour and knew I'd be so happy spending my evenings in such a serene place. I love meeting new people from around the world and engaging in the natural wonders together. There's real magic out there on the lake at night and sharing the sense of awe and wonder with folks from all over is pretty special”.
Forrest - Tour Guide
Forrest heard about us through friends and already having a love for kayaking everything just fell into place, he’s been a dedicated member ever since! Forrest said “we have fun everyday getting to introduce people to kayaking, helping them explore our environment, and sending them away with memories that last a lifetime!”. We are so proud to offer a space where our community who travel from all over the world can share experiences and spend invaluable time with epic guides like Forrest!
When he’s not on the lakes you will find him on the fields, with a passion for football Forrest is a devoted player. He’s also fond of getting out for a game of disc golf and if those activities haven't tried him out, he and his flatmates have just gotten a trampoline!
Ellen - Tour Guide
While camping at Okareka enjoying the evening and looking over the beautiful lake, some little red lights appeared and glided along in the distance. Curious to what they were, an investigation began, leading Ellen to our doorstep! Immersing herself into our world Ellen has become an awesome member of our team, bringing her love of adventure with her!
Having moved from Auckland to Rotorua it was important for Ellen to find somewhere with the opportunity to have fun, be among people with similar passions and values, and explore the outdoors daily. We are so glad Ellen saw us that night and now gets to live her best life while connecting with people from all over the world. Ellen embodies our happy culture and it reflects through every tour, always creating a special connection and experience for all.