How Mario Vesely rose from the ashes

Operating from Jamieson Park as well as the Skiff Club at the Spit, Mario lost around $80,000 worth of custom-made kayaks and a number of surf skis when the fire occurred. The aftermath of the fire had a devastating financial impact and sadly Mario recently suffered a further serious blow to his business when replacement equipment was stolen.

Originally from Czechoslovakia, Mario has had a fascinating life and faced numerous challenges, but his motto is always to "keep the dream alive", which he unfailingly strives to do.

ALSO READ: Flick through this week's Northern Beaches Review

Mario first arrived in Australia aged 18, after he defected during the 1988 World Kayak championships in Nottingham England, where he was representing Czechoslovakia. At the time, the KGB were chasing outstanding communist fees and Mario, not wanting to be a part of any party, escaped. The passionate kayaker was also the holder of 15 national titles for his country.

"We were careful where we went, and first we ended up in Austria and we applied to go to Canada and the USA," Mario said.

"Bratislava was only 100 kilometres away and they were looking for us. Eventually Australia took us, and we ended up in Adelaide."

One he received his visa, Mario arrived with a friend, working in various businesses for a few years before accepting an opportunity to move to Magnetic Island in North Queensland, where he worked tirelessly to set up his own water sports business.

"It felt awesome to be in Australia, the people and nature... there's no pressure and you can be anything you want to be," Mario said.

From there, he moved to Sydney. While raising his three children as a sole parent, he worked to establish his own business, setting up Learn to Paddle at Narrabeen Lake and in 2021 at the Skiff Club.

His children - Nicci, Ziko and Carlito - are in their teens and Mario, now 53, said he is very proud of them.

"They're such good kids, they are independent and they are big achievers, all Australian junior representatives," Mario said.

The family of four are all accomplished kayaking competitors, medalists and champions, and supporters and members of all major recognised Australian, NSW, Queensland paddling and surf club communities for flat water sprint kayaking and ocean paddling.

And the kids also work hard with their dad. "They help me with everything, including running Learn to Paddle. I've been doing this all my life... we get up every morning at 4.30 and just go," he said.

"We teach people every day and take them to training camps, as well as one-on-one training more focused on speed and rotation."

Learn to Paddle offers a structured program for all skill levels, from teaching people the basics to more advanced learning and, during COVID lockdowns, business really picked up, with fitness centres closed and people keen to remain active.

But it has taken Mario many months to try and get his business up and running again after the tragic fire at Jamieson Park, following a lengthy approval process.

ALSO READ: Our son's life could have been saved

"The local council gave me permission to have a container located there, so we did that, we got all the necessary permits from council and marine parks," Mario said.

The business was not insured and a GoFundMe page launched to help the business recover received about $6000 in donations.

After delivery of the shipping container in April, a re-opening event was held and spirits were high. But unfortunately only a short time later the container was broken into and almost $30,000 worth of equipment stolen.

"One of the coaches called me at five in the morning and said 'there's no boats, it's all gone, there's nothing'. When I got there I was in shock," Mario said.

ALSO READ: Keen to meet more northern beaches locals?

Information about the theft was posted on social media and was shared widely, leading to the discovery of CCTV footage of the vehicle associated with the break-in.

According to Mario, NSW Police have the relevant information and are still trying to track down the culprit, while Mario comes to terms with the reality that he has to start all over once again.

"It felt like the place was haunted, but we just keep going," he said.

A proud naturalised Australian and a Surf Life Saving state champion, Mario's commitment to and support of water sports are driven by a genuine passion.

He feels confident things will get back on track.

"Definitely - the community and all the paddlers have shown us so much support," he said.

"Our clients keep turning up and keep on paddling and bringing their friends and family - it just keeps growing, it's all positive."

Have something to say? Send a letter to the editor at: editor@northernbeachesreview.com.au

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: