oh MASSAGE ON THE BEACH blogger where art thou been

They say you should blog often, and I certainly beleive that... but I feel like I've been on the equivalent of the moon

What a start to the season! A whole lot of good, mixed with a whole lot of challenge and issues that have restrained and sent me back forth so many times my head is stiill spinning.

MOTB is a brilliant bussiness and i love it, but its not easy.

Its a bit like operating a bussiness in a pressure cooker, in 4th gear, with a tough landlord who insits on keeping a collar around your growing neck, and knowing you only have half a year to do a years worth of trade...

And like any Monopology game, everyonce in a while you get thrown a "Go To Jail Card" when stakeholders don't honour their commitments, or a SE wind hammers you just as you get into top gear and orders are full.

Its not a bussiness for the faint-hearted and this is partly what makes it such a good bussiness for the Hand-up Hands-on Apprentices that complete their small bussiness apprenticeship program here.

Its very real, and you learn and experince things very quickly

And sometimes all of this means that I, dont quite get to do all I should, like blog, meet my loving girlfriend on time, moisturise, or do the dishes as I should.

But in life, its how you respond to what happens to you, not what happens to you that matters.

..and like most people I try to do my best, taking all into consideration.

I promise to blog again, I' m back. Apologies for the absence

Here you can see the fruit of my absence though, Site 2, on the other side of the beach. This season there will be up to six of us at 2 sites and 3 gazebos.

It took forever to get right, but at least the absence was worth it.

Postcards from the edge...

As I contemplated today the start of a new season, I thought a little about, the end of the last.

We always give away our rose quartz crystals to children or bury them back into the sand as a way of saying thank you, and recognising that much of what we do, comes from the earth and remains with earth long after we are gone.

It may seem a silly exercise, but to me its a deeply personal acknowledgement of the cycles of beginning and endings.

I remember my boss in Greece at a restaurant I worked at, saying to me many years ago..."one day you will miss this", referring to my long hour sweating till 4am in his restaurant metres from the Grecian shoreline.

And so when we bury those crystals it's to acknowlege and make closure with all that went the past season and to start the new season afresh

and so afresh begins now...

A season of Massage begins...

...and with it the most challenging and enterprising year of my life and MASSAGE ON THE BEACH ever
First, CONNECTIVITY - this year you can follow us on twitter by linking to us. You'll find us at campsbaymassage, ie our username
By doing so, youll be able to get live updates of the weather, and our status.

To contact us, its probably still better to phone or sms on 0829407465, but feel free to tweet.
Once I've figured the whole technobabble youll be able to find our twitter service on our blog and website home page as well as facebook group, which i am bout to re-awaken. keep an eye, there will be prizes and surprises.
The website will be redone, and the blog with be embedded there too.

Second, GROWTH, well have up to 10 massuers on 2 sites. The apprentice program has just gone from strength to strength and we are about to take the apprentices on orientation camp.

Third, ADDITIONAL SERVICES - you'll be able to book us for home and corporate visits through seperate units we have opened up for dediscated service to these aspects.
Before we just responded t0o requests... now, well are actively serving these needs. Plus on the beach we may have some new services, I am just waiting to hear on approvals from council

Well keep you posted on the rest. See you soon...on the beach

The best Beach Massage

click here for the information on the Best Beach Massage

23 Apr 2009: Here's what you missed...

What a calm, mild day it was.
Camps bay at its under-rated best.
After packing up, Anthea and I took in the great show of sunset.


Happens every night, better in winter. So much to look forward to



Yes, for the next 3days, we expect some rain. So Sunday, Monday you'll see us again
And we look forward to seeing you


Till then we wish you warm soup, curling up on the couch, and extra sleep

22 Apr 2009: Vote for us

Yes, vote for us, by coming to visit MASSAGE ON THE BEACH

We'll take your vote of confidence in that. And even if your party doesn't win, with us, you'll get instant results and relaxation.

Thats more than we can say for politics

Its a beautiful day. We expect up 25C degrees, with some cloud cover. Just waiting for it to warm touch, we may be on the grass or beach depending on where YOU are.

Yes, we're still massaging...

Thats right, if the weathers good, we are there.

Sometimes not as early as 9am (its getting fresh in the morning), and not always till 6pm (likewise), but if its good we are there for another couple of weeks. We set up when the conditions are good enough that we know you will have warmth and comfort for a great massage experience.

So dont delay, if you see us

Today is a little breezy, so we havent set up yet, but we expect good weather on the voting public holiday. So after you queued and agonised over your voting desicion, come down to the beach and we'll rid you of your future and present woes

Sat 11 Mar: This is what you can expect today...

A sunset like this, after a day just like yesterday
no wind, bright, warm and sunny at 25+C degrees

Why would you want to be anywhere else?
And as you can see a massage at sunset is possible. In fact this is the only place you will get it ike this in the whole of South Africa

So come down and lets pamper you

Fri 10 Mar: and through it all...

This is the crew, on a particular fresh morning, just before we started our traning session. Soon they'll be heading to there final visionwork weekend after 8 months of training and apprenticeship

no one comes into the beautiful project and leaves unchanged...

Fri 10 Mar: We meet the most amazing people, travel to exotic places and massage them

We do.

We have massaged in the top night-clubs, on 10-meter high towers, at fight nights, on a mountain, and now at sea.

This past week, we were privilieged to complete work for one of our agents at sea on board two of the most incredible ocean going crusiers to be found in the V&A Waterfront.

If you wish to see the Cape as never before, take one of the numerous charters availible most evenings from the V&A. youll find the Tigger 2 in front of the Hildebrand Restaurant and the Foreplay (yes, thats the boats name) in front of Bascule at the Cape Grace Hotel. These are luxury options, but there a whole host of options to suit your budget. Many leave on nightly trips to Clifton, around sunset.

You will all see the same incredible views and sunset, and remember this is the best time of the year for sunsets

Photos cannot quite do justice to the picturesque village that is Cape Town dotted on the sheer granite mountians rising from the sea.

Fri 10 Mar: I have finally seen the light...

6 weeks of bouncing massage and my bussiness honours handins, just went one step too far... More 4am mornings than I care to admit, and sometimes too much work to make everyone in my world happy with me. Thank you Anthea, crew and all friends for your understanding at me never coming out with you during this time.

I have been fortunate to have a stable crew and we have dveloped a system that sees us through such times, to keep delivering our best

And then after Monday the inevitable switched off low for a day or two.

But today, im back, and the light is as beautiful as it always is

It may be past summers hottest days, but this will be a warm , bright and beautiful summers weekend. The crisp early morning brightness, will warm to the mid and upper 20's with minimal winds.

We look forward to seeing you enjoy a great Eastre weekend of rest, peace and a moment at which to appreciatte the past, and consolidate for the changes to come

31 Mar 2009: Blowing down the house, Camps Bay style

There's a cloud pumping down the mountain, a wall of whiteness

I love it.

You cannot but respect the power of nature when you see a cloud the size of a mountain, covering an area as large as the City Bowl, moving as one

So we're not trading to day, just cleaning equipment. But good news is from tommorow, - expect three good hot days, in the region of 30C degrees.

Now thats something to look forward to, isnt it?

30 Mar 2009: Sunset to end all sunsets...

We often show the beginning of the day, but here's yesterdays end.

Mesmerizing...natures own little show...a result of the change of season and last nights arriving SE wind

Enjoy

29 Mar 2009: His Holiness, the Dalai Lama would have been welcome anytime at MASSAGE ON THE BEACH

Its another beautiful blue day. It could be anywhere in the world, with no borders, no politics and no limits.

We have seen people from over 50 countries, and would welcome 50 more.

There are no entry policies here at MASSAGE ON THE BEACH

Anyone is welcome

Today will be a mid20C's day that will warm slowly till it reaches that soulful warmth we know so well. There is a little SE wind on the horizon which we think will only be feature around Tuesday.

But be happy about it, the longer the SE wind blows, the longer summer sticks aound.

28 Mar 2009: Massage Guerrilas in the Mist

We set up on a Saterday a little earlier to avoid territorial issues with the touch rugby players who spread themselves quite far and wide.

Whilst it must be said they are probably the best game of touch you will find in SA, we have given up explaining to them, the environmental dynamics we have to contend with in making our bussiness work for the rest of the day after they leave.

Thank heaven for the balancing wisdom of women

25 Mar 2009: The sight of peace

This was yesterday. Quiet. But when its like this there is still so much to absorb.

Days like this are my breathe of fresh air, the peace between our effort.

Look now for amazing evening sunsets at about 10 to 7pm, and also amazing morning light. We're still around, and despite missing some days for studies, we are back from Friday at our usual times, every day the weather is good 9 to 6pm if the temperature will allow it

See you there

24 Mar 2009: It just carries on being THAT good...

As much as studies have kept me face-to-face with my laptop and not much else, we have had some great days on the beach. Theweather at this time of the year, is stable, with warm days, but the mornings and evenings carry that cool air hint that the seasons are changing.

So, as one of our client said to me today, that makes you just appreciatte these good days even more, knowing what is to come.

So join us for the last great days. We'll be there till the end. Promise.

9am till 6pm weather permitting (and yes studies are almost done now)

Thanks for your support and patience

19 Mar 2009: and where are we...

No we havent dissapeared.

Ive been off studying most of the time and sometimes feeling like I'm getting nowhere

Stefan is sick and will away for 10 days

And the weathers been frisky cold

But the good news is, well be back tommorow and we expect a hot weekend. Yay

so...

we look forward to see you there, bussiness as usual

17 Mar 2009: The winds of massage change

Just like that.

Monday opened with overcast skyes, and midday drizzle that sent us home.

Tuesday openied with cloudy skys and fresh breezes that moved around, and kept the beach clean and quiet. It was the first hint that in the next couple of months we will be more into Winter than Summer.

We set up on the grass for a while, until strong S/SE wind gusts ended our day. As you can see, one just clean ripped the gazebo wall.

14 Mar 2009: The massage crew that makes Sunday magic

Today we worked flat out, full out, delivering the perfection of hours and hours of training, and work reinforcement.

All in all we massaged over 100 people at 2 venues in nearly 30man hours. and to each one we applied a mindful, effective touch, aimed at leaving them with a lasting impression that was the highlight of their day and a memory that will not fade.

This photo was taken at 8pm after we all came together, did a debrief, before heading all for hots howers and baths and the company of our loved ones

We really love what we do, we really love this bussiness, and we also love what we do for you.

goin

15 Mar 2009: Corporate massage in a non-corporate style

Sunday was another incredible day. Super hot at 35C on the beach.

Whilst Stefan and Panorea worked the beach, Katya and I worked at the Caprice annual VIP party in Lududno. Its the number one party of the season outside of the J&B met.

15 Mar 2009: Massage with the end in mind

This is what the end of today will likely look like.

Just like the end of yesterday. It will be over 30C degrees. Myself and Katya will be doing the Caprice corporate function in Lundudno, but fear not Panorea and Stef are awaiting you as we speak.

We will give you a massage to remember. Come down and see us

14 Mar 2009: Early morning Massage blues

This was early morning yesterday, for what turned out to be a hot and intense day.

The line in the sand you see, is from the constant Saterday morning territory issues we have with the touch rugby players. Just another issue in the enviroment to contend with.

But we love what we do, and we love Camps Bay. We love doing our massage for you.

13 Mar 2009:Massage so quiet you could here a pin drop

When I arrived at the beach it was surreal. So calm, so quiet, we dared not do more than whisper.

I envied those on our tables. The weather's calmness pervaded the day and carried on into the evening at a mild upper 20C degrees

12 Mar 2009: The massage window on the world

Our office comes with its perks, for sure.

Whilst we do have to cope with plus 30C degree heat, erratic winds, spring tides and some other dynamic hazards that require a very flexible approach, we love our little space in the greater environment.

The next 4 days are looking to be all in the region of 30 degrees. These last 2 weeks have been the most delicious of all summer. This is the time of the eyar, to leave work with a towel in your car, boardies, and a casual attitude for the evening. come swim, have a massage enjoy the best of Cape Town sunsets.

It'll be winter sooner than you think.

10 Mar 2009: Lunchtime MASSAGEON THE BEACH-Style

Yes we make the the staff lunch created by yours truely. Its always different and often related to where I have been running errands that day.

Today was rocket, avo, baby tomatoes and feta done with olive oil, salt, oregano in a panini of sorts. Panorea likes coke, Katya doesn't, both like grapes. What can I say, we try where we can too look after ourselves, otherwise the tank runs dry.

10 Mar 2009: Terrabytes of Massage

We have taken so many pics of MASSAGE ON THE BEACH that I had to get a new external hard drive!

Today I have been studying again, the tools of systems-based bussiness confounding me at every turn. Katya- back and healed, and Panorea, are on today, massaging in glorius conditions.

The wind is slightly cooling from the west, the temperature is around 28C degrees. But its hot enough to send Molly, our faithful Jack Russel mascot to lie on the pool cover!

9 Mar 2009: The day after...

It was a day of sore legs for Stefan (from the Argus Cycle Tour), a sore head for me(from the studies), spring tides and baking heat that went over 30 degrees again.

Anthea and I, at home have taken to sprinkling the sheets as a sort of cooler mechanism!

It was busy enough that I had to leave my studies, and didn't even get to blog.

MASSAGE ON THE BEACH has taught me to be more flexible, adaptable and accepting in my life than I anything I could ever imagine. And yesterday was no exception.

Expect a warm week, with some cooling SW winds, but still HOT.

8 Mar 2009: The Argus day that was ALL wind

This is a report of the weeks wind from http://www.windreport.co.za/ who has a weather station at La Med, just across the bay from us. Just check out the graph of todays wind compared to the rest of the week.

Hair raising, to say the least

8 Mar 2009: Argus Mayhem

Today we're not trading for sure.

Its become too akward in recent years to get not only our equipment across the barriers set up for the cycle race. In addition, today the wind is the strongest I have seen it all season.

Phew. Thats rough...

Stefan's riding tandem with his dad today so we are hoping he made it through okay.

We'll be back tommorow as normal, 9am to attend to all stiff bodies, aching legs and tired souls. till then, take care

7 Mar 2009: The other Argus Cycle Tour

Yes the day before the tour, thousands of cyclist ride the route, stopping off at every coffee and breakfast spot they can find.

So beware this morning, if you are in a rush somewhere, dont be.

The beach will be pleasant, the sea is calm, warm enough to swim, and the temeprature will reach 32C degrees. Certainly the stifling heat of yesterday will abate, aided by the slightest breeze

We have been busy the last couple of days wih thousands of cyclists in town for the race so if you want to come on down by all means do, but be warned, early is better.

We wish you a great day, it promises to be one Cape Towns most beautiful and interesting ones of the year so far.

6 Mar 2009: Ok so we were wrong!

It wasn't 38C degrees yesterday. Instead it reached 42C degrees. In fact it got to 46C dgrees in Paarl. That was just like Black Saterday in Australia recently.

This morning it was 30C degrees on the beach when we set up at 830am! The temperature should cross 40C again at that rate. No wind is expected

Fortunately the beach is about 5 degrees less than the city!!

So, seeing its Friday, the Argus Cycle Tour mayhem is in town and no one wants to work, what about coming down for a swim, a picnic and and a jolly good time? Afterall, this is what Cape Town life is about and soon, when winters here, you'll regret not taking advantage.

5 Mar 2009: Our story in pictures Part 5

This season has been incredible. so much happens in such a short space of time. We take pictures every day, so much that I need a new hard drive!!!

No matter how many hours and days I have spent on that beach and with that bussiness, every day is like a fingferprint, unique. each one scribes itself in my heart. Each one has a place in my memory, each is a strand of my soul.

Each smile, each staff member is a lifetime's work and dedication.

5 Mar 2009: Massage on the Beach - Bikram style

Yup at the predicted 38C degrees for today, its like yoga in a hot box

Now before you think oh dear thats sounds too much, consider this:

• You can wear your board shorts, bikini, costume
• Before, during and afterwards, you can relax, we do the work
• We'll keep you in the shade
• We'll give you complimentary water afterwards courtesy of Bon Aqua
• You'll be more relaxed, in fact massage in the heat is like a 90-minute massage at 40-minute prices, due to the relaxing effect of the warmth(we charge local, not tourist prices)
• You can cool off under showers, or in the sea
• Cocktails and great food are but 50metres away

Beats the office, or anywhere in the city today, doesnt it?

4 Mar 2009: The big heat on the beach

Its another great Wednesday here on Camps Bay. Expect the SE wind to pick uplater today, with 30C degree temperature...and tommorow, ...wait for it, up to 37C degrees. Ouch!

So ill be down there this morning, and Stef will join me later.

Perhaps we will see you later?

3 March 2009: Our Story in pictures Part 4

Click on the pic and see the story of us that Lauren Fowler made. By now the figure os over 6000 people massaged, and over 50 countries. But take a look, its a magic story.

3 Mar 2009: Tuesday flew bye

It did.

I am bumbling my way through the Failure Systems Model for my bussiness honours, completing learning logs and readings. Somewhere amongst this I am trying to get our new wesbite up. We are so excited about it

Panorea worked today in warm, midly windy circumstances. You can feel CT is heading towards the Argus Cycle tour this weekend.

For tommorow, 35C degrees are expected agian with some South winds. So expect bright, hot times.

I'll be on tommorow morning with Stefan who will be cycling this weekend's in the Tour. So whether you are cycling this weekend or not, come down, we have a massage just for you.

1 Mar 2009: Massage Reality Bites Hard

So we have a great bussiness, and yes we love it.

But just as an indication of what we deal with outside of the perecived idyllic existence heres 48 hours of massage reality

Sat morning:

After initially not setting up and moving apprnetice training to my home, the wind drops enough to change plans, setup, and change the training venue. I try load the blog, the internet goes down and my already full computer reminds me its time to get more memory to hold all these photos you see on the blog.

I rush to a website meeting to rescue a misunderstanding hiccup involving a 6K discrepancy. As we meet Katya slips a disc. I finish the meet, solve the problem, phone the laundry to ask them to wait for me, whilst I address Katyas back.

At that moment gale force winds hit and all hell breaks loose. I help Stef packup, whilst Katya lies contorted in the vehicle. We take her and her car home, fetch the washing from the lady who kindly waits outside the store which has by now closed.

Katya is fed, medicated and sorted with DVD entertainment, we return, pack and closeup

Sunday:

Anthea gets called to the office and so our morning breakfast together is interrupted. Without 2 staff availible (Panorea away), we have to make sure that we cover our normal day and a corporate event. The tide sends us very high on the beach, and probelms with parking cause trouble in getting equip to the beach

We set up, in a low sand flood-plain, and as we swop venues with clients waiting, a young lady dislocates her shoulder, and nearly passess out with pain. I stabilise her, Stef takes over at the corporate and I head back to the gazebo 15 minutes late for a client. We massage for 4 hours straight thereafter with no lunch break in 35 degree heat. My cell-phone breaks in a fall, a fact that will use hours of my monday in repair and replacement

After closing, I swim in the sea to cleanse and revitalise from my near anethetised state, I enjoy a pizza on the beach with Anthea before heading back to complete bussiness school assignments till midnight whilst falling asleep at the computer.

We love what we do.

But make no mistake, the beach is a dynamic enviroment unlike anything other.

1 March 2009: Busy day on the beach

It was.

We worked at the Friends of Caprice Volleyball Event as well as at our own station in 35 degrees windless weather. Several sprains, a shoulder dislocation and our regular customers kept us busy well past 7pm.

The day had to be ended with a cooling swim and a pizza and salad on the beach, whilst witnessing another beautiful sunset...followed by 10 hours of sleep!

Our Staff: Mariska Breytenbach

With national qualifications in Therapeutic Reflexology (2007) and Therapeutic Massage (2008) through the Cape Institute of Allied Health Studies, Mariska Breytenbach, has further ambitions to study physiotherapy. Having completing her formal studies, Mariska is now eligible for registration with the Allied Health Profession’s Council of South Africa as a Therapeutic Reflexologist

Mariska worked at MASSAGE ON THE BEACH for the 2007-8 season, as part of the Hand-up, Hands-on Apprenticeship Opportunity, and is still affiliated on a part time for corporate massage events. She has since, become resident therapeutic therapist at the High Rustenburg Hydro in Stellenbosch.

A dedicated and fast learner, Mariska showed the ability very quickly adapt to a dynamic challenging environment, performing her craft at the highest levels of quality and showing strength in working with clients one-on-one
Additionally, Mariska has good organisational skills, business acumen and shows great capacity to adapt to high service level environments.

We love what we do. we love doing it for you. Mariska is one the stars that makes it happen

29 Feb 2009: Our story in pictures part 3

This poster, done for us by Lauren Fowler, reallly encapsulates the story of the Hand-up Hands-on Apprenticehip program which all the staff particpate.

Hand-up, Hands-on is a non-profit apprenticeship program, that bridges the gap between formal education and the realities of the business environment. It is specifically aimed at developing depth and capacity in young wellness professionals, assisting them to better develop their self-awareness, communication skills and business acumen, whilst formulating a personal strategy that will help them develop their practice/ small business. Further to this the program aims to develop the individuals potential to create value and wealth in there personal, family and community lives.

28 Feb 2009: Massage heaven with a little wind added (Just add beach and mix well)

Its warm, bright and sunny again. Certainly, the wind will pick up today at about 2pm.
It will be SE and get stronger towards the evening.
Tommorow may be the hottest day of the year and could even reach 35C.

So for now, enjoy the brightness of the day, and clear your schedule for tommorow. You'll be glad you did.

27 feb 2009: Our story in Pictures part 2

This is the second in the series created by Lula Fowler. Click on the pick for a larger version

Our Staff: Panorea Antonopoulous

Having passed with merit in Coaching Science though the Exercise Teachers Academy in 2007, Panorea decided to take her love for health and sport further, by studying a National Diploma in Therapeutic Massage at the Cape Institute of Allied Health Studies.

In 2008, Panorea over and above these current studies, she elected to join the Hand-up, Hands-on Apprenticeship Opportunity, taking place at MASSAGE ON THE BEACH (MOTB).

A brown belt in Judo, Panorea is also the player’s representative at the Western Province Judo Association. He natural affinity for helping others has seen her further involved in assisting judo coaching to children at Athlone School for the blind.

Panorea has a quiet confidence. Her natural strength underlies a gentle friendliness and natural affinity for massage, sport and people.

We love what we do. We love doing it for you. Panorea is part fo the team that makes it happen

27 Feb 2009: Telltales signs of the wind

So today will be glorious, blue, hot and just brilliant in general.

But look at those wisps coming over the mountain. Thats the forerunner of tommorows South Easter. Slowily, slowly it been approaching over the last 3 days

And tommorow it'll blow.

For today though Camps bay will mostly be protected.

Then Sunday its a whooping 35C degrees. So guess whats on your agenda on Sunday then?

Our Staff: Katya Karakashian

Having graduated in the Dean’s List with a Communication Bachelors Degree from Bond University, and postgraduate studies in Advertising and Marketing, Katya gained successful experience with Urban Legend Market Research and then later as an account executive with BBDO Cape Town. Katya range of work skills has been supplemented with retail, research, hospitality and management experience.

Originally a matriculant of Michael Mount Waldorf School in Johannesburg, in 2008 Katya decided to return to formal studies to follow her passion in the wellness profession, and is currently completing a National Diploma in Therapeutic Massage with the Cape Institute of Allied Health Studies.

Over and above her study commitment, Katya came to MASSAGE ON THE BEACH (MOTB) through joining the Hand-up, Hands-on Apprenticeship Opportunity. With natural love for the healing profession, Katya brings a calm confidence and easy friendliness to her work on the beach.

Katya is a former instructor in Wing Chung Kung Fu, and has organised and carried out programmes with underprivileged children in Alexandra, Johannesburg. Additionally, she practices Tai Chi and is a member of the Hong Kong Wing Chun Athletic Association.

Katya has her own blog called A Curious Pursuit of Extraordinary Living (http://curiouslyseeking.blogspot.com/)

We love what we do. We love doing it for you. Katya is one of those people that makes it happen.

26 Feb 2009: Our story in pictures...

Lauren Fowler recently produced the story of MASSAGE ON THE BEACH in storyboards, with the kind help of Katya Karakashian.

We made them for our party, but with the wind on that day, it we thought it best to rather place them online for all to see. Click on the pck to see the enlarged but low res version

Thank you Lauren, you captured the spirit of our happy place

26 Feb 2009: Is it Thursday already?

Phew...

Time flies fast when you are juggling studies and work.

This morning the weather has just carried on with the calmness of the last couple of days

We can tell you a little SE wind is developing which should become a feature by Saterday, but at this time all you will get from Camps Bay is 29C degree summer bliss with the lightest cooling breeze.

Sunset at this time is always more beautful, due the pollution that accumulates in the air, and brightens up the penumbra of the sunset. Catch sunset at 730pm and maybe even a massage

Take care

Staff: Stefan Legavre - Assistant Manager

Born in France, multilingual 23-year old Stefan is a graduate of the Cape Institute of Allied Health Studies, having completed a National Diploma in Therapeutic Massage. This is addition to his qualifications as a Personal Fitness Trainer completed thorough the Exercise Teacher's Academy in 2004

Stefan has, over the last 4 years gained wide-ranging international and local experience in the health and fitness industry.
In 2005, he worked in the United Kingdom as a contracted lifestyle consultant in gyms such as LA Fitness. More recently, in 2006-7, he applied his personal training skills at the GymBugs private personal training gym in Tokai, and as a Lifestyle Consultant at Constantia Virgin Active.
He regularly massages the Springbok rugby team, and as has completed work for various Super 14 teams including the Crusaders, Highlanders, Hurricanes and Waratahs. More recently he massaged at the annual 24-hour Cape Town Marathon in Green Point. He currently works with the South African synchronised swimming team.

Stefan began his apprenticeship with MASSAGE ON THE BEACH (MOTB) in November 2007, as a beneficiary of the Hand-up Hands-on Apprenticeship Opportunity. Having worked with clients from over 25 countries, his abilities are an asset to MOTB.

The qualities Stefan brings to MASSAGE ON THE BEACH, are both a dedication to his craft, and a commitment to excellence in his work. His gentle manner provides an easy environment, whilst his quality combination of deep tissue and relaxation massage is sought after by sportspersons, international and local clients.

Stefan himself is a regular competitor in sports. His love of cycling has seen him complete 6 Argus Cycle tours and 5 Double Centuries, a 200km race held over 1 day in Swellendam. He is a past competitor in 3 HiTec Boland 90km hiking competitions where he achieved first and second place in respective years in the school category. Stefan is a regular surfer and rollerblader.
Stefan has future development plans for massage on the international cycling circuit, and to start his own specialist massage service for the South African sports events arena.

It is staff like Stefan, that make MASSAGE IN THE BEACH the little miracle it is

25 Feb 2009: Massage Wednesday

The mist has rolled in after yesredays 30+ heat.

The beaches have been pleasantly busy, and the sea is just peachy for an afterwork swim. The stress and exhaustion will dissolve from your body.

The rest of this week will remian similar until some winds arrive to change the staus quo. So try leave work early, pack a picnic, costume, towel and take your favourite someone for a sundowner at Cape Town's favourite beach

24 Feb 2009: Massage Heaven

Today is another blue day made in heaven. Temperatures will get to 30C degrees, and oddly enoughthere may be some drizzle later tonight.
Yesterday the beach was packed. Will you be one the lucky ones who escapes the city to join us? Remember, we will stay open till at least 6opm and even later if the weather is good. We hate to turn anyone away.

22 Feb 2009: Camps Bay in stitches

These type of photos take forever to load and stitch, but this was Camps Bay on Monday midday when I arrived at work.

That tidal lagoon happens usually with spring tide, just after full moon. Sometimes its so big and deep that some young guys using automatic winch , pull waveboarders across its length!

You can see our gazebo in the distance on the far right