Brad (TangaTours) Profile

Sun, 20 Sep 2015

By Tangalooma Island Resort

Tangalooma Profiles - Brad Ross from TangaTours

What's your position at Tangalooma?

I am lucky enough to be the Operations Manager / Director of Tangatours!

When did you open Tangatours with your business partner and how did this project come to be?

I was originally employed as a Water Sports Manager by John Sharpe who established Tangatours in 2008. In 2012, an opportunity presented itself to purchase the Tangalooma Parasailing business; word also got around about my interest in Tangatours, and with that, four sun and fun filled years later, John and I became business partners in both businesses.

We are all about adventure and experience

What does Tangatours specialise in?

We are all about adventure and experience. From parasailing, scuba diving & snorkelling, segway tours, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding to our more relaxed activities like the massage and beauty hut, marine eco cruises, catamaran hire, and even our fishing tours, we have something for everyone no matter their style!

Tell us a little about yourself?

I have been in the marine tourism industry for over 15yrs and during that time, have been lucky enough to work in some of the most exotic destinations around Australia and even the world! I've lived and worked in the Whitsundays on the Great Barrier Reef, on Rottnest Island off the coast of Perth, in Greece (Lesvos Island), on the Red Sea in Egypt (Marsa Alam) and also the Cayman Islands... And this was where I met my beautiful wife Karen. We have now well and truly settled into life at Tangalooma and have a 14 month old daughter Abigail who is the love of our lives.

Can you share with us a fun fact about yourself that most people wouldn't know?

I actually currently captain Bridgeman B-Life Football...Soccer...team and many moons ago I was No 1 in Australia for my age division in Judo! It's probably not surprising that my fun facts are sports related!

Describe your role at Tangalooma/TangaTours in 3 words?

Motivating Team Leader

What motivates you in your role each day? What are you most excited or passionate about?

That's an easy one! Knowing that I get to help our guests create memorable moments with the experiences we offer. I want them to feel the way that I feel about Scuba Diving... that excitement, the thrill. It's those moments, and getting to see the look on their faces when they find something they really love... that's the perfect motivation!

And what is it about outdoor activities in particular that you love, and do you have any other favourites?

Getting to soak up the sunshine and splash around in the water - it's just the best combination for fun and adventure in my opinion. The fact that I just generally cant keep still and am constantly rocketing around, I think draws me to these types of activities too. I love being outdoors... I've always loved being outdoors, add water to that equation and I'm brimming! I'm completely obsessed with all water sports but another favourite would have to be parasailing.

You and your family quite literally live the island life every day, what's been your favourite part about raising a family on the island?

Quite literally, just that! Being able to work and live in an island paradise every single day. And one of the major draw cards about this particular piece of paradise is that Tangalooma is close to a major city (Brisbane) for all intents and purposes, but still feels like you're a thousand miles away. It's just a bonus that I get to live here, in a safe, fun and friendly environment with my family and don't have to work away from home... that's all the motivation I need!

When people find out what you do as a job, how do they react?

It's all about the perks! Haha. Family and friends love the benefits.

Others, well... they ask me if that's really a job? Sometimes I have to remind myself how good I have it!

What is one of your most memorable experiences during your time at Tangalooma both within your role and outside of it?

I get such a kick out of seeing my staff grow and develop their skills. I get to provide young go-getters with the opportunity to break into the marine industry and achieve their big goals, and that's about as rewarding as I could ask for! As for outside of my work-life, my wife going into labour on the island during a staff meeting and having to rush to get the last ferry off the island back to the mainland hospital was pretty memorable... not an occasion you forget quickly!

Tell us about some of the more amazing sights/animals you've seen in your time on the island?

Stop me if I go on for too long...Dugongs...Dolphins...Turtles...Whales...Stingrays...Captivating birdlife...an abundance of tropical fish species...Haha...What's even more amazing is that I get to see and sometimes even interact with these creatures almost daily!

What are you excited for in the future at Tangalooma and Tangatours?

Continuing to watch this destination bloom! The refurbishment of Tangalooma and business expansion of Tangatours has got us all so excited about what's to come. There's a lot going on behind the scenes and we can't wait to unveil what we have all been working on!

Brad Ross pictured here with Michael Klim at Tangalooma Island Resort.

About the author

Tangalooma Island Resort

Take the world's 3rd largest sand island…add a splash of sunshine, balmy sea breezes, a dash of discovery and a handful of adventure, and you've got Tangalooma Island Resort. An island oasis, just a 75 minute cruise from Brisbane.

Book Now