As the weather brightens up this month and we’re excited to get out and about, we’re shining a light on one of our more recent clients and how getting hooked on a new sport can bring fun and accountancy together!
CRM accountant Kat Kurgane tried stand up paddleboarding (SUP) on a visit to her native Latvia in 2019. As an active person, she quickly got the bug, so when she returned to the UK, she sought out the Oxford SUP Club to explore the sport further and spend more time learning the skills.
During the pandemic, SUP was a wonderful way to get out and keep fit for Kat, in fact she paddled her contribution to the CRM John O’Groats to Land’s End virtual challenge for our charity partner in 2021.
A relatively new, but very popular club, Oxford SUP Club was founded in 2015 by founder and SUP Head Coach Andrew Tee, and has grown ever since. The club is based at Farmoor Reservoir, just outside Oxford, and soon outgrew its original ‘hut’. The clubhouse HQ now has a great range of equipment to borrow and buy and a is a social place for members to get together.
“With lots of guidance and borrowed equipment at first, I soon fell in love with SUP,” said Kat. “I’m one of rarer types who loves to SUP in the winter! I enjoy the challenge of the elements (and the warm drink afterwards!) I also love our club outings to different spots on the rivers around Oxford. My love for the sport has developed into SUP racing. There are different length races and technical races and it’s fun to compete against others.”
When the club found out what Kat did for a living, a new working relationship was also formed as the club needed help with its accounts.
“I’ve been managing the club accounts for a while now, it’s quite complex as the organisation is a not-for-profit community interest company, but we have the expertise at CRM to be able to help with these finances. I’m happy to say that our new trainee accountant James Partlett, who I mentor, is taking over the management of the Oxford SUP Club accounts under my supervision,” Kat concluded.
Members of Oxford SUP club enjoy regular social paddle sessions to develop their skills, increase their fitness and make new friends. Members also have access to equipment to hire and discounts on equipment to buy. The Club has big plans for the future, setting up a Junior Academy for younger SUP enthusiasts, to get more young people on the water with the correct safety and supervision.
To find out more about Oxford SUP Club, check out the website at oxfordsupclub.org/ where there is lots of information.
The team at CRM enjoy working with community interest companies, charities and other not-for-profit organisations. If you need accountancy help in this area, get in touch with the friendly, approachable team on 01865 379272.
