A “Welcome to the Neighborhood” Interview
Another surfer who traded shivering during dawn patrol for sitting by the radar for weeks on end, Oliver Kurtz, 33, has words about South Florida surfing, local eats and … being a scratch golfer? (More on that later). Oliver is a surfer originally from Vero Beach who, after spending some time living in California, bit the bullet and permanently relocated to every surfer’s paradise: sunny, flat South Florida. This is where we’d insert an eye-roll emoji if our editor would let us.
Read on for how Oliver keeps high spirits — even when the waves aren’t — and other fun intricacies on living and surfing in our oasis.
Atlantic Current: What made you decide to settle in Palm Beach County?
Oliver Kurtz: In late 2019 my patience broke with being a “renter,” and after working with some realtors in Los Angeles, I quickly realized that city wasn’t a place I wanted to invest in long term. Then COVID hit and I spent a couple months over the summer in Florida and had the best time! I started to sniff around the market here with the help of my god dad, who was a realtor in the area, and once I understood the value, it was a no brainer! I always loved South Florida and found a great spot here to purchase. It ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life.
AC: How has life changed since becoming a Florida man again?
OK: Honestly life has been so good. I feel like I’m enjoying surfing more than I did in California and playing way more golf, haha. It’s definitely hard to keep your sword sharp when it comes to developing/maintaining your surfing, though. Florida doesn’t have the variety of waves you have elsewhere, nor height, but you won’t hear me complaining! When we’re wearing board shorts in January and the rest of the country is in 5mm wetsuits, you just have to be grateful for the situation no matter how flat it can get.
AC: What would you say are the biggest misconceptions about Florida?
OK: I actually need to run out and grab some bath salts to smoke and my pet alligator needs to be walked, so let’s try to get this interview wrapped up, haha! Nah, I don’t know why it’s the place people love to hate. National media isn’t doing the state any favors, to say the least. Last time I looked, Florida was still one of the states leading the nation in new residents per day and corporate relocations. We’ll be just fine…
AC: What’s a day in the life look like for you these days?
OK: Trying to continually fund my “Endless Summer!” Surfing is not a cheap sport when it comes to travel, so I keep my day-to-day jam packed with work. I started my own one stop digital marketing agency where I help multiple businesses and individuals scale their revenues. I haven’t advertised it quite yet because my client list is too much as it is, but hopefully I’ll be hiring some employees soon. I subsidize that with stock trading and some investments that are growing, which is really exciting. I love learning new skills and business is a great outlet to sink your teeth into, especially when it’s flat for weeks on end.
AC: We’re not known for great waves, but you seem to do okay. Any tricks for PBC surfers?
OK: You just can’t have expectations, plain and simple. Like I said earlier, it’s so hard to finesse your skills and stay motivated, but that’s up to you. I recently got introduced to prone paddling from the folks here at Blueline [Surf and Paddle Co.] and it’s a great way to cross-train and stay in the water. I get super bored with going to the gym, but you gotta stay healthy, so when one of these random wind swell days pop-up, you’re feeling as good as you can be.
AC: We’ve really enjoyed seeing some local surf clips, particularly some of the stuff shot by Marco. How has it been collaborating with some local creatives?
OK: Man, Marco is awesome, he’s one of the most talented and driven guys I’ve ever worked with. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve filmed, and it’s been a 2/10 on the scale with waves, and it doesn’t faze him at all. We’ll get nothing for weeks on end, but he’s as frothed up as ever and it’s rare to see. So many of these videographers in surfing are so jaded/entitled, and unless it’s firing they won’t pick up the camera. Marco is the polar opposite to that. We are playing around on the idea of making a feature film, but the Atlantic Ocean may have other ideas for us, haha.
AC: What’s your go-to in the quiver these days?
OK: I’ve been riding JS Industries boards for almost eight years now and they are by far the best boards in the world, in my humble opinion. The team has really focused on making some small wave weapons that are perfect for these beach breaks of ours. In the heavy rotation right now is an HYFI SubXero & XeroFusion Carbotune. Both epoxy so you’re getting as much pop and speed as possible. You really need all the help you can get around here.
AC: We like to think PBC has a nice little food scene. Any favorites so far?
OK: You are right about that! My go-to spot pre- and post-surf is Golden Juicery here in Juno. But man there’s so many good spots around. It’s hard to deny a burger at the Brass Ring, some sunset apps on the Intracoastal at Guanabanas, and if you’re trying to have a classic Palm Beach evening you’ll have to lock into a five-course dinner at Buccan and cocktails at HMF in The Breakers after.
AC: Speaking of food and bev, you’re part of the Costa Tequila crew. What’s your role there and how’s it been mixing work with the sauce?
OK: I’ve been working alongside the founder, Steve Gavula, for a few years now helping grow the business and it’s been an amazing experience so far. It takes so much creativity and diligence to compete with these multi-billion dollar behemoth brands, but the feedback and support we’ve garnered is something we’re very pleased with. Like any small business, you have to roll with the punches, but I believe Costa will be a standout brand as it’s truly the best tequila around. First round is on me if you ever see me out!
AC: What’s on the horizon for you in the next couple years?
OK: The only thing on the horizon is goals! I want to create a deeper connection with myself, I want to be healthy, I want to continually surf at a level that is enjoyable, I want to find success in business. I want to maintain and grow meaningful relationships with people I care about. These are the things I truly value. Being a scratch golfer in the next couple of years would be a nice addition, too, though.
