Interview Questions and Answers 

I had the pleasure of interviewing Kurt Fry, founder of Oceans Prone Paddle and President of South Bay United Water Polo Club. Kurt is also a coach and former Los Angeles County lifeguard. He is passionate about being water safe and healthy.

Q: With summer around the corner, how can families ensure that their children become water safe?

A: I think having a plan before a family makes a trip the water is always a good idea. There should be clear communication as to what the conditions of the water are like and what all members of the family will need to have a fun and safe experience, whether it’s a private or public pool, lake, or the ocean. Making sure there is a trained lifeguard nearby is always important. Be sure that everyone is aware of any dangers where you plan to go swimming, for example, water currents, debris in the water, sea life, etc.

Q: What do you recommend for kids wanting to become stronger and more confident swimmers?

A: As with anything, practice makes you more confident and stronger. Join a swim or water polo team, take lessons, practice swimming in the ocean with a buddy and near an open lifeguard tower. There is no substitute for time in the water.

Q: Reading your bio I feel that you are a lot like me and have been around water for your entire life. At what age did you learn to swim?

A: Fun question. I did not learn to swim until I was 10 years old. I was the oldest in my swim lessons and it took me three attempts to pass the Beginner 3 level swim class. After that, I was off to the races. :)

Q: How did you become interested in water polo? Did you play throughout school? Do you continue to play today?

A: I became interested in water polo at almost the same time I learned how to swim. I was a bigger kid than most other kids my age and my swim coach told me I had to play water polo after swim team. It seemed like a lot of practice at the time, but I was hooked after my first practice. I played water polo from the age of 10 and was fortunate to be able to play age group, high school water polo, and be selected to the Junior National Team. The best was playing for UCLA in college. I had a great time and have met lifelong friends through the sport. While not as much as I would like, I still play masters water polo when I can. A few years ago, my old UCLA teammates got together, and we won Masters Nationals. :)

Q: I understand that you were a lifeguard, I am also interested in becoming a lifeguard. What made you interested in becoming one? Where did you lifeguard?

A: I started lifeguarding in high school at local pools in Eugene, Oregon. It was a great way to earn money while going to school. Being a swimmer, the job was right up my ‘lane'. While at UCLA, my water polo friends told me about lifeguarding at the beach and how much fun it was. I tried out for LA County Lifeguards and finished 6th in the tryout swim that year. I was an LA County recurrent lifeguard for about eight years and worked primarily in the Santa Monica-South area. It was a great honor to work at the beach and keep people safe.

Q: Now you own Oceans Prone Paddling, what is prone paddling? Is this something that you recommend for kids? If so, do you have a class for kids?

A: Prone Paddling or “traditional’ paddling is the sport of paddling that utilizes the paddlers arms and hands as their sole mechanism for propulsion. Paddlers either lay on their stomachs and sit up on their knees while using their hands and arms to pull themselves and their boards through the water. While the prone paddle board comes in many different lengths, their design has gone through many changes since the sports first introduction by southern California lifeguards back in the 1950s. The board itself resembles early designs of a traditional longboard used by surfers at that time. Since the 1950s, the sport has slowly garnered more attention for those enthusiasts within the lifeguard community and other water enthusiasts. Prone paddling is a great activity for all ages. For those that have a more competitive side, there are several races around the country that provide for exciting competition. Oceans Prone paddle was founded with the mission to grow the sport of prone paddling for all ages through lessons, rentals, races and providing gear.

I absolutely recommend paddling for kids. Last summer I hosted a number of paddling events for kids, including for several athletes from our water polo club. Kids from five years old to 18+ came out to paddle. I hope to continue class this summer, too. 

Q: Are there any programs or fun activities for kids to become water safe? Which activities would you recommend?

A:  The good news for kids these days is that there are a lot of programs for kids to learn to swim and be safe around the water. There are various swim lessons offered in almost every community that has a pool. Locally, we have Junior Guards, swim camps, swim, and water polo teams, as well as surf and prone paddling camps and lessons. I really like water polo for kids. I believe that water polo provides so many life lessons in addition to building strong, confident swimmers. Adding in prone paddling is a great compliment for anyone who is learning to swim and wants to get to see the ocean while training to be a safer, stronger, and more confident swimmer.

Q: Do you have any other advice about how to become a lifelong water enthusiast? 

A: I think the best thing to do is be around people who are as enthusiastic about the water as you are. Water polo clubs and swim teams are great outlets to meet like-minded people who love being in the water. Don't be afraid to try new things to explore the ocean. Prone paddling is one of those sports that compliments all other water sports and is very safe for all ages.