Paul Hoelen

I'm a kiwi boy who's fallen in love with this wild island and made it his home. I love absolutely anything to do with the wilderness and being out in it. Walking, climbing, sailing, riding and surfing in it as well as photographing it. I also believe in using the wilderness as a therapeutic medium - hence my main job! I'm a passionate photographer and I love to work with people. Life is short so I like to squeeze the very most out of each day, live with no regrets and keep the kid inside me happy and alive. Yeehah!

How many years have you worked in outdoor recreation?

8 years.

Favourite part of the world:

Bethells Beach, West Coast, New Zealand - my stomping ground.

Favourite food:

So much to choose from. A Malai Kofta Curry with a Kasmiri Naan and A Mango Lassi to wash it all down. Mmmmm delicious.

Best habit:

Greeting and smiling to everyone I meet.

Worst habit:

Wanting to do too many things at once!

Best part of my day:

Drifting off to sleep after a full, active day with a warm shower and a good book.

Worst part of my Day:

Having to finish it! So much to do and life is short!

Preferred season:

I like parts of them all and the fact that we have them but I'm definitely a summer person for sure. So much more time to be outside!

Favourite way to unwind:

Bad weather - An excellent fantasy novel snuggled up in bed, a great movie or a delicious meal with friends. Good weather - a refreshing surf or mountain bike ride.

If you could be a Crayon, what colour would you be?

Sky Blue for sure.

Favourite Hobart restaurant:

Now that's tough! For Italian - De Angelos. For Indian - Annapurna. For Thai - Mai Ake.

Favourite music, artist or song:

Almost any Café del Mar compilation - super smooth and classy tunes

Favourite word/phrase:

I'm actually quite fond of animal noises!

What do you love most about Team Discovery?

The amazing Team Spirit, how well we're looked after by the boss, the great openness to feedback and ideas, the excellent selection and range of people involved, the professional level of organization, preparation and support but most all - just how much fun it is!!!