For this week’s Hot Seat, Out N About sat down with Jaryd Paarman – Motor Yacht Captain, Business Owner, SXM Poker Run founder, here in St. Maarten-St. Martin.
Tell us: How did you end up here in St. Maarten?
Funny story… I returned to South Africa after a few years away and gave myself three weeks. On the last Friday of my "holiday", I phoned around and found that Tradewinds was looking for a captain for their yacht fleet. I flew out that following Wednesday.
What inspired you to launch this first SXM Poker Run?
My boss and I had attended the BVI and AXA poker runs and then he looked at me and asked why SXM doesn't have one and that's how it started.
How was the organizing and getting it started?
The organizing was really difficult with a lot of hoops to jump through, but the response from the boating community was absolutely amazing!! Over 50 boats on the first go around, with a $10,000 pot.
Will it happen again next year?
Yes, it will happen again, but dates are unknown at this point, as we are trying to get SBH involved as well.
What is this whole “zapcat” thing about?
Well, I was tired of trying to hunt for surfing waves in SXM. I am an adrenalin junky and needed a fix; otherwise, I could fall into a “drinking depression”. So, I pulled myself together and bought my first zapcat. Multiple people wanted to rent it, so I brought some more over to the island. There was a serious positive feedback, so I decided to bring four more in for rental-use only, for everyone to experience the thrill of being out on the water. They truly do bring out the rebellious inner child and they make you laugh from excitement.
What makes SXM a special experience in contrast to other island offerings?
We are the only island in the Caribbean that offers this type of tour; so I'd say it's pretty unique!!
Any upcoming ideas or creative projects in this year 2025?
I really do enjoy the island, and I am hoping that by doing the ZapTastic Tours and SXM Poker Run, I can bring the community together in a different way. The zapcats can allow teams to race against the other boats and teams, and we can really look forward to educating a youth team to compete in a world championship event – hopefully. As for the SXM Poker Run, I look forward to it growing even bigger and bringing more people of the surrounding islands here, so that we can increase economic and tourism flow as that is what this island thrives on.
Do you have a favourite restaurant or meal to recommend in SXM?
My kitchen… as I cook realllllly well – a hidden skill I didn't know I had. But in all honesty, my favourite restaurant to go to is the Lolos up on the French side in Grand Case.
Do you have a favourite bar?
Feestcafe – it's so clean and well-priced. I would also say Church on Monday at Red Piano; Salsa night at Soggy Dollar Bar is definitely the most active night out; and, of course, Rainbow Beach Bar is best for a Sunday afternoon.
Which beach is your favourite?
Simpson Bay and Grand Case are my go-to beaches in SXM; but Rendezvous Bay in Anguilla is my ABSOLUTE favourite!
What inspirational quote or song lyric would you like to leave with readers?
“Baby steps are better than no steps!”
