Known by the simple moniker, Matty C is a longtime stand up paddle boarding instructor and newly owner/operator of Port Douglas' newest costume hire business.

Hailing from the Whitsundays, Matty first moved to Port Douglas in his self-described "terrible twenties".

After moving away briefly, he returned last wet season (now aged in his "free thirties’’) after realising how much he loved and appreciated the town and region.

Matty runs stand up paddle boarding classes at Macrossan Street business Windswell, and recently set up Port Douglas Costume Hire next door, above Paddy's Irish Pub.

He said with his businesses, he is here to stay...unless he gets enough money for a boat to sail away on.

"Contact Windswell for SUP," Matty said. "I run daily introductory lessons at 8.00am that you can book for."

"At this time of the year, we're doing the paddleboarding in the Mossman River, under the rainforest canopy. It's very safe; no wetsuit or stinger suit is needed, and there's no crocodiles!"

Matty launched his newest venture, the costume hire business, on a spur of the moment. 

“I  grabbed  one box from Verity (who hired out costumes from the Four Mile Beach area) and had a little Windswell shop party with the costumes. Everyone had such a fun time and loved it. As soon as they put on something a little different, they almost have a holiday away from themselves," he explained.

"Not just to be somewhere else for a holiday, but actually be someone else, is a holiday, too. “

Matty will be increasing his range of stock, introducing sexy attire through the current rainy season.  

"All of the stuff at present is Verity’s," he said.

"It’s been lovely to see people coming and hiring the costumes saying ”I remember this one," as Verity had been renting out costumes for many years."

Matty received a boost in customers last week, thanks to QT Resort's 'heroes and villains'-themed staff Christmas party.

He hopes to start working closely with local event organisers and resorts. His store boasts a wide variety of Oktoberfest-themed 'beer wench' outfits, and is building up his female western range. .

Matty said one of his favourite experiences so far happened last week, after renting out some James Bond outfits, complete with fake guns.

"The guys entered the party at The Tin Shed after arriving on Jet skis to really get into the mood!" he said.

WINDSWELL KITE SURFING, PORT DOUGLAS

6 Macrossan Street, Port Douglas QLD 4877

Open Monday - Sunday 8.30am – 5:30pm.

Ph. (07) 4099 6596 or 0427 498 042

PORT DOUGLAS COSTUME HIRE

Above Paddy's Irish Bar

8 Macrossan Street, Port Douglas QLD 4877

By appointment only.

Ph.0419 642 825