Surfing and Boxing, a perfect mix of Passion and Fitness

Sports have always been a part of Rhys’s life, thanks to his sports-enthusiast father. Surfing became his sanctuary, a way to clear his mind and connect with the ocean. But as his responsibilities grew with the arrival of his three sons, Rhys sought a way to stay fit for the waves. Boxing became his answer

“ Boxing became a big part of my go to way of exercise, I learned a lot of life lessons through boxing from facing fears, seeing science in sport to being disciplined, learning resilience and growing focus and endurance.“

Entrepreneurship and a Passion for Fishing

Rhys’s entrepreneurial spirit was sparked by his childhood passion for fishing. Combining this with his love for digital art and content creation later in life, he launched a clothing line and a business centered around fishing.

“Fishing has always been a part of me, growing up in a coastal village, it was natural to develop a deep connection to the sea. I have a fishing channel on YouTube, and I used to work a 9-5 in a fishing tackle store. Seeing a gap in the market for fishing-related branding, I started a t-shirt company. I wanted to be my own boss, work my own hours, support my lifestyle as a fisherman, and help others along the way.”

His creativity and drive have allowed him to turn his hobbies into a thriving opportunity.

His Recent Commitment to Health, Cutting Back on Alcohol

In 2024, Rhys made a significant lifestyle change: he decided to cut back on alcohol indefinitely. Motivated by a desire to improve his mental and physical health and to set a positive example for the younger generation,

“I have been fully sober since last November 2023, so far the positives have been for me No hangovers ha-ha. Getting to know myself on a deeper level, more clarity and a clearer mind, better focus and better performance, better energy levels, weight loss and over all better physical and mental health.”

The journey hasn’t been easy, it comes with a fair piece of challenges, but Rhys is determined to stay the course.

Overcoming Challenges of staying off-alcohol and his Strategies for Success

The journey to sobriety has not been without its challenges.

“Dealing with buried emotions and traumas, finding new ways to deal with stress, bringing old problems to the surface, and learning to enjoy events without alcohol were challenging. Sometimes, I felt like I didn’t fit in because I wasn’t drinking. I knew not drinking wouldn’t be easy, so I had to find ways to reduce my intake and replace old habits with healthier ones.”

Rhys developed several strategies to help him overcome the challenges of sobriety, such as replacing old habits with healthier options

“Instead of drinking alcohol, I drank 0% beers like HOPR. I love fishing and spending time with my kids, so instead of drinking after work, I’d get them to bed and drive at night. I replaced feeling sick on weekends with family time and started boxing training more to discipline my mind.”

By finding new ways to manage stress and enjoy life, Rhys has successfully navigated the challenges of sobriety. His journey demonstrates that with determination and the right strategies, it’s possible to make positive changes and live a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Let’s talk about achievements and parenthood

“My greatest moments as a parent would be teaching my children my knowledge of the ocean and connecting with the world around them.”

Being a father to three boys has brought Rhys immense joy and some challenges, of course. Balancing a business, raising a family without close family support, and finding quality time with his wife, Siobhan, have been challenging yet rewarding experiences.

Life can be filled with little achievements, but there are certain ones you will remember forever. Marrying his wife has been one of his proudest achievements, in additional to becoming a parent, staying committed to sobriety, and completing his trade. These milestones reflect his dedication to his family, personal growth, and professional development.

About joining the HOPR family 

Rhys is excited to join the HOPR ambassador community, eager to share his story and promote a healthier lifestyle. His favourite HOPR flavours are The Mango One and The Passionfruit One, these are his go-to choices for a refreshing, non-alcoholic option.

HOPR came into Rhys life just on time when he was starting his sober journey, and having this opportunity to tell his story was very exciting, reaching even more people than just within his inner circle.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of the HOPR community, I believe in the message of choosing healthier options and living a balanced life. I hope to inspire others to make positive changes and find joy in a healthy, active lifestyle.”

It’s never too early or too late to start making new choices that will benefit your life and provide you a better future, not only for you but for everyone around you!

 We’re honoured to have Rhys as part of our HOPR family. His story embodies the spirit of HOPR—healthy, active, and full of life.

⬅️ Back to ambassadors page