Russell was born in Albury New South Wales & moved to the Gold Coast in 1984 owning a variety of vessels from 10 ft to 40 ft. Russell then commenced a watersports business in 1991 contracting to various Gold Coast cruise boat companies to provide activities to their passengers.

Captain Russell Brown's qualifications are:

• Coxswain Certificate
• Mechanical Engineering
• Radio Operator
• First Aid Certificate
• Safety Equipment
• Certificate IV in Workplace Assessment
• Blue Card (working with children)