Southend Boardriders are gearing up to celebrate their 40th anniversary this month, and the event is set to be a massive occasion, with members travelling from all over the country to attend. As one of the largest boardriding clubs in NSW, Southend Boardriders Maroubra boasts over 220 financial members and debatably holds the title of Australia’s longest continuously running boardriders club, having never missed a year since its inception in 1985.
With monthly competitions drawing more than 140 surfers, the club hosts eight divisions, ranging from under-11 ‘Micro-Grommets’ to members in their 70s, showcasing its diverse and inclusive community.
Mark Windon, Founder of Southend Boardriders, Reflects on the Club’s Beginnings
“Forty years ago, I put up three notices—one in Sea Level Surf Shop on Marine Parade, one at the old cake shop at Malabar Junction, and one at Southend in the car park. The message was short and sweet: ‘Who wants to surf Southend with only five other guys in the water? Be at this address on Saturday afternoon and bring a few beers with you,'”
“That Saturday, around 150 people showed up with beers in hand. The club was sorted in under half an hour, and the rest of the day was spent enjoying some icy cold beverages, Never in my wildest dreams did I think we’d be here 40 years later celebrating this milestone. Ironically, the formation of Southend and everything that followed had a huge impact on my professional career, leading me down a path I’d never have imagined.”
The Club runs three pinnacle events during the year:
- Hearts4Arch: A competition honouring young club member Archie Perkins, who tragically passed away in early 2020. This event focuses on the younger divisions and includes a fun expression session.Hearts4Arch Foundation which has a vision to save the lives of Sydney Children’s Hospital cardiac patients by providing them with a mobile device that delivers accurate, personalised heart data to doctors, anytime, anywhere.
- Paul Baxter Shield: A fun mental health-themed surfing competition open to surfers aged 14+. This tag-team event features surfers on retro single or twin-fin boards, as well as soft boards, promoting a fun, free-spirited atmosphere that encourages mental well-being through community and surfing.
- Her Wave Comp: A surf competition dedicated to the female members of the club, designed to foster a more inclusive and joyful women’s surf culture. The event includes surf coaching sessions, along with additional social and wellbeing activities to strengthen community and engagement among women surfers.
Southend has also grown its female membership and over the years has had female numbers peaking at 66 females spread across the divisions creating a safe and welcoming environment for women to compete and socialise.
The club also led the way in running COVID-safe events, sharing best practices with other boardriders and conducting ocean rescue, CPR, and first aid training for its members. It remains actively involved in Maroubra United and broader competitions, earning the 2022 Sport NSW Community Club of the Year award for promoting inclusivity and diversity.
Tickets for Southends 40th anniversary can be found here:
https://thejuniors.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/138598
