The year was 1965.
One iconic shared pink balsa board, affectionately called “The Pig Board,” became the launchpad for a generation of grommets learning to ride and become champions, a beacon of inclusion, and a tribe that lives and breathes surfing… one that would span three generations, and change lives across the Coffs Coast.
From the early days of Hoey Moey meetings and surf films at the Jetty Theatre and the success of the annual Bannacoast Classic. Panel vans packed for Kirra runs to boardbags for beds to Sunday comps and camping missions with no food but plenty of froth forged memories and lifelong friendships.
CHBC didn’t just ride waves… they built a culture.
The 1980s saw spirit was relit by legends like the Ashdown family, the 1990s Homer & Judy Simpson kept the family flame alive, with a generation of kids growing up under marquees and micro-grom tents.
The 2000s began with a fire destroying the club gear and leadership briefly disappeared, with restoration thanks to Bryn Goode, Brett Walters, the unforgettable surf trips to Scotts and Lee Winkler’s 2nd place at Sunset in 2002.
Then came their first female President in 2022…Carly White.
For a trip down memory lane.
CHBC have seen it all:
- 2x Surfing Australia Club of the Year
- 183 active members and counting
- $95k+ raised for local families and travel support
- Home of the world’s first Rippers Division for surfers with disabilities, the first in the world of its kind.
Last weekend, CHBC held a 60th Anniversary celebration dinner that was a night to remember. The event set the tone with formal attire and champagne on arrival, kicking off an evening of style and celebration.
Guest speakers included Carly White, Russ Glover, Geoff McSkimmings, Shirley Rose-Ashdown, Andrew Lindsay, Bryn Goode, Ian Klaus, and Lee Winkler, each sharing stories and moments that shaped the club and guided guests and members through six decades of club history. Surfing legend Joel Parkinson delivered a memorable speech, and the night wrapped up with the jazz band keeping the vibe strong.
It’s in the people, the paddle-outs, the beach BBQs. the stories passed on at presentations. Here’s to the ones who paved the way and to the new faces waxing up for their first heat, and the next chapter paddling out with those who have shaped the novel.
Happy 60 years to the club of legends, lineups and loyalty, Coffs Harbour Boardriders. Here’s to the next 60!
