Dear Members & Sponsors.
Firstly thank you all for making 2016 such great year.
Results.
Bondi Boardriders in 2017 has hit the ground running. Late last year we won the Australian Boardriders Battle NSW qualifier enabling us to surf in the National finals that were broadcast live via FOX sports all over the country. Our team put in a huge effort getting 3rd in the country mixing it up with clubs overflowing with WCT surfers. We were the only team that did not have a professional surfer for the final. We consisted of a Chef, a Gardener, a Business Analyst, a Surf Coach and a Student with a Real Estate agent on standby. Our club took it to the best surfers in the world and dominated them. Perth Standlick, possibly the most underrated surfer in the country, took down World Champions and was awarded Surfer of the event. A huge effort considering there were 10 WCT Surfers in the mix. Chris Friend was as always solid as a rock and his consistency kept Bondi always in the mix. Our other surfers Clancy Dawson, Eddy Ryall and Lara Damelian all did their part to solidify this amazing result.
Bondi Boardriders Team results.
1st NSW Qualifier ABB, Kiama January 2016
3rd Australian ABB Final, Newcastle February 2017
4th in Australia December 2016 Sailor Jerry Surf Tag, Curl Curl
3rd In NSW Qualifier March 2017 Sailor Jerry Surf Tag, Cronulla https://youtu.be/dAgheKjGqHs
Juniors
Our juniors also have also started 2017 with a bang with Grayson Hendricks taking out the Surfarama event at Long Reef and a second place at Surfest in Newcastle. Lara Damelian has started her quest surfing in some WQS events as well as still doing the Juniors. Nick McGrath has been free surfing up a storm and will be a huge threat to all that come up against him this year. Angus Jones has spent a lot of time on the North Shore of Hawaii honing his big wave skills. They are just a few of the names that make up a massive surge in junior talent that Bondi is producing.
Grom Training
Late last year with the help of Perth Standlick and Chris Friend we set up weekly training sessions for our groms prior to entering two teams in the Australian Surf Tag. All the groms trained hard and it was hard to pick the final teams. While the groms did not podium finish they learned a lot about team’s events, surfed their hearts out and got to experience our famous Bus and even more famous mascot bus driver Spanos. This year we will be looking to take our groms to the next level so stay tuned for some exiting initiatives for 2017.
This year has seen record numbers of girls join the club. Welcome to all.
Water Safety
We will again have the legends from Waverley Lifeguards keeping an eye on our surfers and using the jet skis to maintain a safe completion zone
This year Alex Tucker will be the Junior Safety Officer and not only is he a great surfer but is currently doing his last year Bachelors in Sports and Exercise. He is also accredited with 1. First Aid, CPR, APLOA Ocean Safety Surf Coach Award Qualified, AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming. Alex will be on hand to oversee our Junior divisions. He will be set up on the beach from 6.50am -10am.
Help the club.
This Sunday will be the first contest of the year and it’s going to be a cracker. The swell and wind are looking favourable for an epic start to the Contest year. Last year was a great year and this year I hope even better. We are a club run by the community for the community. Last year it was the same (few) people that helped set up and pack up. This year we need a lot more support from ALL OF THE DIVISONS and parents!!!!!! The real heroes in my eyes are not just the clubs best surfer but the crew that you can count on help out. We have a team behind the scenes that most will never know the amount of hours they devote to the club. Clare Matuska and Victoria Austin are Bondi Boardriders Angels, they put so much into the club and from everyone at Bondi Boardriders we thank you. Chris Friend and Fernando have reinvented the way club contests are run through Live Heats and we are so stoked to have you backing us and leading the way in technology. To all the parents that help out thank you for being amazing, humble and understanding. Stodsy!!!! you are a bloody champion and it would be hard to find anyone with more club spirt. Even with a few health issues last year he helped set up and pack up every single contest. After setting up he gets on the BBQ and cooks for the entire club. We need more Stodsy’s in our club or we won’t have one. And to all the 2016-2017 committee Shane Wilson, Perth Standlick, Tim Okky , Ben Davies Ray Vuko, Steve Carlaw and Alex Tucker thank you for helping grow our club into the best in the country.
On Sunday we need volunteers to help set up from 6.30am and pack up after the last heat.
We also want two strong surfers (opens – Grandmasters) to be in the water with the Mirco groms. Their first heat is 7am and will need you in a wetsuit ready to paddle out at 6.50am
If you can help please let me know 0416 251073
Sponsors 2016-2017
To our sponsors we would not be here without you. Thank you for all your amazing support!!!!.
- Channel 9
- Rob Damelian Luxury Motors
- Pipeline Plumbing
- Surfculture
- LiveHeats
- Bondi Beach Radio
- Bondi Tony’s Burger Joint
- The Bucket List
- Darren Elmes – Woollahra Golf Club
- Beamers Sunglasses
- Richardson & Wrench Bondi Beach
- Bondi United
- O’Brien Solicitors
If you would like to become a sponsor please contact me on iwallace@rwbb.com.au
Bondi United.
We are very proud to announce we will be a Sleeve Sponsor for Bondi United A Grade Reserve for 2017. They have just come from Back to Back grand final wins in 2015-2016 and many of our members have at one stage has played for this legendary club or still do. Kelly Robbo and Big Tommy, amongst others, have put so much back into the community and we are honoured to have our Boardriders logo on a Bondi United Jersey. They are a Club that inspires, playing with heart and passion. We urge all our members to go and support Bondi United whenever they can and we will keep you updated of all upcoming games.
Next contest
This SUNDAY March 12, 7AM start with Micro Groms to arrive no later than 6.40am register @ www.liveheats.com/bondi
Parents
N.B VERY IMPORTANT !!!!! if your child can not swim strongly or if they are wanting to learn to surf, Bondi Boardriders is not the correct club for them. Let’s go Surfing can help with learning to surf and we recommend any accredited swim school for swimming. Also if you child is under the age of 18 they must have a designated person over 18 looking after them.
Micro Micro Groms .
Ben Davies will be the captain of this division and will be running heats according to tides and safety. All competitors must have a guardian pushing them into waves during the heats. Ben is a lifeguard, former President of BBR, a sponsor, father of 4 and fantastic waterman. Ben will be liaising with all parents in this division so please contact Ben ASAAP on either 0410 564 560 or ben@grandronde.tv so he can direct times and conditions prior to each contest. If you feel your child is just over the age limit but would be better suited to this division please let Ben know as the Mirco’s surf unassisted.
Kids and The skate park!
If you’re going to skate in the park between heats put on some protective gear, (shoes, helmet etc) and get out of your wetsuit. We don’t need any more Ambulances carting our groms to hospital. If your seen in the park not adhering to this you won’t get any points.
Results
If anyone wants us to publish any competition results please notify me iwallace@rwbb.com.au
Let’s bring on a huge 2017.
Kind Regards,
Ian Wallace
President Bondi Boardriders.
