<< Back to news
Club now trailer-ready to share the stoke
1st September 2020 The Gisborne Herald Jack Malcom
Photo: NOW FOR THE WATER: Cooper Te Awarau (2) practises his surfing stance with Gisborne Boardriders Club volunteer Claire Youmans at an event in Waipiro Bay last summer. The club plans to return to Waipiro Bay this summer and transporting equipment there will be made a lot easier with its new trailer. Picture supplied
Gisborne Boardriders Club’s fundraising mission for a new trailer has been accomplished.
They club has bought a $20,000 trailer that will be an essential resource in the club’s mission statement to “share the stoke” says surfing development manager Flo Bub.
The funding drive was heavily supported by the Marina Development Society and the Eastern and Central Community Trust, who donated $5000 each.
ECCT board chairwoman Shelly Mitchell-Jenkins said they were pleased to provide the grant to the boardriders association.
“Surfing is a big part of the Coast lifestyle. It brings the community together and it’s a great way to keep healthy and active.”
Community fundraising events such as a surf swap, art auction and Givealittle page helped contribute to the fund, along with support from several local businesses, said Bub.
“Thanks to the help from the whole community. There are so many different donors.”
The club has spent the last two years fostering relationships and starting proactive groups to encourage those who are under-represented in the surf community into the water.
“Two years ago we opened the club up a bit more to make surfing more accessible.
“We try to cater to all different parts of the community.”
Bub said that on the back of the success of a learn-to-surf session at Waipiro Bay last year the club planned to expand the programme with the help of the new trailer.
The trailer means they don’t have to spread their equipment and gear across multiple cars.
Later this year the club will be holding an event at Waipiro Bay and plans to run a new event at Tokomaru Bay.
“We try to give those kids and families an opportunity to surf.”
While the club had got the funding for their trailer, members weren’t stopping there.
“There’s always something that needs replacing or upgrading.”
