Surfing Queensland 2013 Annual General Report 2013 | Page 16

BOARDRIDERS CLUBS

With 40 Boardriders Clubs affiliated to Surfing Queensland, a network
of surfers across the state of Queensland now exists which has grown
substantially over the past few years.
The benefits that Boardriders Clubs receive through affiliation to Surfing
Queensland are numerous however the single largest change that was
implemented in 2013 was the introduction of the Boardriders Club
Online Registration Portal.
The online platform was conceptualised and developed by Surfing
Queensland in an effort to reduce the amount of administration placed
on club committee members, provide accurate data for clubs to report
on and an added level of protection for affiliated members through
discounted personal accident insurance.
Traditionally, all club members have had to pay cash and complete paper
forms when joining a Boardriders Club at a specified sign on day. The
new online platform allows for members to easily register for their club
through a secure portal which delivers the information directly to club
committee members instantaneously. The new online Boardriders
registration platform has been applauded by sports administrators as
a tool that delivers real benefits to the sport of surfing at a grass roots
level and it will be adopted nationally in the near future.
Surfing Queensland’s investment into grass roots surfing has never been
greater with two full time staff members covering the Boardriders Club
portfolio thanks to the assistance that the Queensland Governments
Jobs Plan initiative delivered.
Both Club Development officers were able to implement and promote
numerous sports development initiatives such as the Newman
Government’s Get in the Game enterprise designed to assist entry into
sporting activities, provide funding to local sporting organisations and
assist local sporting organisations with facility development.

16 – SURFING QUEENSLAND ANNUAL REPORT 2013

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The World Surfaris Coast of Origin Series deliveredBrettchairedstellarbeach
a run of – allthe club
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up
events designed to test the depth of competing clubs, as well as their
by his son Harry
talent pool in each region and coastal area. In 2013, it was the Gold
Coast’s turn to take out the honours after being defeated the previous
two years by the Sunshine Coast. World Surfaris injected $10,000 prize
money into the 2013 series which assists Boardriders Clubs to continue
to develop the sport at a grass roots level.

Boardriders Clubs in 2012 have also capitalised on the numerous
training and education opportunities offered throughout the year to
up-skill their volunteer members in nationally recognised coaching and
judging qualifications. This has been achieved through a combination
of State and National body funding initiatives provided to the affiliated
club network. The benefits of having more skilled volunteers in these two
specific areas has helped clubs not only retain their valuable volunteer
base by offering professional development opportunities, but has also
helped create a more professional environment in the judging arena at
club rounds and at club coaching clinics.
Surfing Queensland’s Coaching Participation Program continues to
provide incentives for Boardriders Clubs to deliver regular coaching to
its club members. Clubs that have been the direct beneficiaries of the
program via the allocation of financial contributions have benefited
by being in the fortunate position to pay club coaches for their efforts
in nurturing the club’s junior talent. This initiative has also sparked
considerable interest in active club members wanting to gain official
accreditation in the coaching realm.
Surfing Queensland would like to congratulate all of the club volunteers
who work tirelessly to ensure that Queensland’s surfing talent are
nurtured and supported at every level of the sport.