On July 1, 2023, at 12 PM, the highly anticipated grand opening of Windansea Surf Club took place in Currimundi, on the stunning Sunshine Coast. This event, held just out front of the Ann Street surf break, marked a significant milestone for surf enthusiasts in Caloundra and the wider surfing community. With a focus on promoting the region’s vibrant surf culture, Windansea Surf Club est. 1970 has emerged as a hub for surfers, providing a space for camaraderie, skill development, and fostering a love for the waves.
The grand opening event at Windansea Boardriders Club was nothing short of exhilarating. Surfing enthusiasts and supporters from near and far gathered to celebrate the birth of their new home. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm and anticipation as the club’s management committee, contributors and esteemed guest speakers took the stage to unveil the meticulously designed facilities and share their vision for the future.
The presenters of the opening included Don Smith (Chairperson and former deputy mayor of Caloundra), Cr Terry Landsberg (President), Trisha (Treasurer), Cr Peter Cox, Tim Dwyer (deputy mayor), Brian Warner (Indigenous Representative) and Andrew Wallace MP. Their unwavering dedication and commitment were instrumental in bringing this project to life, ensuring the club’s success and growth for years to come. Additionally, Andrew Wallace MP (LNP Federal Member for Fisher) played a pivotal role in securing federal government funding of $140,000, allowing for the realisation of this exceptional facility. Local Council of Sunshine Coast generously donated $60,000, further demonstrating their support for the local surf community. However, it was the remarkable contributions from the members of the Windansea community that truly astounded, with over $500,000 worth of labour, materials, and volunteer work provided to make this dream a reality.
However, it was the remarkable contributions from the members of the Windansea community that truly astounded, with over $500,000 worth of labour, materials, and volunteer work provided to make this dream a reality.
Surrounded by the breathtaking coastal beauty at Buderim Street, Currimundi, situated between the well-known Currimundi ‘Dog Beach’, Currimundi State Primary School and Currimundi Special School. The day marked a monumental moment in the history of surfing on the Sunshine Coast. For 50 long years, the passionate members of Windansea Caloundra had yearned for a place to call their own. Now, with the unveiling of this remarkable facility, they have finally found a home not only for their own community but also for the wider public to unite and celebrate the joy of local competitive surfing and community.
It has not been an easy win for Windansea. Before the commencement of construction, the club endured an extended and persevering legal battle that spanned several years. Facing many financial challenges due to the prolonged case aimed at highlighting the significance of promoting surfing and surf safety by surfers on the Sunshine Coast. This court case resulted in substantial costs for the club, which caused a major shortage of funding. Official construction of the clubhouse took place on the 1st July 2022 and finished exactly one year later with the grand opening on the 1st July 2023.
The clubhouse at Windansea Boardriders Club is not just a building about competitive surfing; it is a symbol of unity, inclusivity, surf safety and well-being. It serves as a hub for various surf organisations and groups, fostering collaboration and creating opportunities for growth and development within the surfing community. North Caloundra Surf School and @Surf4Health members, Disabled Surfers Association, Christian Surfers, Indigenous Surfers Chapter, Veterans clubs, Bodyboarding clubs, the Moffateers, and the Caloundra Malibu Club, are just a few of the valued organisations that will use the clubhouse, further strengthening the bonds within the surfing community.
The Windansea Boardriders Club, is guided by a strong set of values and principles. Ethical governance, community well-being, and environmental stewardship are the cornerstones of their approach. With a focus on teamwork, evidence-based decision-making, transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, adherence to legal requirements, and effectiveness and efficiency. Windansea strive to create a welcoming and responsible surf community.
A new legacy has been carved for Sunshine Coast surfers with the clubhouse. A world of opportunities awaits, from surfing and surf safety to fostering a strong community spirit. As we look ahead to exciting times, including the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane, the future of surfing shines brighter than ever in Caloundra, Queensland. North Caloundra Surf School are eager to embrace the waves to success and all future opportunities this facility will create for decades to come.
STAY CONNECTED:
To keep up with the latest news, events, and updates from Windansea Surf Club, make sure to follow them on Facebook. Click here to view the grand opening video on their official Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/WindanseaBoardriders/videos/274240085286909/
JOIN WINDANSEA SURF CLUB COMMUNITY:
If you’re passionate about surfing and looking to immerse yourself in the vibrant surf culture of Caloundra and the Sunshine Coast, Windansea Surf Club invites you to join their community. The grand opening of Windansea Surf Club was an exciting moment for the Sunshine Coast’s surfing community, providing a dedicated space for surfers to connect, learn, and thrive. With its exceptional facilities, coaching programs, and commitment to fostering a strong sense of camaraderie, the club is poised to become a thriving hub for competitive surfers and surf enthusiasts. Join the Windansea Boardriders community.
http://windanseaboardriders.com.au/
Bonnie Greig
North Caloundra Surf School
