They were initially confined to only the larger cities, but because of population decentralisation and Baby Boomer surfers pursuing their surfing lifestyles and relocating to less populated areas, boardriders’ clubs have become prevalent along Australia’s coastline wherever ride able waves can be found.

In the formative years – early 1960s – boardriders’ clubs were in most cases just a crew of surfer mates who hung down at their local beach and surfed and socialised together and formed a ‘sort of club’.

In the middle to late 1960s, with surfing’s popularity and encompassed lifestyle increasing, came club organisation – so interclub and domestic competition began.

A central governing body was established called Surfing Australia, which in turn spawned state bodies known as Surfing NSW, Surfing Qld, Surfing Vic, Surfing WA and Surfing SA.

These state branches were usually administered by mature, seasoned surfing from academic backgrounds and in time our coastlines were split into localized regions and administered by a sub-committee of local surfers.

Rules, guidelines, insurances and competitions were organised and today surfers from all over Australia have a well-formulated schedule of competitions which culminate at the Australian titles.

NSW is divided into 10 regions.

This area, its boundaries being Woolgoolga in the north to Crescent Head in the south, is known as Surfing North Coast. Its clubs are Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Sawtell, Scotts Head and Crescent head.

All these clubs are affiliated with Surfing NSW and Surfing Australia and provide their members with insurance and a club T-shirt, as well as the opportunity to compete at NSW and Australian level competition.

The North Coast regional titles will be at Sawtell in 2010 and will be hosted by the Sawtell Boardriders’ Club on May 1-2.

Over the years the Sawtell club has hosted many major contests and with ‘Huey’ willing, providing swell and the region’s top surfers competing, a spectacular, professionally run contest is assured.

The Sawtell club begins its 2010 season on Sunday, February 7, with a 6.30am sign-on at Sawtell Surf Club followed by competition and barbecue.

If you’re under-12 years or over 50 years, male or female, be there, meet some of the surfing fraternity and have some fun.

Anyone interested is welcome.

For more information phone president Rob Ollier, 0400 600 698, or club captain Cas O’Donnell, 0421 138 891.