Surfing is more than just a sport; it connects us to each other, the moana and the taiao. A lack of equipment for communities along the East Coast made it difficult to get out on the water.

In 2022, Trust Tairāwhiti granted $120k to the Gisborne Boardriders Club (GBC) to launch the Surf for Life East Coast project, bringing surf containers to Tokomaru Bay, Waipiro Bay and Wharekāhika. These hubs provide free access to surfboards, wetsuits and community-led surfing opportunities.

The project was included in the Tairāwhiti Sports Facilities Business Case early win projects after Trust staff identified it as a way to address inequities in services and facilities along the coast.

Shaped by community aspirations

GBC worked closely with local communities through wānanga and noho marae to understand their vision for surfing. The kaupapa was clear: coast whānau identified mentorship, skill development and better access to gear as priorities to make surfing part of everyday life.

A gateway to the waves

To bring this vision to life, GBC installed three surf containers, each stocked with around 20 surfboards and 60 wetsuits, ensuring everyone from rangatahi to pakeke can enjoy the waves. The club also runs surf lessons, building skills and confidence and empowering communities to lead their own sessions.

“We are incredibly proud to see our vision come to life; tamariki and whānau connecting with the moana and each other and sharing the stoke."

 

—  Gisborne Boardriders Club surfing development manager Flo Bub

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