The Ballina Malibu Club was formed in 1990. The first committee members were President: Ken Watt, Vice President: Ross Cordery, Treasurer: Ray Johnsen, and Secretary: Evan Nelson. Monthly meetings were held at the Shaws Bay Hotel at 7:30pm on the 2nd Thursday of each month. Club rounds were held on the 3rd Sunday of each month at Flat Rock. In those early days of the club there were some 30 members growing to 50 after 12 months. This excerpt from the first club newsletter offers an insight into the early scoring system and the social and fundraising activities of the club. They say as you grow older you become wiser but last Sunday the B.M.C members reversed that saying. All braved pretty unfavourable conditions to hold our second Club competition which turned out to be another successful day. On the day we held nine four man heats which included two seven foot, four eight foot and three nine foot events. The points system for competing is as follows:
•10 points – Turning up and competing on the day.
•4 points – First place in heat.
•3 points – Second place in heat.
•2 points – Third place in heat.
•1 point – Fourth place in heat. As you can see the best points are scored for just turning up on the day, so please feel free to attend. Although some surfers are showing that they are more competitive than others, I also have noticed that the less experienced surfers are gaining more surfing skills by being involved in the competition day and just surfing together each Sunday. This is a credit to all club members and it is most pleasing to see the mateship growing in the club. Presently, we have varying numbers of financial members. The club has now become fully incorporated and carries a two million dollar public liability policy. Funds for the club to date have been obtained from club membership. We always require some necessary equipment for the club and we run various fundraising activities throughout each financial year. We are always on the lookout for new members of all ages, both male and female. It is a very social atmosphere and we do not take ourselves very seriously. It is a great way to get to know people if you are new to town as well as locals catching up for a surf, coffee and a sausage sandwich!
