After riding a long wave from dream to reality, a much-anticipated clubhouse that will become a hub for the Caloundra surfing community has officially opened.
The WindanSea Boardriders’ clubhouse is almost a decade in the making. The historic boardriding club hosts the much-loved Pa and Ma Bendall Memorial Contest every Easter long weekend.
Located on Buderim Street at Currimundi, the club’s facility will be a shared space where members and the wider community can meet.
Club president Terry Landsberg says he is thrilled that the 10-year project, which included protracted legal arguments, is now open for the whole community to enjoy.
“This is a great moment for our club and our members,” Mr Landsberg says.
“As a club, we’ve never had a space where our members and other community groups can meet to enjoy their passion for surfing, as well as other community and environmental pursuits.
“We now have a place where a range of community groups can meet and grow and there will also be opportunities for small operators to run low-impact classes like yoga and Pilates and other community activities.”
Mr Landsberg says the 178sqm clubhouse will benefit the whole area, including the Caloundra Mal Club, Moffateers, Indigenous Surfing, Disabled Surfing, other local clubs and the two neighbouring schools, which will have access and help to develop strong community bonds.
Building committee chairman Don Smith says the community clubhouse will be a terrific boost for local youth and club members who now have a base where they can pursue their passion for surfing and other community interests.
“Over 50 per cent of the club’s membership is juniors, with women and girls representing a growing 20 per cent of total membership,” Mr Smith says.
“A further 30 per cent are males aged over 18, so we have a strong young membership base.”
The opening also comes in time for the 50th anniversary of the Ma and Pa Bendall surfing competition, to be held in 2024.
“It’s going to be great to have our clubhouse open for people to enjoy while they watch some of the best local, national and even international surfers compete for our 50th event next year,”
Mr Landsberg says.
The clubhouse was constructed with funding from a range of sources, including community and federal, state and local government grants, club fundraising, and pledges for building materials and labour from local businesses.
About WindanSea
WindanSea Surf Club was founded in 1970. The club has about 145 members of all ages and abilities. Former world champion Joel Parkinson and long-term world surfing professionals Serena Brooke, Wade Goodall and Reef Heazelwood are all current or past club members.
