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Jones Beach Boardriders Club marks 40-year milestone with Kiama Downs Surf Club bash
Jones Beach Boardriders Club marks 40-year milestone with Kiama Downs Surf Club bash

04 November 2023, 12:53 AM

Surf enthusiasts and members of the Jones Beach Boardriders Club gathered at the Kiama Downs Surf Club on Saturday 27 October  to celebrate their remarkable 40-year anniversary. The Club, which has seen consistent growth over the years, expressed its gratitude to the local community and sponsors for their unwavering support.The anniversary party brought together surfers and their families for a night of revelry and reflection. President of the club, Joel Trist, said, "This event marked a significant milestone for us, and we couldn't have achieved it without the support of our local community and sponsors. It's a testament to our passion for the sport and the camaraderie that has grown over the years."The Club extended special thanks to local businesses who generously donated prizes and hospitality for the anniversary celebration, making it a memorable evening for all attendees. In particular, they expressed their gratitude to Avcon Projects for their substantial contribution - a brand new trailer for the Club.Joel Trist praised Avcon Projects, saying, "Everyone was over the moon with the generous support from our sponsor, Avcon Projects. With approximately 180 members in our Club and a recent surge in interest, we were facing storage challenges for our equipment. The new trailer comes as a much-needed solution, enabling us to easily accommodate all our gear."As the Club looks forward to future activities, they are now seeking a permanent undercover location for their new trailer. They have reached out to the community for assistance in finding a suitable spot to store the equipment, emphasising their commitment to preserving and caring for their gear.In terms of upcoming events, Jones Beach Boardriders Club is gearing up for their final club competition of the year, scheduled for Saturday 4 November. Surf enthusiasts and prospective members alike are encouraged to join the competition for some thrilling waves and friendly competition.Looking ahead, the Club is already planning for the 2024 season, set to kick off in February. Registration for the new season will begin in January, and both current and new members are warmly welcomed to be part of this vibrant, family-friendly surfing community.The Jones Beach Boardriders Club continues to ride the wave of success, remaining a beacon for surf enthusiasts in the region, and their 40-year celebration is just the beginning of what promises to be a bright future for the club and its members.

Kiama Junior Football Club prepares for monumental 2024 Heritage Year, and seeks local business support
Kiama Junior Football Club prepares for monumental 2024 Heritage Year, and seeks local business support

02 November 2023, 10:21 PM

2024 promises to be a historic year for Kiama Junior Football Club (KJFC), and they're inviting local businesses to join in the celebration.KJFC, a club deeply rooted in friendship, sportsmanship, and football passion, is gearing up for its Heritage Year, a chance to unite the community in reflection and anticipation. This year-long celebration not only marks a legacy but also offers local businesses a unique opportunity to become an integral part of it.Kiama Junior Football Club heritage yearThe KJFC Heritage Year Sponsorship Prospectus has been unveiled, offering local businesses the chance to strengthen their connection with the club and the community. President Andrew Wales describes sponsorship as "an opportunity to further strengthen the ties between the over one thousand people who make up our Club, and the local community who've shown tremendous loyalty to KJFC for the past 48 years."KJFC has crafted sponsorship packages, starting as low as $500, to ensure businesses of all sizes can collaborate.The coming year promises an expanded program of activities, both on and off the field. Special commemorative matches, community outreach programs, player development opportunities and overseas tours are just a few items on the agenda, each providing a platform for sponsors to enhance their visibility and consolidate their community presence.According to President Andrew Wales, "2024 will be our banner year. It's more than a series of events. It's a year-long celebration of our shared history, and a springboard into our future. For local businesses, a partnership will embed their brand in the community while at the same time enable them to contribute tangibly to local youth development."Over the past two years, KJFC has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as one of the region's fastest growing and most respected junior sporting clubs."We've rebuilt every element of the club - from our branding and uniforms through to the way in which game days operate, and the overall approach to club management and governance" says KJFC Vice President Karen Appleby. "It's been a huge amount of work, but it's already paying off with more and more players and families joining the club every year. They want to be part of that energy and professionalism."Local businesses interested in the sponsorship packages and the exceptional opportunities presented by KJFC's Heritage Year can connect with the club directly at president@kiamajfc.com.au

Local Surf Enthusiasts Establish Kiama Wedge Boardriders, Fostering Community and Competition
Local Surf Enthusiasts Establish Kiama Wedge Boardriders, Fostering Community and Competition

26 October 2023, 1:00 AM

Nestled in the picturesque coastal town of Kiama, surfing has always been a way of life for residents Wilson and Harry. As they grew up, their love for the water led them down different paths, with Harry enthusiastically competing in surf lifesaving from a young age while Wilson joined the surfing world more recently. However, their shared passion for the local surf break at Kiama Surf Beach, particularly the famed "Wedge" in the north corner, remained a constant in their lives.Sitting at Silica one day, enjoying a snack and watching the waves roll in, a thought struck them: why wasn't there a boardriders club in Kiama where local surfers could come together for friendly competitions? Nearby clubs like Jones Beach Boardriders and Werri Beach Boardriders were the typical choices for those looking to compete, leaving Kiama without a dedicated representation in the local surfing community. That's when the idea for the Wedge Boardriders was born, and they quickly established a presence on social media to connect with like-minded individuals.To make their vision a reality, the duo needed the necessary equipment to organize their inaugural competition. Thankfully, they received support from their neighboring clubs. Barney Collinge at Joneses Beach Boardriders generously provided a horn to signal heat changes, and Adam Gale at Werri Beach Boardriders supplied colored rash vests to identify competitors. The judges' gazebo, a crucial element for competition days, was kindly lent by Zink Surf, thanks to Darren Longbottom and Nick Clifford.Once they had all the essential components in place, Wilson and Harry set a date and launched a registration form on social media. The response was overwhelming, with approximately 40 entries pouring in from enthusiastic Kiama surfers within days. Organizing the heats and schedules, they held their breath for the much-anticipated competition day.When the day arrived, they were thrilled by the remarkable turnout, motivating them for future endeavors. They also secured support from Silica restaurant Kiama, which generously provided ample chips to keep the surfers fueled and energized.Kiama Wedge Boardriders has made a commitment to inclusivity by welcoming surfers of all skill levels, including bodyboarders, a distinct and unusual feature for a boardriders club. They believe that participation and the spirit of giving it a try are the cornerstones of their club, open to anyone eager to get involved.Looking ahead, their aspirations include becoming a recognized club by Surfing NSW, allowing them to participate in boardrider battles. Additionally, they plan to secure sponsorships to fund essential infrastructure for the club's sustainable growth. Their long-term vision involves expanding their membership and increasing community involvement.Wilson and Harry are thrilled by the progress their club has made so far, and their dedication to making it the best it can be is unwavering. They want everyone to have the opportunity to get involved and experience the thrill of surfing at the Wedge.

Ali Day from Kiama wins his 9th Coolangatta Gold event
Ali Day from Kiama wins his 9th Coolangatta Gold event

24 October 2023, 11:59 PM

Congratulations to 33-year-old Alistair (Ali) Day, who has clinched his ninth Coolangatta Gold surf lifesaving endurance event. Ali, who hails from Kiama and trains under the guidance of Senior Coach Zayne Hamill at Surfers Paradise SLSC on the Gold Coast, continues to display his remarkable talent in surf sports.On the 15 October, Ali triumphed in the Long Course, in the legendary 41.8km Coolangatta Gold race, sponsored by Shaw and Partners Financial Services. This victory marked his ninth title in this gruelling race, a testament to his dedication and skill. Despite facing a formidable field of competitors, Ali Day rose to the challenge.In a race that becomes increasingly demanding with each passing year, Ali faced various obstacles, including weather conditions and a highly competitive field. However, he excelled in the swim segment, an area where he truly shines. After initially trailing in the ski leg, Ali Day surged ahead, steadily extending his lead throughout the race.Ali completed the race in an impressive time of 4 hours, 3 minutes, and 48 seconds, with Bevilacqua securing second place and Taylor finishing third. The support of his parents, Ross and Kim, who travelled from Kiama to witness his achievement, added a heartfelt touch to this remarkable victory.Notably, Ali also shared exciting news earlier in the week, announcing that he and his wife Kel are expecting another child in 2024. With his wife and two-year-old son Danny and an unwavering support crew by his side throughout the challenging 20-week preparation, Ali Day acknowledges the crucial role they played in his success.Both Ali’s parents said, “Obviously we are very proud of Alastair’s achievements and his commitment to his sport in particular his mentoring of many athletes who contact him for help.”Competing in events like this is clearly a family affair. Brother Blair also had a victory in the Short Course Coolangatta race on 14 October, in the 30-39 age grouping, over a distance of approximately 21.5 kilometres. Blair has also competed in the long course race, both as an individual, and as part of a team, on some nine occasions. Ross, Ali's father, says, “The boys started doing the long course in 2007, when they entered it as part of a team. Sister Charlotte has assisted both Alastair and Blair in the ’Gold’ on many occasions, and this year she was assisted by her boyfriend Sam.”

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