HISTORY.

Club Formation and First Contest:

The Burleigh Boardriders Club was formed with inaugural President Huey McMaster. Early members included Brian Curtain, Allan Sykes, Greg Saal, Archie and Billy Hoogervorst. The first documented interclub event, the Burleigh Festival of Boards, sponsored by Peters Ice Cream and Bev and Paula Stafford, took place on August 22nd, 1965.

Club Hibernation:
The club briefly went into hibernation towards the late 1960s.

Club Revival and Shortboard Revolution:
The club was revived with the rise of shortboard surfing, driven by locals Michael “Little Durry” Kline, Russell “Newt” Newton, Leroy Mathers, Michael “Big Mick” Denemeade, and Jeff Pilcher. They held informal meetings above Pilcher’s family milk bar.

Classic Contest Revival:
A significant contest was held, attracting surfers from across the Gold Coast. Local surfer Peter Roberts notably won the final against Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew in classic 4-6 foot barrels.

Bluff Boardriders Era:
Due to financial difficulties, the club temporarily changed its name to “Bluff Boardriders,” yet maintained its competitive spirit and distinct red board shorts.

Partnership with Billabong:
Billabong was established and formed a longstanding partnership with Burleigh Boardriders, coining the slogan “Long Bongs (Billabong Board shorts) and Burleigh Barrels.”

Rise of Local Talent:
Young surfers like David McDougal, Paul De Pavia, Peter and Dwayne Harris emerged, gaining sponsorship from Billabong and featuring in the brand’s promotional campaigns.

Peter Harris’ Historic Win:
Peter Harris became the first Burleigh Boy to win a professional surfing contest, the 1980 Stubbies Classic, in front of 10,000 spectators. Harris defeated Hawaiian surfer Dane Kealoha, marking a historic moment for the club.

Club Leaders and Growth:
Members like Grant Hoskins, Dwayne Harris, Glenn Harris, Paul Surman, Russell Newton, Mick Denemeade, Ash Humphries, and Jeff and Chris Pilcher were influential in the club’s direction. President Mick Murphy and Ash “Champ” Humphries guided the club strongly into the 1990s.

Burleigh Heads Single Fin Classic:
Initially established as the Peter Roberts Memorial, the Burleigh Heads Single Fin Classic became a prominent annual surfing event held each January. It evolved into a major surfing festival featuring pre-1985 boards and a successful charity luncheon attended by numerous celebrities and sports stars, providing essential fundraising for the club.

Junior Development Focus:
With Jay “Bottle” Thompson competing on the World Championship Tour, the club shifted focus to nurturing junior surfers, offering them role models and pathways to professional surfing careers.

Burleigh Heads Boariders Club turns 50!

Club President James Lewis enlists a writer to publish a complete history of the club in a well thought out book.

Junior Development product Liam O’Brien quailifies for the World Chamionship Tour.

Burleigh wins the Australian Boardriders Battle at home. A historic day for the club.