“It’s been a long road to make this a reality, but we are just about ready to respark NY surfing!!! … The New York Board Riders Club is about to launch, and we want you to join,” writes Long Beach surfing stalwart and photographer/videographer Mike Nelson (@fullnelson_photo), who’s helping to spearhead the revival.
And yes, with more people in New York’s lineups than ever, it is about damned time New York had a Board Riders Club. Though it was founded in 2023, the New York chapter is rallying surfers from Long Island, New York City, and the Hudson Valley to further nurture the community, “from Montauk to Rockaway and even the Great Lakes, with the aim of building a stronger and more connected surf community in the Empire State.”
Nelson continues: “Board Riders Clubs are part of a global movement that started half a century ago. Built on the philosophy that we are better together in and out of the water. Our mission is to carry that tradition forward here in New York, fostering intergenerational camaraderie and a shared responsibility to the ocean.”
Apart from harboring camaraderie through surfing and hosting the occasional competition, the club will work in fundraising, beach cleanups, and contribute to philanthropic causes. “Competition comes last,” the Club’s website reads, “but is at the heart of it, celebrating the BRC members together vs as individual surfers.” Fair dinkum.
The New York Board Riders Club Chapter will open membership to New York’s surfing community at large—all ages, all abilities. “Whether you’re a legendary shop owner, a Pipe Master, big wave surfer, global barrel hunter, pre-work morning salty dog, up-and-coming grom, beginner, or parent, welcome. You belong here.”
Of course, there are some qualification rules in line with U.S. Board Riders Clubs at large:
A) Born and raised in the city or area of your BRC, or
B) Attended elementary, middle school, high school, or college in the area of your BRC, or
C) 5+ years residency in the area of your BRC, or
D) Direct inland residents if they surf hometown on a regular basis. If inland from multiple breaks and clubs, surfer will have the choice to select the club they surf for.
Related: Chasing Blizzards: A 7,000-Mile Nor’easter Strike Mission
Want to switch a club? Each surfer gets one chance to “jump” clubs. But, once you jump and surf for another club, that is final.
Note: Any special circumstances must be addressed to U.S. Board Riders Club board by your Chapter for approval. The Commissioner’s decision is final.
Regarding competitions, there will be seven divisions with four surfers per division (U14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50 & up, women of any age.) See the Qualification & Contest Rules page for more details.
The New York Board Riders Club, Inc., will be volunteer-run and based in Long Beach, New York.
Sign up for news and membership updates via the link in the @newyorkboardridersclub bio. . If you’d like to become a founding donor, contact donation@newyorkboardridersclub.org for more information.
Related: Flesh-Eating Bacteria In Long Island Waterways—Is Nothing New
Original Post from this site