Feldman announced as first female club president of 13th Beach Boardriders

13TH BEACH Boardriders Club announced a new president to take their club into the future, with long-term member Rachel Feldman becoming the first female president in the club’s history.

Feldman brings eight years of boardriders experience to the presidency role after taking on multiple positions at the club since 2014, including secretary, treasurer and club vice-president where she sat under outgoing club president Michael Crapp.

Mrs Feldman was a popular choice for the position according to the committee and has been an integral part of the framework of the club through her advocacy for more children’s surfing programs while also seeking greater opportunities for women at the club.

The incoming president said she was honoured to be given the role and looked forward to making an instant impact nurturing the next generation of surfers at 13th Beach.

“I’m thrilled to be able to step into the new position and take over from Mini (Michael Crapp) who has done a fantastic job over the last few years as the president of this proud and fantastic club,” Feldman said.

“I was overwhelmed with the positive response from members old and new when I put my hand up to step into the role and feel privileged to be given so much support by so many in our community.

“My goals for the future of the club is to certainly nurture our younger surfers and make sure that there isn’t this drop off when kids hit their teenage years.

“We will endeavour to introduce more mentoring programs and make sure we have plenty of coaching options available to the kids.

“We want to make sure we keep them connected with the people in their community, this will only cause a flow on effect of people becoming more involved within the club and continuing to take it to the next level.”

Feldman will be supported by former club president Christian Pritchett who is assuming the vice-president position while up and coming youngster Taz Higgins will take on elements of the contest directing duties.

When asked about becoming the first female president of the club, Feldman said she would take it in her stride and that it didn’t make her role any different or more special than anyone before her. Feldman however did say she was proud to be one of only a number of female presidents of surfing clubs in the state and noted that across the board it shows that the gender gap in surfing is inept and that men and women are equal.

The club will announce the remainder of their committee members in the next fortnight.

For more, head to facebook.com/13thbeach