Halftide Boardriders wins grant to upgrade surf competitions

HALFTIDE Boardriders will upgrade its competition equipment and improve beach safety after winning Greater Bank’s Northern Rivers Community Funding Program.

The Iluka-based club received $3000 through the April round of the program, which supports grassroots groups across the region.

Club president Steve Hyslop said the money would go towards flags, tent sides, power banks and other essential gear.

“This funding is a huge boost to how we can support the members of the club,” he said.

“We’ll be using the funds to update and improve our competition equipment, including new flags for beach safety, shade tent sides for our scoring area, as well as power banks that will help us keep our tech running all day without access to electricity.”

The club will also restock sunscreen and zinc and purchase new chairs for judges.

Halftide is one of the region’s longest-running surf clubs and draws members from Iluka, Maclean, Casino, Ballina and the Gold Coast.

Despite being volunteer-run, the club has recently re-established its open women’s division and launched separate under-12 and under-14 age groups for boys and girls.

Greater Bank’s regional manager Steph Smith said the club played a vital role in the community.

“Halftide Boardriders has built such a strong, supportive and inclusive community for surfers,” she said.

Greater Bank has awarded more than $150,000 to Northern Rivers groups since launching the program in 2021.

Voting is now open for the May round, with finalists including Lismore Workers Swim Team, Quilts for Kids and Ellangowan Public Hall.

Votes can be cast daily until 5pm Wednesday, May 28 at: greater.com.au/greaternorthernrivers