Two clubs join forces

JAN Juc Surf Life Saving Club has joined forces with Torquay Boardriders for an inaugural fundraising event putting Bells Beach and the Rip Curl Pro at the forefront.

Despite the world-famous surfing event being cancelled this year, the two clubs will honour its history with a luncheon hosted at the Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club on April 1.

The event – titled ‘Bells from a Local Perspective’ – will cater for up to 150 guests from the community.

Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club president Aaron Green called the collaborative luncheon a chance to get people excited about surfing and get the two clubs working together.

“Two years ago, we signed a memorandum of understanding which meant we would start working a bit closer with each other,” he said.

“We are two local clubs that exist in the community, that have members from each organisation and enjoy the ocean,” he said.

The event will raise much-need funds for lifesaving equipment as well as supporting Boardriders members by allowing them to access competitions.

President of Torquay Boardriders Harry Mann said the concept for the inaugural event was based off JJSLSC grand final eve lunch.

“The Rip Curl Pro is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” he said.

“Normally we sell raffle tickets for a board down at the event and obviously with the event not being on this year it is a massive dent in our financials.

“For the guys to come on board from JJSLC it is going to help us out tremendously and if we can do this every year it will make a big difference to us being a volunteer and community club.”

Mr Mann says the surf event is not only the largest in the state, but their biggest income generator and often features some of their very own surfers, making April an important time of the year for the club.

During the event there will be on-stage interviews taking place with special guests yet to be revealed.

“We have a tennis player, we have a former finalist from the Rip Curl Pro, a female surfer who has won a lot of Bells titles and someone from snowboarding, just for a bit of a hint,” Mr Mann said.

“They are going to talk about their connection with their sport and their club growing up.”

With the return of the Pro in 2022, Mr Mann hopes the luncheon event will be able to centre around surfers from the Championship Tour over the coming years.

Mr Mann said the collaboration has provided opportunities for the two clubs to develop their skills in both training and for fundraising events connecting the community.

“We are so stoked with the connection we are creating, and we are only going to continue to build with the Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club,” he said.

The ‘Bells from a Local Perspective’ luncheon is open to the community with tables currently up for sale.

To secure your spot contact [email protected] or direct message via Facebook and Instagram.