North Bondi: Shared surfboard program paused over council ‘safety’, ‘public liability’ concerns

Users of a long-running Bondi surfing initiative have been left frothing for all the wrong reasons after ‘safety’ and ‘public liability’ concerns forced boards to be removed from the beach.

Users of a long-running Bondi surfing initiative have been left frothing for all the wrong reasons after ‘safety risks’ and ‘public liability’ concerns forced the sudden end of the popular program.

Well known Bondi identity Cam Scott is leading a push for the North Bondi shared surfboard initiative to be brought back to the beach after it was put on pause due to concerns from Waverley Council lifeguards.

The program started in 2016 and involved refurbished surfboards tied to railings at North Bondi which visitors to the beach could use for a surf before returning, free of charge.

Mr Scott started the initiative as a way of giving new life to discarded surfboards that would otherwise be destined for landfill.

He said he was surprised after lifeguards requested the boards be removed due to “safety concerns” and “public liability” risks.

The shared board program has been used by local residents and visitors to the beach.

“The program has been so popular with locals and visitors and we’ve never had any issues in the past,” he said.

“Other forms of surfing are still allowed including private board hire so I’m not sure why shared boards are being singled out as a safety risk.

“I understand lifeguards want to reduce the risk and that not everyone is an experienced surfer but I’ve tried to minimise rescue as much as possible including reducing the number of boards that can be used and making sure all the boards have leg ropes.

Cam Scott started the program back in 2016.

“The reality is rescue happens everyday. It’s a patrolled beach and I really think the positives of the program outweigh the benefits.”

Mr Scott said he had been flooded with messages of support to keep the program running including from families who have used surfboards to avoid carting boards to the beach when parking long distances away.

“It sends such a great message about community and sharing,” he said.

The boards were refurbished and could be used by members of the public.

“Just because there’s no money changing hands I don’t know why the share boards have been singled out in that regard – if you’re going to allow people to rent a board to surf with no experience then someone who takes it with their own volition should be given that same option.”

The push to bring back the boards has been supported by big name surfing identities including Pauline Menczer as well as local councillor Michelle Stephenson who is calling for the council to investigate ways of to having the program return.

“Being a Bondi resident, the shared boards are an integral part of Bondi summers and it’s been such a cool example of what makes Bondi special,” she said.

“It really fits in with the ethos of the community and it would be so disappointing to see it permanently end.”

In a statement, Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh said the council was “committed to working out a process to address previous concerns regarding safety.”

“Any previous concerns will be addressed through a council report and recommendations on what the future program entails,” he said.

“The share board program is a great initiative (and) I look forward to supporting exploring its return after a recent pause.”