Best of the Gold Coast 2017: Top 10 surf clubs
SURF clubs are the lifeblood of the Gold Coast, but which one is best? We asked and you answered, here’s the Gold Coast’s best surf clubs for 2017.
Best of Gold Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Best of Gold Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
SURF clubs are the lifeblood of the Gold Coast, but which one is best?
We asked and you answered, here’s the Gold Coast’s best surf clubs for 2017.
MORE BEST OF THE GOLD COAST TOP 10S
10. Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club
LOCATION: 117 Jefferson Ln, Palm Beach
Tucked directly on the beach, Palm Beach Surf Club has a unique ocean outlook, with sweeping views all the way to Surfers Paradise to the left and Currumbin’s Elephant Rock on the right.
An alfresco dining area allows guests to soak up the shoreline scenery while munching on an extensive menu with all the surf club classics.
The club also has a strong focus on Nippers, getting kids involved in water safety and surf lifesaving from the under sixes to under 15s, where they are encouraged to join the senior club and assist in patrols.
9. Coolangatta Surf Life Saving Club
LOCATION: Marine Parade & Dutton Street, Coolangatta
Steve Edgar took over the reins at Coolangatta in September, replacing the previous general manager who had been there for 18 years.
It seems to be an ongoing theme that surf club employees love their gig.
“It’s just fantastic,” Steve says.
“You get to look over the beach every day and generally people are in a really nice chilled, relaxed mood.”
He says, although there is a division between the hospitality and lifesaving sides, both parts of their organisation come together well.
“All clubs have a strong purpose — I don’t know anyone who doesn’t appreciate what surf lifesavers do. Our club is really strong with integrating the two sides.”
8. Mermaid Beach Surf Life Saving Club
LOCATION: 172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach
General manager of hospitality Leigh Minogue says their humble little restaurant pumps out up to 1400 meals a week, which has a hugely positive impact on the lifesaving portion of the business.
“Unlike the larger clubs we’re more of a locals’ club, serving up great food and cold beer.
Situated on Hedges Avenue some of our best supporters are the guys on Millionaire’s Row. Even though we’re just a little club, we pride ourselves on our hospitality.
Our signature dishes would definitely be our sea salt and black cracked pepper calamari and our coconut barramundi. When it comes time to do a menu change there’s six or seven things we can’t even touch ... we would get crucified.”
7. Talle Surf Club
LOCATION: 1505 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
To cater for their rapidly growing memberships, Club Talle has a $3 million development in the works.
First proposed in 2015, the renovations were confirmed last year and will start at the end of January.
Club president Mark Willoughby has said their club wasn’t equipped to accommodate their growing membership base of more than 6600 and counting.
While members will be waiting a while for their new club to be unveiled, they’re still innovating at Club Talle, with the addition of tank beer brewing, which allows guests to drink fresh beer straight from the brewery.
6. Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club
LOCATION: Beachside, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach
Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club was officially given the green light for its multimillion-dollar redevelopment back in 2015, and less than a month ago the project was completed.
The new and improved clubhouse features three levels, a foyer, cafe, meeting rooms, gym, restaurant, a function centre and a training room.
President Michael McSweeney says the project was 15 years in the making and, of all the developments, he’s glad they can finally fit in all the surf lifesaving equipment they use to keep our beaches safe.
5. BMD Northcliffe Surf Life Saving Club
LOCATION: 51 Garfield Terrace, Surfers Paradise
Operating since 1947, BMD Northcliffe has amassed some impressive achievements.
“We actually have 14,410 club members and 1006 active members who give up their time to volunteer and keep our beaches safe,” marketing manager Jacqueline Chapman says.
“We have 29 patrol teams that patrol from mid-September to the end of May. We’re also the world champions in surf lifesaving. Our calibre of elite athletes is very high, and we’ve held that accolade since 2006 and the Australian championship since 2004.”
A few surf lifesaving stars who compete for Northcliffe include Shannon and Caine Eckstein, Daniel Mackenzie, Maddy Dunn, Courtney Hancock and Harriet Brown.
4. Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park Surf Life Saving Club
LOCATION: Goodwin Terrace and Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
This surf club is so close to the water you can practically feel the sea spray in the air.
General manager Nick Owens says, while their location certainly doesn’t hurt, the staff and service are his biggest priority.
“Whenever I’m hiring I say to people are you a nice person? You can teach anyone to carry a plate and serve a beer but you can’t teach someone to be nice. It sounds crazy but I’ve always lived by that philosophy. If you can get people who are genuinely decent the customers can feel it. Obviously being in Burleigh on the corner here helps. A lot of people are in the industry are members because they like to know the dollars are going to a worthwhile cause.”
3. Southport Surf Life Saving Club
LOCATION: MacArthur Parade, Main Beach
This surf lifesaving club has a rich history dating back to 1924 when a group of men decided to form the club to help prevent deaths in the water. In 1936 the original clubhouse was destroyed by a cyclone, but the town council decided to rebuild in the location where it stands now.
It cost 1469 pounds 14 shillings and 6 pence ($2939.45) and was opened January 1937.
Since 1924, membership has grown from 20 to more than 6000, the club has become a world champion in competition and kept the beach fatality free within the patrolled area.
2. Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Life Saving Club
LOCATION: 741 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
This club isn’t far off celebrating a century of saving lives, and CEO Michael Sullivan says celebrate they shall.
“The club started in 1919, so we’re coming up to our 1oo-year celebrations,” he says.
“We’re inviting all the past members back for a gala ball, potentially a golf day and a cocktail party.”
Michael says for the Currumbin Beach Vikings, surf lifesaving is a proud tradition.
“I think that is apparent in the family vibe of the club, we really have a good culture among the junior members in the Nippers section,” he says.
“We have second and third generations of families in the club and they stay in the club. It helps to keep that Currumbin identity and unique feel.”
1. North Burleigh Surf Life Saving Supporters Club
LOCATION: 293 The Esplanade, Miami
At the southern base of Miami Hill, a lookout responsible for some of the most jaw-dropping views on the Gold Coast, you’ll find North Burleigh Surf Life Saving Club.
Just a stone’s throw from the sand, the club was established in 1949 and is still going strong.
“Our motto is N.O.N.E. — Not One Not Ever,” marketing manager Carly Way says.
“There have been no lives lost at North Burleigh in that time, which we’re very proud of.”
Of course this wouldn’t be possible without the other side of the business, which puts the lifesavers on the beach.
“In terms of the operations, there are two sides — there’s the surf lifesaving side, which is patrol, nippers and first aid,” Carly says.
“Then there’s the supporter side — the bar, restaurant, gaming and functions. One can’t exist without the other.
“All money raised through sales and profits goes to putting lifesavers on the beach.
“Without people coming in and enjoying a schnitzel and a beer we wouldn’t be able to. So you should feel good about eating that parmi.”
Whether we realise it or not, Carly says we all need lifesavers.
“Aside from the prime real estate, which gives it a casual and relaxed vibe, people feel good about supporting a charity and a program that does good,” she says.
“Everybody knows somebody who’s been in a scary situation in the surf and has had to ask for help. That’s when they realise there’s value in the service. It really does save lives.”
In celebration of the marriage equality act, this week North Burleigh Surf Life Saving Supporters Club launched a competition for same sex marriage couples. The winner will receive a full wedding package to the value of $15,000.
Top five burgers on the Gold Coast named
This northern Gold Coast burger joint has been named the best in the region for the second year in a row. Find out who won.
Top five spray tanners on the Gold Coast
A mobile spray tanning business has been named the best in the region, securing 34 per cent of Bulletin reader-voted poll. Find out more.