Matakana Island School's Young Surfers Get a Boost with New Gear
Matakana Island School is buzzing with excitement as the Bay Boardriders surfing club has donated 36 surfboards and over 120 wetsuits to the community. This generous contribution aims to empower local children and their families to enjoy the sport of surfing.
The island, located in Tauranga Harbour, has seen a growing interest in surfing among its youth, thanks to the efforts of South Pacific Surf owner-operator Travis McCoy and his team. McCoy, a dedicated surf trainer, was approached by the Matakana Island iwi four years ago to teach local children the art of surfing.
Since then, he has been offering weekly lessons during the summer mornings of terms 1 and 4. McCoy's unique teaching style involves arriving at the beach on his jetski, accompanied by the surfboards and wetsuits provided by the South Pacific Surf crew. Over time, he noticed a consistent attendance and growing enthusiasm from the children.
Now, with the Bay Boardriders' donation, McCoy hopes that the seeds of surfing passion planted four years ago will flourish and benefit the younger generations for years to come. The Bay Boardriders, a dedicated club member, James Jacob, highlighted the island's world-class surf break and the limited number of local surfers. The club's mission is to enable more kids and parents to try the sport, as many currently lack the necessary equipment.
The donated gear includes children's boards, shortboards, and mini Malibu boards, along with wetsuits and vests in various sizes, catering to both juniors and adults. The Bay Boardriders plan to organize lessons in the new year, teaching kids, parents, and teachers how to surf and identify ideal conditions. This initiative will not only enhance surfing skills but also promote water safety.
Ripeka Murray, the principal of Matakana Island School, expressed her gratitude for the donated surf gear, which has been on the school's wish list. She emphasized the strong connection between the island's children and the surrounding ocean, yet acknowledged the limited access to proper equipment and safe instruction. Murray highlighted the financial and accessibility barriers that many whānau face, making surfing equipment and lessons unaffordable and inaccessible.
The donated boards will be a shared resource for the school, allowing students to participate regularly, learn water safety, and develop their surfing skills over time. Many students already have a deep connection with the ocean, gathering kaimoana or swimming. Murray believes that surfing is a natural extension of their relationship with Tangaroa, the Māori god of the ocean.
The Bay Boardriders' donation has opened up a world of opportunities for Matakana Island School's students, ensuring that surfing becomes a realistic and safe activity for all, regardless of their financial means.
