Cronulla institution: Southside Malibu Club’s 40 years of longboard surfing

The Southside Malibu Club is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The club, which was established in 1984 at the rebirth of the longboard surfing era, has become a Cronulla institution.

It is the second longest running longboard club in the country, surpassed only by the legendary Byron Bay club. It is southern Sydney’s leading longboard club and holds monthly club rounds at Wanda. The club is affiliated with Surfing Sutherland Shire, and it provides its members with a social yet still competitive surfing environment and the club’s major sponsors are two local businesses, Cronulla RSL Club and VMD Packaging.

The club was formed after local surfer Dave Ryan competed in the Byron Bay Malibu Classic in 1982 and 1984, which was the largest longboard competition in Australia at the time. It was at the 1984 Byron Bay presentation at The Railway Hotel Byron Bay that Dave announced that he would start a similar club on the southside of Sydney based at Cronulla.

The club was formed 1984 and their first presentation Night was held at the Hotel Cecil. Local surf board makers Jackson’s and Gordon Smith helped out with board prizes. The club sponsors in 1985 were Malibu Rum and Okanui clothing with Malibu Rum donated a large canvas competition tent with their branding and the club name prominently displayed. Club member numbers continued to grow rapidly as longboarding grew in popularity.

Founding 40 year member Rod Menzies said the club has been a big part of his life.

“Over this time I have found the friendship and camaraderie to be excellent,” he said.

“There has always been a strong club ethic, and competitive drive.

“These later years we have seen more women and girls join which is great to see and the young members are the heart and soul of the club and because of them I can see a great future for the club.

“Upwards and onwards Southside, nothing but blue sky ahead!”

The club has produced quite a few NSW and Australian Champions over the years whilst still maintaining its friendly family oriented vibe and strong membership numbers.
Multiple Club longboard Champion Brad Whittaker was unbeaten for six years, before taking a hiatus then returning to win his seventh crown- he then backed up to win the inaugural Loggers division.

The Southside Loggers division, requires surfers to use traditional 1960s style boards over 9ft in length and with a single fin only. They also have a Southside Lady Longboarders division, and welcome more to join. Visit: southsidemalibuclub.com or Instagram and Facebook.

Story by : John Veage / Images: Provided