Our Community

Merewether Surfboard Club

The roots of the Club trace back to the original 'Merewether Board Club', which transcended in January 1960 under the guidance of Jim Newburn's father, Jim Snr. This collective evolved into the 'Beachniks', an eclectic group of trailblazers who shaped the Merewether surf scene for years to come. Although the Newcastle Surf Association was established in 1963, formal organization at Merewether didn't solidify until June 1964 and has since gone on to become one of the most recognisable and cutthroat competitive powerhouses, it is now considered a heavyweight of board rider clubs to date.

Merewether isn’t just a club competitive powerhouse it’s much more than that, it’s all about mateship and surfing! No matter the conditions you will see everyone give it their all with this sense of passion bringing its fair share of professional surfers. This is merely evidenced by the man the myth the legend 4 time world champion Mark Richards and such other surfers as Matt Hoy, Sam Egan, Ryan Callinan, Jacko baker and Morgan Cibillic to name a few.

Not only is Merewether Board riders a surfers dream it was declared in March 2009 a National Surfing Reserve, due to the recognition of cultural and historical significance to Australian Surfing.

2010 the Club created a Hall of Fame for a truly exceptional core of surfers who have performed with rare distinction. The ten chosen as the first inductees for the Hall of Fame are not only brilliant surfers and individuals within the context of Merewether Surfboard Club, but are known and held in the highest regard in all corners of the surfing planet: Robbie Wood, Jim Newburn, Peter Cornish, Roger Clements, Mark Richards, Nick Wood, Simon Law, Luke Egan, Matt Hoy and Chad Edser. Celebrating 50 years in 2014 the Club was awarded the Australian Surfboard Club of the Year – Simon Anderson Surfing Australia Award.

Since the takeover of Slimes Boardstore Newcastle via the prolific A team of the North, Mick Adam and Tim Dickson, they have established themselves as not only honourable board club members but avid sponsors of MSC. With this continued support we have seen the board club power through and lift to become one of the powerhouses of the Australian Surf Scene.

She & the Sea Women's Boardriders

She & The Sea was established in 2022 by none other than the core lord and was amazing woman Elkie Ryssenbeek. The idea for the boardriders club was to be avibrant surfing club where the salty breeze whispers tales of passion and camaraderie. It's not just about riding the waves; it's about diving headfirst into a community where every woman finds her wave, her tribe, her joy.

Since the inaugural season the club numbers have risen in leaps and bounds and has truly established itself as an all-inclusive fun vibrant club within the Newcastle community. It has started to garner attention for women all around Newcastle and continues to keep bringing the froth to allow more people to learn the love of the ocean and muster up great friendships.

Since the start up Slimes Newcastle has been an ongoing sponsor and continues to support women’s surfing in the Newcastle community, whilst seeing She and the Sea establishing itself as core board riders club and continuing to assert dominance on the local scene.

Surfing the Spectrum

Surfing the Spectrum is not just about catching waves; it's about catching smiles and creating unforgettable experiences. Founded on the belief that everyone deserves the chance to connect with the ocean and each other, Surfing the Spectrum is a pioneering initiative that brings together children with autism and local surfers for free surf lessons.

Co-founders Aimee & Thalia understand the profound therapeutic effects that water experiences can have, especially for children on the autism spectrum. The ocean's rhythm offers a unique source of sensory and emotional regulation, making it an ideal environment for personal growth and exploration. By harnessing the power of the waves, surfing the spectrum aims to provide more than just surfing lessons; it aims to create a space where children can thrive, feel empowered, and build lasting memories.

Surfing the Spectrum is more than just about surfing; it's about fostering inclusion, promoting ocean awareness, and ensuring water safety for all. Through partnerships with local surf schools and communities, they strive to break down barriers and create opportunities for children of all abilities to come together, learn from each other, and celebrate the beauty of the ocean.

Slimes Newcastle also helps with sponsorship nights that Surfing the Spectrum host with raffle prizes and next level products to bid on with all proceeds going to Surfing the Spectrum. Not only that but for every second-hand board that is sold in Slimes Newcastle, Surfing the Spectrum will gain $10 which over time has managed to help build a solid foundation for STS to thrive in the surfing community.