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About Surfing New Zealand |
Surfing was introduced to New Zealand by Duke Kahanamoku at Lyall Bay Wellington in February 1915 while he was in the country for a series of swimming exhibitions. The arrival of two American surfers Bing Copeland and Rick Stoner in 1958 was a further milestone for rise of surfing on our shores. Surfing New Zealand was formed in 1963 after the first National Championships were held at Mount Maunganui. The organisation was formed to act as the body who administers surfing in the country. Surfing as a sport incorporates shortboard surfing, longboard surfing, bodyboarding and kneeboarding.
As a national organisation, Surfing New Zealand provides the framework for the targets outlined in the Strategic Plan to be achieved. Surfing New Zealand recognises the need to provide long-term direction to the sport and also the advocacy arms embraced by our organisational structure. Strategic thinking sets the platform for growth across the various disciplines of surfing by focusing and synergising our energies towards common strategic goals.
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| Surfing NZ Office - Raglan - New Zealand |
Surfing is one of New Zealand’s most popular recreational activities with in excess of 200,000 people taking part every year (SPARC 2001 survey).
The development of surfing as a sport in New Zealand has gained momentum over the years. Sport and physical recreation trends in New Zealand continue to change and these changes will have a major influence on the sport of surfing. With the huge power of the surf industry and success of our top athletes on the international stage, Surfing New Zealand has had to increase its services to foster more and better surfers, coaches and administrators. As more opportunities open up, the job will become even more daunting, but it's our job ... and our passion.
Surfing New Zealand is a unique national organisation in that our strategic plan and operations embrace not only the sport and recreation sectors of surfing, but also encompasses the very environment that we rely on for our beloved sport. Surfing New Zealand is therefore positioned to bring about significant economic, environmental, educational, health and social benefits for New Zealanders. Surfing New Zealand core operational areas include:
Infrastructure
A centralised structure that integrates all disciplines of the sport and enables the strategic goals of the association to be achieved.
Events
Development and delivery of high quality national and international events for all disciplines. Establishment of strategic alliances with the surfing industry.
Junior
Establishing programmes and events to develop junior surfing from community level participation to talent identification and development to elite level international surfing.
Communications & Marketing
Communication and promotion of the sport of surfing through raised public awareness and media profile. Developing products/events that will meet market demand and generate sustainable revenue for Surfing New Zealand.
High Performance
Establishing a High Performance Programme for all disciplines.
Technical
Technical advice to support the delivery of surfing events and participation to all regions of New Zealand. Provide technical support to clubs, coaches, officials and administrators.
Advocacy
Establishing strategies and initiatives to ensure the sustainable use of the ocean environmentSurfing New Zealand is affiliated to the International Surfing Association (ISA) which is based in La Jolla, California, USA. The ISA is recognised by the International Olympic Committee.
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