Imagine a group of kids on a remote island, their dreams of riding the waves kept ashore by a lack of equipment. But that's all about to change! Thanks to a generous donation, the children of Matakana Island School are now riding high, thanks to a fantastic initiative that's bringing the joy of surfing to their doorstep.
The Bay Boardriders surfing club, in a heartwarming act of community spirit, coordinated the donation of 36 surfboards and over 120 wetsuits. This incredible gift is set to transform the lives of young people on the island, located in Tauranga Harbour, who have been developing a keen interest in surfing.
This story begins with Travis McCoy, the owner-operator of South Pacific Surf. Four years ago, he was approached by Matakana Island iwi to teach local children how to surf. He started offering weekly lessons during the summer months of terms 1 and 4.
Every week, McCoy would arrive on his jetski, greeted by enthusiastic students eager to hit the waves with boards and wetsuits provided by his crew. He noticed the children's growing passion and dedication, as they returned week after week.
"Now, with the help of the Bay Boardriders giving all this amazing surf equipment to the local iwi, I hope the seed we planted four years ago grows, and it starts bleeding down into the younger generations for many years to come," McCoy said.
But here's where it gets exciting: The Bay Boardriders themselves journeyed to Matakana Island to deliver the gear. James Jacob, a club member, highlighted that while the island boasts a world-class surf break, the number of local surfers was surprisingly low. Their goal? To empower more kids and parents to experience the thrill of surfing.
"At the moment, a lot of them don’t have surfboards or wetsuits,” Jacob said.
With this new equipment, the islanders can now enjoy the waves whenever they please, without relying solely on occasional surf lessons. The donation included a variety of boards, from kids' boards to mini Malibus, along with wetsuits and vests in all sizes, catering to both juniors and adults.
In the new year, the team plans to organize lessons on Matakana Island, teaching kids, parents, and teachers the fundamentals of surfing and how to identify ideal surfing conditions.
Ripeka Murray, the principal of Te Kura o te Moutere o Matakana, Matakana Island School, expressed her delight at receiving the surf gear, especially considering McCoy's regular lessons.
"We recognise how strongly our tamariki connect to the moana that surrounds our moutere [island], yet how limited their access is to the proper equipment," she said.
And this is the part most people miss: For a small, isolated school like theirs, access to quality boards, wetsuits, and safe instruction has always been a challenge. The cost of surfing equipment and the logistical hurdles of traveling to places like Mount Maunganui for lessons or gear have also been significant barriers.
"Even though the moana is right at our doorstep, the lack of proper equipment limits our ability to safely and consistently introduce surfing to all students.”
The donations will eliminate these financial and accessibility obstacles, making surfing a realistic and safe opportunity for all students, not just those with the means. With shared equipment available at the school, students can participate regularly, learn water safety, and hone their skills over time.
Many of the students already spend a lot of time in the water, gathering kaimoana or swimming. Murray sees surfing as a natural extension of their connection with Tangaroa, the Māori god of the ocean.
What do you think? Do you believe that access to sports equipment can significantly impact a community? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
