North Avoca - A Snapshot of Our History

• North Avoca Surf Life Saving Club was unofficially founded in 1952 in the garage of Don Davies and officially founded in 1956.
• Lance Dyer was elected the club's first president.
• The first club house was an old wooden shed situated next to Ian Morrison's garage.
• The Clubhouse was completed on site and officially opened on the 9th March, 1966 - it was valued at $25,000.
• The club's first boat was a white timber planked style that took 20 men to lift.
• Our first surfboards were made by Ian Morrison and were 10ft long plywood, weighing 15lbs each.
• The first Balsa surfboard was owned by Alan Smith, prior to that he used a plywood paddle board - 1 metre wide.
• 1965 saw the North Avoca Sandcrabs (nippers) established.
• 'Big John' the club's first branch boat was purchased in 1972 for $2,000 with the assistance of East Gosford Rotary Club.
• The club's first surfboard - 'Miss Surf' was destroyed in 1974 in a trailer accident.  It was rescued, dismantled and mounted for use as the bar in the original clubhouse.
• Women were elected as Office Bearers for the first time in 1979.
• North Avoca Boardriders was formed in 1980 by two locals, Wally McGill and Allen Harris.  In 1981 when short of active members, the surf club merged with the board riders who assisted in patrols.
• Balmain Leagues Club inspired the Club's colours after a donation.
• 4th December, 1999 Mayor Chris Holstein opened the new clubhouse.

  Outstanding Performances:

  • First Australian Medal - awarded to John 'Shamus' O'Reilly in 1966, Silver for Pillow Fight.
  • The club's first state title awarded to Paul Johnson (Jnr, non comp surf race) and Steven Yeo - 1o years Surf Race (1968).
  • In 1967-68 Paul Johnston & M. Chadwick selected in Branch Representative Team.
  • 1974 - Shamus O'Reilly awarded a bravery medal after being involved in a rescue which resulted in loss of life off the rocks at North Avoca.
  • 1982-3 Paul Johnston won gold medals in open belt, restricted surf & veteran surf races at the Branch Titles and is selected in Branch Team to tour USA.
  • 1991-92 first junior State Medallists:  Silver to Bianca Johnston & Nathan Justin.
  • 1992 Club Captain, Gordon Crabb is selected in Branch Team touring Canada & USA.
  • 1992-93 North Avoca awarded 2nd place - Club of the Year
  • Chantelle Veness awarded the Central Coast Cadet of the Year in 1995.
  • 1996 Jeremy Veness awarded Central Coast Champion Lifesaver.
  • Steve Selby, Steve Veness & Chantelle Veness all selected in NSW State Team touring South Africa.
  • 1996-97 North Avoca wins Club of the Year and receives a new IRB.
  • 1999 - Steve Selby awarded Central Coast Surf Life Saver of the Year.
  • Paul Johnston awarded Australian Sports Medal 2001.
  • 2000-01 Andrew Pinnock wins an Australian Medal.
  • 2005-06 Julie Jowett wins gold at World Champs for Beach Sprint & Flags.
  • 2005-06 North Avoca placed 3rd in Club of the Year.
  • 2005-06 Les Sinfield wins Assessor of the Year (Central Coast Awards).
  • 2006-07 Julie Jowett current Club/Branch/State/Australian & World Champs holder for the beach sprint/flags in her age division - a unique and remarkable achievement.