Serving the community

since 1950

HISTORY

Back in the 1950’s, six passionate clubbies were originally stationed in a tent in the Orewa camping ground sparked a movement that would shape the beach forever. With nothing but a borrowed surf reel and a dream, they laid the foundation for what would become the Ōrewa Surf Life Saving Club. During this time Lifeguards patrolled the beach from a tower made from driftwood and donated materials. The 1950s were a golden era of growth, grit, and grassroots community spirit for the Orewa Surf Club.

By 1957 summer patrols saw clubbies storing skis and reels in a lean-to of a humble sand-floored shed sleeping 12 people with six bunks. The shed was located where the public toilets currently are next to the club. These early days were all about grit, community and a love for the ocean.

From 1954 to 1958, the club transformed from a humble beachside outpost into a respected community cornerstone - thanks to the incredible support of local families like the Kelleways, Pearsons, Nevilles, Dicksons, Hoppers, and many more. These families didn’t just lend a hand - they helped build a legacy. Their dedication laid the foundation for a club that still thrives today, with some members and their descendants still proudly involved.

With most active members traveling from the North Shore and Auckland suburbs, the need for on-site sleeping quarters became clear. But building on Crown land wasn’t easy. It took multiple trips to Wellington by Alf Tate, Zoff Grant, and John Chapman—and the support of Norm King MP—to finally secure approval from the Commissioner of Crown Lands.

The turning point came in 1958, when fundraising efforts including revenue generated from the skating rink and raffles led to the construction of a proper clubhouse. Thanks to the tireless work of John K. Chapman and Zoff Grant, hours of volunteer labour by members, support from locals and a loan of $4,500 from the Waitemata County Council, the dream became reality with construction of the Ōrewa Surf Life Saving Club building as we currently know starting in 1959.

The decade ended with the grand opening of the new club in 1960. This was more than just a surf club - it was a movement powered by passion, persistence, and people who believed in something bigger than themselves. On Labour Weekend 1960, the Ōrewa Surf Lifesaving Club officially opened its doors - debt-free and built with love, sweat, and donated materials.

The original structure is still incorporated into the present building and would have been roughly where the restaurant is today. The upstairs addition came in the 1970’s, with further additions being added in the 1990’s.

In the early years the rip from the estuary was sent northwards as the tide went out, the rip ended where the clubhouse is today , hence the location. 30-40 rescues a year were performed as a result of this rip tide. In 1964 the council asked the Navy to blast a channel in the rock to send the tide out to sea. While this did make the beach safer, the resulting erosion continues to be a challenge to this day.

Women were allowed to join the club as active members for the first time in 1972/73 and then the club added a Junior Surf section in 1974/75. Originally most members came from Auckland but since the late 1970s as the population of Orewa grew, more and more of the members were from the local community.

Over the years the Club has performed over 1100 rescues in addition to countless other actions (First Aids, Preventative Actions, etc).

2026 will bring development of the new Ōrewa Surf Life Saving Club Community Hub building.