Serving the community

since 1950

HISTORY

Clubbies were originally stationed in a tent in the camping ground with lifeguards sitting atop a wooden tower whilst on patrol. Progressing to operating from a small shed situated where the public toilets beside the Club are currently located.

Construction of the Surf Club building as we currently know it, started in 1959 thanks to a loan of $4,500 from the Waitemata County Council. Through hours of volunteer labour by members, donations from local businesses and revenue generated from the adjacent roller skating rink, the loan was repaid in full prior to the Surf Club officially opening its doors.

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.

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.