From IBC, we want to share some exciting news about a new tentative JUNIOR MEN RISING SERIES being organized by the Gold Coast Bodyboard Club, which is doing an awesome job, especially for the youth and bodyboarding in Australia.
TBC (To be Confirmed)
– Event Name: FUTURE PRO’S
– Date: July 5th and 6th
– Location: SOUTHERN GOLD COAST AUSTRALIA
– The location will be flexible, so we can offer the best possible conditions for the event. ( 1. Tugun Beach as the main spot / 2. Currumbin “Flat Rocks” and Palm Beach)
Keep in mind that throughout the season, more Rising Series events can be added to the IBC calendar, as the goal is to give juniors more opportunities in their countries. This new structure aims to cut down on costs and travel, allowing for more focus on academics. This way, they can earn points to qualify for one of the 48 spots in the grand final at the Gran Canaria Frontón King in October.
In this article, Silas Ganciar, president of the GCBC, shares all the info about the club, the work being done, and their future projects.
At IBC, we want to highlight the amazing work this club is doing, promoting and fighting for the future of our sport through various actions, dedication, and passion.
Introducing: “GCBC” Gold Coast Bodyboard Club!
- When was GCBC founded?
It has started in late 80s as Coolangatta Bodyboard Club and then it changed to Boarder South Bodyboard Club and in 2006 it’s became Gold Coast Bodyboard Club.
GCBC History
Since its establishment in 2006, the Gold Coast Bodyboard Club has been at the heart of competitive bodyboarding in the region. Over the years, while the club’s name and structure have evolved to accommodate a growing community, its core mission has remained unchanged—providing a platform for riders to progress and showcase their skills.
With Duranbah as its proving ground, the club quickly became a breeding ground for top talent. Early pioneers like Paul Barnard and Adam McNamara helped lay the foundation for what would become one of Australia’s most recognised bodyboarding communities.
Since those formative years, GCBC has continued to produce some of the sport’s biggest names, including:
– Michael Crawley, Mitch Rawlins, Matt Lackey, Greg Deeth, Nick Ormerod, Simon Ormerod, Dave Winchester, Joe Clarke, Tom Rigby.
Today, the Gold Coast Bodyboard Club remains dedicated to fostering the next generation of riders while celebrating the rich history and legacy of those who came before.
- How does GCBC see the possibility of hosting an IBC Junior Rising Series event in Australia?
GCBC is currently in negotiations to host an IBC Junior Rising Series event in Australia, which we see as a significant opportunity to further develop junior bodyboarding and provide young athletes with a direct pathway to the international stage.
Through the Future Pro’s Project, we have already established a platform that offers young riders a professional competition experience, helping them prepare for higher-level events. Hosting an IBC Junior Rising Series event would take this initiative to the next level, giving Australian juniors the chance to compete on a global scale without the financial strain of extensive travel.
Additionally, this event would reinforce the Gold Coast’s reputation as a premier bodyboarding destination, attracting international talent and creating new opportunities for both competitors and sponsors. With GCBC’s proven ability to deliver high-quality events, we are confident that, with the right support, we can successfully integrate this event into our calendar.
We look forward to continuing discussions with the IBC and potential partners to bring this vision to life.
- What’s the main goal of the club and how does it operate?
Club Mission
Improve quality of life within the Gold Coast community through actions related to active and healthy lifestyles through sport and positive life experience.
CLUB OBJECTIVES:
- To provide children, adults of all ages and abilities the opportunity to take part in competitive body boarding in a fun, safe and supervised environment.
- To create opportunities to all club members and their families to socialise via our club environment and other related club events.
- To educate and develop our club members according to the sport’s governing bodies’ competitive format.
- To coach and develop future World Champions.
- To provide the tools and facilities required for club members to reach their maximum potential.
- What actions have you taken so far at GCBC?
I started at GCBC in 2010, initially focusing on competing while balancing my studies during the day and work at night. After completing my Master’s in Convention and Event Management in 2012, I began attending the club’s annual general meetings and assisting with setting up and taking down marquees.
In 2014, I secured our longest-standing sponsor to date, Amazon Power Acai. Four years later, in 2018, I introduced the Stact App to the club, which I believe was the first instance of a club-level event in Australia using a digital scoring system.
In 2019, I was elected club President and began building strong relationships with key sponsors such as Inverted Bodyboard, Hubboards, and many others. In 2022, I organised the first edition of Future Pro’s, and in 2023, I brought back the Queensland Bodyboarding State Titles, which had previously been run by Surfing Queensland since 2015.
Since 2019, I have secured $16,200 in grants and $37,600 in sponsorships for the club.
- What do you think about the level of youth talent in Australia?
Australia is home to many talented young bodyboarders. This is why I created the Future Pro’s Project—to provide these athletes with the full experience of competing in a professionally organised bodyboarding event.
As a judge at the Australian Nationals, where riders from every state battle for the national title, I’ve always found great joy in judging the youth divisions. Their creativity and technical skills are truly impressive.
I believe Australia has at least five or six riders with the potential to compete in the Juniors Championship Race. I won’t mention names, but if you look at the Cadets and Juniors finalists from past editions of Future Pro’s, you’ll see them among the top contenders.
- Do you receive support from institutions, the bodyboard industry, or the Surfing Federation of Australia for projects like GCBC?
We receive significant financial support from Inverted, which has backed us in hosting special events such as Future Pro’s and the Queensland Bodyboarding State Titles, as well as providing products for the GCBC season. Additionally, we receive in-kind support from some other brands within the bodyboarding industry for our regular season.
Unfortunately, since 2019, there has been no dedicated national body for bodyboarding in Australia. The acting national body, Surfing Australia, does not provide any assistance to our sport.
For our special events, aside from Inverted Bodyboarding, Convict Bodyboarding and Lids Bodyboarding, we currently do not receive any financial support from the bodyboarding industry. I remain hopeful that this will change in the future, but until then, I will continue seeking partnerships outside the bodyboarding industry and pursuing government grants to support the club and it’s projects.
- This year, IBC World Tour has created a new structure to provide new opportunities for developing events. We’re currently in ongoing conversations with different clubs, associations, and federations around the world.
What do you think about this new IBC structure?
I believe this new IBC structure is a fantastic initiative that will create valuable opportunities for both promoters and competitors striving to reach the Bodyboard World Tour.
With rising travel costs, competing at an international level has become increasingly challenging—especially in a developing sport like bodyboarding, which doesn’t yet attract the same financial backing as surfing or skateboarding. Many athletes rely on strong performances at local events to fund their participation in future competitions.
By fostering more locally hosted events, this structure helps reduce travel expenses while giving riders much-needed exposure to a World Tour environment. For clubs and associations, it also provides an excellent opportunity to secure a tour event at a more sustainable cost, increasing their visibility and enhancing their ability to attract sponsors.
This initiative has the potential to strengthen the global bodyboarding community, making the sport more accessible and ensuring the next generation of athletes has a clear pathway to the world stage.
“Feel free to add any questions you think are relevant that I haven’t asked.”
The Gold Coast has long been a hub for aspiring bodyboarders, offering world-class waves, a thriving community, and an ideal training environment. Many international riders have chosen to live, study, and train here to develop their skills at a high level.
Some notable athletes who have spent time on the Gold Coast include:
- Pierre-Louis Costes: The two-time world champion from France lived on the Gold Coast when he was 17, refining the skills that would later define his career.
- Matias Dias: The talented Chilean bodyboarder spent a year on the Gold Coast, benefiting from its powerful waves.
- Kaito Sato: A rising star from Japan, Kaito had an incredible 2023 season, winning the Juniors division at Future Pro’s, the Pro Division at the Queensland Bodyboard State Titles, and the overall GCBC Season title.
These success stories highlight the Gold Coast’s reputation as a premier destination for international bodyboarders, offering not only world-class waves but also opportunities for growth, competition, and progression on the global stage.
- Here’s a space for you to thank, greet, or express anything you want:
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to every single GCBC club member who plays a role in keeping this club up and running, as well as to the families and volunteers who dedicate their time and effort to our community.
A special thank you to our amazing partners over the years—your support has been instrumental in allowing us to deliver the work we do and continue growing the sport.
I also want to acknowledge our incredibly talented graphic designer, Dane Beales, whose creativity and dedication have taken our brand to another level. Your work has been invaluable in shaping the club’s identity.
Thank you all for being part of this journey!
Instagram: gold_coast_bodyboard_club
Website: www.goldcoastbodyboardclub.com (under construction)
Facebook: Gold Coast Bodyboard ClubYouTube: @goldcoastbodyboardclub4009
Contact: president@goldcoastbodyboardclub.com
