The Southern Ocean Union of Longboarders (SOUL) is celebrating its 15th year since formation in 2004.
It has been part of the local surf and beach scene since, and runs monthly comps from February until November each year.
SOUL recently held its AGM and formed a new committee and president. For the last three years, life member Paul Fletcher has led the club as president and was acknowledged during the AGM.
This year there has been some changes for SOUL with long-time committee member, and life member, Andy Brown taking over as president. Andy has had a lot of experience in leadership having run his own local business and been a major stakeholder in seeing the development and improvement of longboard surfing in the community.
Chad McLauchlan will step up this year and take on both the secretary and the vice-president role with an eye on the future with the club.
David Gibson will continue in his role as treasurer.
Contest Director will be long-time member, ex-president and life member Brian Tucker.
Other committee positions will be filled by Simon Thorne, Simon Johnston, John Mercer and Tim Edwards
SOUL is kicking off its competition season on 9 February at Ocean Grove Main Beach.
Over the last few years, SOUL has had a focus on developing its juniors and women’s division. Since its inception the club has been successful, having had three national champions, multiple state champions and more importantly providing a fun, family friendly club that celebrates traditional and progressive longboarding.
SOUL will hold the Interstate Longboard Challenge (ILC) on 6 February. This will be the 8th running of the event between SOUL and the Maladjusted Longboard Club from South Australia. Each club takes turns to hold the event which is aimed at broadening the comradery and friendship between the clubs.
New sponsors are Speakys Surf and Skate Geelong, Bakers Delight Market Place Ocean Grove, Zebra Bar and Bistro Ocean Grove and Benno’s Meating Place Barwon Heads.
This season SOUL is providing a free Under 16 junior expression session for the first two club competitions. Surfers in the expression session heats do not need to be members and can surf minimal, longboard, or any board they wish and can be assisted by a parent. The Under 16 competitors receive a free sausage and drink.
The club will also continue its Micro Grom sessions (with parent assist) and also receive a sausage and drink.
Memberships are available through the Facebook page: single $50, family (2) $70 (additional members $5). Members receive a SOUL T-shirt, sticker, and insurance.
Contact president Andrew Brown 0419-995 977or secretary Chad McLauchlan 0418-108 211
