The Coffs Harbour Boardriders Club 2025 Presentation Night at the Hoey Moey was nothing short of epic.
The CHBC helpers and work crew wasted no time transforming the venue, filling the Hoey Moey with festive Boardriders cheer. A huge thank you goes to Nikki, whose precision organisation and tireless behind-the-scenes efforts ensured the afternoon ran seamlessly from start to finish.
Proceedings kicked off with John “The Real John McEnroe” Machon setting the tone as MC. This year’s theme, “Come As Your Initials,” delivered in style, with creative and hilarious costumes filling the room and setting the scene for a fun, relaxed celebration. Life Members were proudly recognised for their long-standing contributions to the club.
The 2025 Committee was congratulated for another strong year, with heartfelt acknowledgements for those stepping down, followed by the announcement of the 2026 Committee.
Andrew Lindsay
Ricky Grimson
Todd Crowley
Pete Lancaster
Emma Dean
Rochelle Martin
The newly appointed 2026 Committee were then invited to the front of the stage and officially introduced.
President – Carly White
Vice President – Bryn Goode
Chairperson – Maddison Williams
Secretary – Keah Harrigan
Treasurer – Jonathan Pettigrew
Competition Director – Niwa
Sponsorship – Bryn Goode / Brad Rathbone
Marketing – Brad Rathbone (Sea Chapel)
Senior Head Judge – Pete Courtney
Secondary Head Judge – Jimmy Hill
Catering – Alexia Cutterbuck
Events – Tracey Schultz / Nikki Crowley
Junior Development Manager – TBA
Assistant Competition Director – Steve Dean
Additional Competition Director – Ian Klaus
Equipment – Ryan Hoy
First Aid – Kate Blair, Nikki Crowley, Reagan Morrison
Prizes – Tammy Henderson
Heat Draw Coordinator – Ian Klaus / Keah Harrigan
Life Member Manager – Lauryn Nicholls
Merchandise – Steve Dean
MC Coordinator – John Machon
Rashies – Natalie Janus
Photography – Brad Rathbone (Sea Chapel)
Beach Marshals – Amy Goode, Kate Blair, Cath Lewis
Hoey Raffles – Sheree
Frother Facilitator – Steve Dean
Lucky door prizes followed, with Big Banana passes up for grabs and an awesome PK Big Ripper, generously donated by Al and Caroline from Ventoux Cycles.
Steve Dean then presented the Ice Graphic Frothers and Encouragement Awards, always a highlight of the afternoon and a true reflection of the club’s inclusive spirit.
From there, the event rolled straight into the main event — the placings.
All division placegetters received a sponsor goodie bag, along with the following prizes:
$100 Coopers Surf voucher for 4th place
$150 FCS voucher
$200 wetsuit vouchers
Surfboards for selected divisions
4th – Bodhi Spencer
3rd – Bodhi Pelmore
2nd – Hudson Matthews
1st – Neo Pelmore (JS Surfboard)
5th – Stevie Janus
4th – Grace Crowley
3rd – Claire Carrie
2nd – Lottie Ralston
1st – Ivy Shanahan (JS Surfboard)
4th – Austin Reynolds
3rd – Paddy Hammond
2nd – Max McCarthy
1st – Jet Dean
Voting then opened for Best Dressed, with awards presented for:
Best Dressed Grom
Best Dressed Adult Male
Best Dressed Adult Female
4th – Zavier Hill
3rd – Jack Hammond
2nd – Otis Harrigan
1st – Huwyn Batcheldor (JS Surfboard)
4th – Hendrix Janus
3rd – Sage Lewis
2nd – Max Crowley
1st – Jarrah White (Sharpeye Surfboard)
4th – Alana Archer
3rd – Elise Carrie
2nd – Sage White
1st – Matilda Harrigan (Sharpeye Surfboard)
6th – Ruby Greenaway
5th – Dylan Hitchcock
4th – Sara Bergen
3rd – Dane Magill
2nd – Guy Thio
1st – Emil Burton (Firewire Surfboard)
4th – Bryn Goode
3rd – Daniel Stone
2nd – Ricky Grimson
1st – Jay White (JS Surfboard)
4th – Keah Harrigan
3rd – Lyla Freudenstein
2nd – Sasha Lewis
1st – Carly White (JS Surfboard)
4th – Callum Mackie
3rd – Ryan Hoy
2nd – Isaac Harrigan
1st – Jack Morrison (Firewire Surfboard)
4th – Hamish Harrigan
3rd – Tom Warner
2nd – Benji Lowen
1st – Creed Smart (Sharpeye Surfboard)
We proudly recognise a surfing pioneer and true Coffs Harbour legend, Hilary Melita. Her passion, talent, and commitment helped elevate women’s surfing in our region and inspired generations to follow.
This perpetual trophy represents excellence, resilience, and competitive spirit — qualities Hilary embodied throughout her surfing life.
Recipient – Carly White
We honour the legacy of John Blanch, one of the earliest members of the original Boardriders Club and a foundational figure in Coffs Harbour’s surf culture. A passionate surfer and skilled board shaper, John helped build the roots of our local surfing community.
This award is presented to the highest-placed Under 18 competitor.
Recipient – Benji Lowen
A special moment followed with the introduction of a new perpetual trophy, generously donated by Shirley Rose-Ashdown.
Affectionately known as the Fairy Godmother of CHBC, Shirley’s guidance, encouragement, and belief in young surfers helped shape the strong family culture our club is known for today. This award is presented annually to the highest-ranked male junior surfer.
Recipient – Jarrah White
Achievements include:
1st Place – Rip Curl OzGrom Search
1st Place – Slash & Bash
Qualified for the World ISA Games
Currently ranked 10th in Australia for Under 18s
Recipient – Benji Lowen
Recipient – Bryn Goode
A truly special moment followed with the induction of a new Life Member, Tony Nolan, presented by Life Member Coordinator Lauryn Nicholls.
Born and raised in Coffs Harbour, Tony grew up immersed in the ocean, learning to swim at Coffs Pool and surfing Diggers Beach with his brothers in the mid-1970s. From shared boards and dusty drives in the family Holden to committee roles and shared presidencies, Tony’s lifelong contribution to surfing and community is undeniable.
A proud Coffs Harbour waterman, Tony continues to live his love for the ocean through surfing, fishing, and snorkelling.
The afternoon concluded with a special acknowledgement of the women who support and contribute so much behind the scenes — the backbone of the CHBC family — who were invited on stage and presented with flowers as a thank you.
Thanks to everyone for an incredible year. We look forward to an exciting 2026.
