Fiji has a rich history of surfing dating back to the 1980s. I thought I would take the chance to highlight the Boardriding Clubs in Fiji starting with the “West Side Chargers”

HOW IT STARTED?

The West Side Chargers was formed in 1999 and Ian Muller along with Romeo McKellar were part of the executives. They were very active with beach clean ups, family days, fundraisers, junior surf developments, junior comps, learn to surf and girls surfing day’s.

The West Side Chargers participated and assisted in the FSA comps until 2003. They were sponsored by Viti Surf Legend. (Fiji Surf Co) The Chargers had tee shirts and singlets- Vests made for our West Side Chargers and were sold in the Surf Shop.

Although based in Nadi they had surfers from Nabila, Natadola Sanasana, Sigatoka Kulukulu all counting themselves as West Side Chargers especially when there was a FSA Comp. In 2003 and 2004 the Chargers staged VSL and Oakley sponsored event for Juniors, Under 10, under 15 and under 20. Surfers Paul Chongsue, Victor Maginnity and Che Slatter won a trip to Australia to compete and train. These and other surfers are part of the Fijian top surfers today.

REVIVAL

Unfortunately, like many clubs the volunteers burnt out and the West Side Chargers took a dive and became inactive in 2004. It was resurrected again after 10 years in the beginning of 2015 through the efforts of Ian and Romeo. Their new name became “Vodo Ua Boardriders”

Get your club to write a short story of your clubs history and send it to me and I’ll try and get it in this column.

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj