Club History

The 1950’s saw Point Lookout’s first introduction to surf competition with nine members attending the Surfers Paradise Open Invitation carnival and the first Cylinder Beach patrol.

Club Captain, Roy Denman, was approached by Bertie Clayton of Clayton’s Guesthouse to patrol Cylinder Beach for his guests. Gear had to be carried to Cylinder by foot but the Club agreed to patrol from 10am to 2pm as a fundraiser, though this patrol was soon abandoned when Bertie neglected to pay. Regular Cylinder Beach patrols recommenced in December 1973.

The 1960s saw the Club’s first ever State Championship when Brian Goodger and Terry Daley won the inaugural S.W. Winders Shield for First Aid. This set the foundation for the Club’s commitment to Surf Rescue and First Aid competition resulting in many successes from the U14 to Open age groups at both State and National level.

The 60s also saw Point Lookout’s first Surf Girl entrant, Maree Kennedy, and the establishment of Nippers.

The Point Lookout Stradbroke Sharks “Nippers” Club commenced in October 1967, with Bram Thompson at the helm. At the time, only boys were eligible to join and only Stradbroke residents were members as Nippers was formed to “give Island boys an opportunity for organized healthy activity.” 

The 1970s heralded many changes for Point Lookout with the first female associate members being accepted in 1977, the first IRB (inflatable rescue boat) being purchased and the Club hosting its first South Coast Branch Titles.

Significant milestones include Point Lookout winning the Australian IRB Championships in 1997 and the first female Club Captain, Jenaya Bodger being elected in 2006.

Patrols are, and always will be, Point Lookout Surf Life Saving Club’s core business and with the introduction of the Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter Service, IRBs and jet skis club members have been able to refine their lifesaving skills making them a greater asset to both Point Lookout Surf Club and the visitors of North Stradbroke Island beaches.

Point Lookout Surf Life Saving Club is proud of its history, proud of its achievements and proud of its members as it continues to grow and develop and serve the community of North Stradbroke Island with Vigilance and Service.

Take a look at our History Book “60 years between the flags”