IMPORTANT MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

Surfing QLD has introduced a new, discounted club membership for all affiliated boardrider club surfers. This change brings surfing in line with other sports across QLD and ensures sustainable support for grassroots surfing, personal accident insurance, helps fund club operational support, judging, coaching and talent development, access to sanctioned events (formerly $66) and new individual club member benefits.

The $40 Individual membership is included now in your Boardrider Club membership.If you are a member of a Boardrider Club, please ensure you renew through your club to receive the discounted Surfing Queensland Club Membership.

You should only proceed with renewing a standalone Surfing Queensland Competitive Membership if you are not a member of a Club. This applies to coaches, judges, officials, or competitors who are not affiliated with a Boardrider Club but still require access to events, insurance and official pathways.

As a not-for-profit organisation, your membership plays an important role in supporting and growing the surfing community across Queensland.

Surfing Queensland Club Membership FAQ’s

What’s changing for QLD club surfers?

From 1 January 2026, Surfing Queensland (SQ) will introduce a new, discounted, Club Membership for all Boardrider Club surfers.

The fee will be transacted during the annual Boardrider Club registration process within their club registration costs through Just Go. In return for the fee, the individual will receive a suite of benefits. This will be known as Club Membership and will be a new category of SQ membership.

Why is SQ introducing Club Membership Fee?

Historically, SQ was structured as a large-scale events business, our capacity to support the club network has been limited.

Informed by best-practice across all other sports, the organisation is implementing a capitation model for 2026, where a portion of an individual’s registration fee when joining their affiliated club will contribute to the State organisation to provide grassroots support.

As the surfing ecosystem continues to develop after a period of significant growth in QLD, and community expectations rise with Olympic participation now a possibility, the timing is right for a modern approach to the governance of the sport in QLD to ensure a sustainable and healthy surfing ecosystem.

How much is it?

$40 for all Club members, or $66 if you are NOT part of a Club.

What benefits will surfers receive?

Personal Accident Cover: All Boardrider Club members will receive personal accident coverage for club competitions and training under Surfing Australia’s national policy.

Access to Accredited Events: Club members will have access to all state and nationally accredited events for competitive surfers, a benefit previously valued at $66 per year.

Exclusive Club Discounts and Benefits: Ongoing exclusive discounts and benefits will be available to club participants in Queensland, commencing January.

Support for Club Volunteers: SQ will employ a staff member to support grassroots clubs, surfing development, and pathways. This team member will be the first point of contact for clubs, providing resources for club development, governance, coaching, officiating, and participation programs across all disciplines. They will also offer practical tools, templates, and support to streamline club operations.

I thought all surfers were insured?

Previously, Personal Accident insurance was only included with a SQ Competitive Membership. Boardrider Club affiliation provides Public Liability and Professional Indemnity cover. Now, Personal Accident insurance is also included for surfers who are members of an affiliated Boardrider Club through the new SQ Club Membership.

What will you do with my personal information?

We use your personal information solely for the purpose it was provided, such as processing your registration, delivering services, or communicating updates relevant to your engagement with us. Your data is stored securely, and we never share it with third parties without your consent, except where required by law.

Is the SQ affiliation process changing for clubs?

No, the affiliation process is the same. Clubs log onto JustGo to complete their bronze, silver or gold Club affiliation as per previous years.

How do surfers pay for their SQ Club Membership

SQ Club Membership fees will be built into the purchase of an individual’s club registration fee. Clubs will have the flexibility to determine how to manage this fee – whether to absorb it, pass it on partially, or transfer it fully to members.

Who collects the fees?

You must register through JustGo to your selected club. A split payment will occur during processing, with the SQ Club Membership fee being paid directly to SQ at the time of registration, and the club’s portion paid to the Boardrider Club.

What do members do if they have an insurance claim or would like to review the policy?

For more information on the Surfing Australia Insurance Boardrider Club & Member Policy, please click here, or get in touch with us: development@surfingqueensland.com.au

What Memberships does Surfing QLD now offer?

1. SQ Club Membership (NEW) – $40

2. SQ Competitive Membership (Not part of a boardriding club but competes at State events or is a Coach/ Judge/ Official) – $66

Are SQ Club Memberships available for Families?

Yes. Each family member will pay a discounted Surfing Queensland Club Membership fee of $22 per person (instead of $40). Please contact your Boardrider Club to obtain the relevant discount code to apply this rate during registration.

Do life members need to pay the SQ Club Membership?

Each Club will be given 10 free life memberships to manage across their Club.

Do social members require the SQ Club Membership?

Clubs that have a social membership (non-competing) will not have the SQ Club membership included in your boardrider club membership. If social members would like access to personal accident insurance they will need to purchase the $66 Competitive SQ membership. 

I don’t quite understand the difference between SQ membership categories?

You only need to purchase the standalone Competitive Membership ($66) if you are not a member of an affiliated Boardrider Club. This membership option applies to coaches, judges, officials, or competitors who are not part of a Boardrider Club but require access to accredited events, insurance, or official pathways.

I just bought a SQ Competitive Membership. Do I need to purchase the Club Membership as well?

SQ will provide discount codes to remove $40 SQ Club Membership component for individuals who have recently purchased a SQ Competitive Membership and will be registering with a Boardrider Club in the new year.

Any members who have purchased a $66 Competitive Membership from 1 September 2025 are eligible. Please contact development@surfingqueensland.com.au to request a discount code, which will remove the SQ Club Membership fee from your Boardrider Club registration.

How do I access my benefits and discount codes?

Once you have purchased your Club Membership or Competitive Membership, you will receive an email outlining all available discount links and codes.

These benefits will be regularly updated as SQ continues to onboard new partners and expand the range of discounts available to all QLD members.

I have some more questions to ask, who can I speak to?

We will continue to update the Frequently Asked Questions. If you have a specific question that isn’t answered here, please email us at development@surfingqueensland.com.au