The History of the Club
North Bondi SLSC is one of Australia's oldest and most iconic surf clubs. Discover its rich history, dating back to the late 1800s.
The First Life Saving Class in Australia (1894-11)North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club
Commonly known as Bondi Baths in the beginning, a small pool was built at the southern end of Bondi Beach in 1887. It was here a small group of men formed the Bondi Surf and Social Club.
In the early days, 'sea bathing' was disapproved of but it quickly became more prevalent. With the freedom of bathing came the dangers of the ocean.
South Bondi Beach scene (1904)North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club
Bathers found themselves in difficult situations which led to the formation of Clubs to protect fellow beach goers.
Our Clubs early Lifesaving Instruction (1920)North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club
Later that year, the club changed its name from Bondi Surf and Social Club to North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club. The change of name was as a result of a 'social' club not being taken seriously enough.
North Bondi Surf Club Members and Club House (1922)North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club
In 1918, Waverley Council received and approved a request from the Club for a grant of land to build a clubhouse.
1921-1938
Between the wars.
Surf Canoe "Sticky Beak" (1920)North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club
‘Surf bathing’ became increasingly popular, with North Bondi SLSC in particular at its pinnacle. In the season of 1926-1927, the Club had the largest membership of any in Australia with 159 active members.
Annual Members club Photograph of NBSLSC (1931-05-03)North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club
On 10 July 1932, a devastating fire broke out from an unknown cause. This destroyed the Clubhouse along with the Club’s most cherished trophies and photos.
The North Bondi Surf Club (1936)North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club
On 25 November 1933, the Club took possession of the new Clubhouse. In the Annual Report, honorary secretary C.W. Schartl wrote, 'This marks the dawn of a new era in the Club's history and sets the Club on the unending road of success.'
1939-1965
The world changes again.
/49 Annual Club Photo (1948)North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club
By 1944, Club membership stood at 459, of whom, 202 were serving and 14 had been decorated or mentioned in dispatches. The unsung work of women during the war was acknowledged in the 1945 Annual Report.
1966-1985
Growth and success.
Sir John Gorton, Prime Minister of Australia Heading for Swim at North Bondi (1968-11-09)North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club
In 1966, Price Charles visited the Club. He remarked that Bondi 'is the finest ocean beach in the world.' Two years later, Australian Prime Minister, John Gorton visited.
The Building Committee (1978)North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club
The 1970s saw dramatic changes in surf life saving. Old techniques began to disappear as modern technology became more prevalent. Upstairs alterations were also carried out and the renovated club was opened in 1979.
Boat Crew Surfs the WavesNorth Bondi Surf Life Saving Club
By 1989 the Club's membership was at a soaring 830. Between 19972-2004 there were 1,923 rescues and no lives lost.
In 2009, the Club embarked on their biggest renovation yet. Re-opened in 2013, the wave like structure is now home to .... members. Take a look around the North Bondi Surf Life Saving Clubhouse.
