Founded in 1953, the Red Beach Surf Life Saving Club has seen remarkable growth over the years to become one of the premier surf clubs in New Zealand.
The formation of the club came about through a drowning at nearby Orewa Beach.
Read more about our history here.We have a proud and successful history and our success is built upon strong family foundations where each member can find something to interest them, regardless of age or ability.
The club is run by volunteers and our funds need to be sourced via grants, the generosity of sponsors, donations or through other means of fundraising. Without this support we would be unable to provide the vital service to the Red Beach community.
LocationRed Beach is approximately 40kms north of the centre of Auckland, or a 30 mins trip from the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
The beach itself is approx. 2 km long and is part of the Whangaparaoa Bay coastline, at the start of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula. It is enclosed by stunning headlands with an enormous and iconic pohutukawa tree sited on the beachfront. You’ll sometimes see an abundance of red shells washed up on the beach.
What We DoOur volunteer lifeguards patrol the beach on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from Labour weekend (October) until Easter, each summer. Red Beach lifeguards also patrol at Pakiri Beach, usually from mid-December to mid-February. Also on the East coast, Pakiri is a one hour drive north of Red Beach.
If you are visiting either beach, please remember to swim between the Red and Yellow patrol flags.
In addition we run a very successful Junior programme for 4 – 13 year olds which commences in late-October. Our coaches teach the youngsters important surf skills as well as creating a wonderful social and fun environment for lasting friendships.
The Club is also involved in other activities. In January each year we hold the Owen Chapman Cup surf carnival which is the longest running surf club day in Australasia. It has been going for more than 60 years. And for the past 30 years the club has run the annual Open Water swim at Red Beach in conjunction with Roskill Master Swimmers.
An Iconic Club
Red Beach Surf Life Saving Club has more than 1,200 members which include patrolling lifeguards, over 400 Junior lifeguards, Masters, squash club members (the club has two squash courts), and Associate members.
The modern clubhouse, currently in the final stages of redevelopment, offers fantastic views of the beach and beyond as well as covering the practical and social needs of its members. It has become popular with locals and visitors as a venue for Friday night meals, Sunday brunches and other functions.
Fun and Fitness for the Whole FamilyThe Club offers various activities for members from Juniors to Masters. Surf Sports offers the members a chance to test their skills both on the water and on the beach with ski and board paddling, swimming, beach sprints and flags, surf canoes and surf boats at local, regional and national carnivals each summer.
The club has won the Allan Gardner Memorial Trophy, symbol of national supremacy for overall points at the NZ Championships on four occasions. The wins came in 1991 (Gisborne), 1992 (New Plymouth), 1993 (Mt Maunganui) and 2006 (New Plymouth).
Red Beach has a place for everyone and welcomes the unique skills and personalities each individual brings to our club.
See you on the beach!