Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the membership fee?

The annual membership fee for 2013 is $50 AUD, covering the period 1 January to 31 December. If you join after 1st July, the fee is $30 AUD.

How do I join Surfing Mums?

Should you wish to join us, please download a membership form from our website. All full year members will receive a membership pack which includes a membership card entitling you to discounts with our sponsors, a sticker for your car so other surfing mums can spot you in the carpark and a special gift among other goodies. All half year members will receive a membership card and sticker. You don't need to belong to a group to join, you are most welcome to simply support us with your membership.

How do I pay my membership fee?

You may directly deposit your membership fee into our bank account, as documented on the membership form. Please ensure that you include your full name in the reference part of your payment to ensure we acknowledge receipt of your fee correctly.

What is the membership money spent on?

All money goes back into Surfing Mums Inc and pays for public liability insurance, administration, first aid kits & training and social or educational activities as requested by its members. In short, the money is spent to benefit all the members.

What benefits are there by becoming a member?

As a member you are covered by our public liability insurance while attending scheduled Surfing Mums Inc meetings, as well as the protection of an Association from personal liabilities. You get to meet other mums and their children who share the same passion as you as well as get to surf with out needing to arrange alternate childcare. As a group member, you are given a contact list that contains the names, contact details and dates available so you can arrange surf sessions outside the scheduled meeting times.
You also get to participate in social and educational sessions organised by group coordinators such as intermediate & advanced surf coaching, surf trips (nationally and internationally) and other fun activities.

Am I entitled to any discounts?

Surfing Mums Inc has a number of sponsors who provide us with discounts on their products. These are normally surf or parenting related products.

Can I try it out before I join?

Yes, please come along to a meeting and see if Surfing Mums suits you. Potential members are entitled to attend three surfing mums' meetings before they are required to pay the appropriate membership fee (full-year / half-year).

How long do I have before an expired membership must be renewed?

If you have already held a membership with Surfing Mums Incorporated, your membership fee is due by the end of February each year.

What happens at a Surfing Mums meeting?

Mums and children meet on the beach at a designated time and location. Information on meetings is available on the website at all times as well as the contact details for your local group coordinator.  Mums can opt to either chat with other mums or designate a mum to look after her child while she goes for a surf. We recommend that only one mum at a time is looking after another mother's child/children as watching kids at the beach is a demanding activity!

What if I can’t surf?

Surfing Mums Inc does not provide tuition for surfing. You are responsible for your own surfing education. We can however recommend local surf schools if you would like to take some classes or you are welcome to come along to the meetings and use that time to practice your surf skills. We do not have surf boards or any other surf equipment for rent but you might be able to arrange to borrow some by private arrangement.

What type of insurance policy are members covered by?

Sports Cover - underwritten by Lloyd’s General Liability insurance up to 10 million and capital benefits up to $5,000.

What is involved in being a group coordinator?

Group coordinators advise the dates, times and locations of their meetings to the website administrator, as well as promote the meetings locally via flyers, contacting local newspapers, via social media or any other means approved of by the Executive Committee.

The coordinator maintains a contact list of current financial members with the assistance of the Association's secretary. These details remain confidential and are not passed onto any third party other than those directly involved in the running of the Association e.g. the insurance companies.

The coordinator ensures a first aid kit is available at scheduled meetings and either themselves or another SMI member present at the meeting holds a current first aid certificate which is paid for by the Association.

The coordinator may be asked to occasionally conduct fundraising activities for the benefit of the Association.

The coordinator provides the website administrator with local group news and photos so members can access this through the webpage or via individual/group emails.

Why is Surfing Mums an "Incorporated Association"?

Surfing Mums became an incorporated association in January 2008 to protect its members from personal liability and ensure the safety of its members by providing duty of care that is obligatory as an incorporated association. The annual membership fee covers public liability insurance up to $10 million, capital benefits insurance up to $5000 and the administrative costs of the Association.
This includes first aid kits being available at the beach at all scheduled meetings. Group coordinators are also senior first aid certificate holders. Surfing Mums Inc has a risk management policy and an anti-discrimination policy which we uphold.

** Please be aware we are only coordinators of this activity and you participate at your own risk. We hold no responsibility for any participants safety. Please use appropriate beach safety precautions while particpating in any surf activities with you and your children. **