Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the membership fee?

The annual membership fee for 2011 is $50 AUD. This is subject to review each year and covers the period 1 November to 31 October. If you join after 1 April, the fee is $30 AUD.

How do I join Surfing Mums?

Should you wish to join us, your local group coordinator has membership forms available for completion. 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 from one of our sponsors. 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. Please note that all members must comply with relevant State legislation regarding working with children i.e. Working With Children checks.

How do I pay my membership fee?

Direct deposit into our bank account is the preferred option, otherwise you may deposit your fee at any Westpac bank or give it directly to your group coordinator. Your group coordinator will provide you with a membership form which includes banking details. 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 surf coaching, surf trips (nationally and internationally) and parenting/surf educational talks.

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 Mum suits you. If you decide to come along again, please ask your group coordinator for a membership form and bring it along to your next meeting (with your membership fee if you are paying in person).

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 the meetings to the website administrator, as well as promote the meetings locally via flyers, contacting local newspapers or any other means they see fit.

The coordinator maintains a contact list of current members which lists telephone numbers, email addresses, and days & times that member is available to surf outside of scheduled Surfing Mums Inc meetings. 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 distributes and collects completed membership forms, retaining a local copy as well as sending the original copy to SMI head office.

The coordinator ensures local members comply with the relevant state regulations concerning working with children checks.

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.

The coordinator may choose to conduct fundraising activities to raise funds for the SMI account that may be used to fund local activities or supplies such as shade tents and teardrop flags for example.

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 all members complying with the "work with children" checks necessary in their state and 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. **