History
East End is Taranaki’s oldest surf lifesaving club, founded in 1913, making it one of the first ten clubs established in New Zealand. Since that time it has built a reputation for excellence not only in national competitions but also for the efficiency of its beach patrols and the quality of its educational programs.
Key milestones in the Club’s history include:
1915
First Tabor Shield victory (Taranaki six place senior men’s R + R championship)
1929
Ladies Section of the Club formed
1930
Pool nights commenced at the Kawaroa Salt Water Baths
1931
First win by Ladies Section of the Club
1936
Club shifted to present location from former site on western side of the Te Henui river mouth at Boulder Bay
1937
Original clubhouse at Strandon site completed
1940
Clubhouse taken over by Government as base for Coastguard Service during World War Two
1943
Clubhouse returned to the club by the Government
1953
First national title win (Senior Men’s four place Alarm)
1958
Ladies Section reformed (having gone into recess during WWII)
1962
Existing Clubhouse at Strandon completed
1963
50th Jubilee
1987
NZ Champion Women’s Club title
1987
Westpac Outstanding Rescue of the Year Award
1988
75th Jubilee.
1995
EP (Bill) Coleman memorial gear shed completed
2000
East End achieves 5th place at NZ Surf Lifesaving champs
2003
New patrol tower completed; 90th Jubilee
2004
Upgrade and expansion of Clubhouse completed
2006
East End hosts NZ Masters Surf Lifesaving champs
2009
East End is the overall winner and champion club at the IRB National Champs at Oakura Beach
Today
East End is a vibrant and busy surf lifesaving club, active in beach safety, patrolling during summer, surf sports and junior surf. We have a modern clubhouse with facilities for training lifeguards, housing & maintaining equipment, recreational activities and enjoying the stunning New Plymouth beachside location.
East End continues to enjoy strong membership and is currently the dominant club on the Taranaki Surf Sports scene. Go to the Contact Us, Join & Become a Lifeguard pages for further information.