When Hugh Smyth stepped down as Black Head Longboarders Club Inc president earlier this month his only choice as a replacement was 19-year-old Halle Ford.
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Traditionally a male position, the teenager was elected the first female president unanimously by the club's 30 members.
"Halle is a gifted surfer with a great deal of experience in competitive surfing, both in local competitions and events around the State," Hugh said.
"She has been a part of the club since she was a kid and I'm more than confident members of the Black Head Longboarders Club will be proud to have Halle at the helm in 2022," he said.
"Halle is a bright, confident and enthusiastic young person who will do wonders for the club."
While Halle has only been a longboarder for a little over four years, she has been an enthusiastic shortboarder for more than a decade.
Halle said she enjoyed the relaxed style of riding a longboard.
Ranging in length between 8-11 feet (in the old scale) and with a rounded nose, longboards provide boardriders a different surfing experience.
Halle said she enjoyed the environment and social aspects of the sport.
"It makes you feel so refreshed and energised; and doing something with my family is cool too."
She regularly grabs a wave (or two) with 16-year-old brother Boston and dad Gav - who also is a member of the club.
Established in 1998, the club is known for its inclusivity, welcoming all skill levels, family and social members.
Three of the club's members, who range in age from 16-60+ years, James Deval, Terry Aldridge and Hosti, form part of the original line-up.
Competition, which is held monthly between either Back or Diamond beaches, isn't typical of most clubs, Halle said, instead the emphasis is enjoyment and having a good time.
Halle is a bright, confident and enthusiastic young person who will do wonders for the club.
- Hugh Smyth
"We still hold heats and have a pointscore, but we have fun," she said.
One of three female members, including newly elected vice-president, Celeste Suters, Halle will be pushing to encourage more young girls and women to join the club.
Promotional posters have already started making appearances around Black Head, while Halle will be plugging the club to girls when she is out in the surf.
As well as her presidential duties, Halle also has the role of scout, inspecting the surf before competition starts for swell, banks, tide and wind to determine where competition will be held.
Halle also plans to continue the Boardwalk exhibition, an event which raises funds for local charities and made its first appearance earlier this year.
Now on a break for the holidays, the club will resume competition in February and plans to hold a fun day in January.
Information is available on the club's Facebook or Instagram pages or phone 0474 472 726.
Halle is in her first year of a four year secondary teaching degree at Newcastle University.
Hugh said he had enjoyed his time as club president, but with plans to travel in 2022 meant it was time to hand over the reigns to somebody else.
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Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
