Bra Boys revive North Maroubra Boardriding club to get wayward youth off the streets and into the water, By James Taylor - 10th March 2015
(The Southern Courier)

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Richie Vas, Jesse Pollock and Luke ‘Nudge’ Beardmore. Bondi Lifeguard Jesse Pollock and others are reviving the North Maroubra Boardriding Club. Picture: John Appleyard

THE Bra Boys are using their name to help revive an ailing surfriders club in a bid to empower disadvantaged youth and unite a community.

Bra Boy and Bondi Rescue star Jesse Polock reckons using the name to revive the long-dormant North Maroubra Boardriding Club could be just the way to do it.

And he has the numbers behind hin

Hundreds flocked to sign up for a spot in the club, including a few of his well-known mates.

Fellow Bra Boy Koby Abberton, big wave surfer and mixed martial artist Richie “Vas” Vaculik and former Rabbitohs captain John Sutton are among the local identities on board.

The Maroubra surfing tribe came to notoriety in the 1990s as a result of clashes with police and members of the public.

After a 2007 documentary narrated by Russell Crowe, which detailed their culture of brotherhood and troubles with the law, the Bra Boys have become more involved in community activism.

Polock, who admits to numerous run-ins with police before changing direction, said many young people in the area were heading down the wrong path.

“Instead of egging police cars and causing trouble we want to give them an opportunity, and who knows, one day they could be world number one,” he said.

This isn’t the first time the 25-year-old has used the ocean to tackle youth issues.

Last year he and Channel 10 co-star Trent “Maxi” Maxwell turned the trauma of collecting waterborne bodies after suicides into an epic 3000km jet ski journey, known as The Ride, along the coast from Sydney to Cairns.

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The pair returned to land to visit a Headspace youth mental health centre each day.

Polock said he hoped the presence of Sutton and the other big names would draw kids to regular fun days.

“All of us have grown up around there. The kids that look up to Sutto (sic) will be down there watching him surf and have him cheering them on when they have a go.”

Maroubra beach has a rich surfing culture has produced talent such as Olympian Dennis Green and surfing legend Mark Scott.

The spot is a favourite for 11-time world champion Kelly Slater.

Fundraisers and raffles will be used to buy surfboards and to pay for special trips interstate and overseas.

Heats for the club’s first surfing competition kick off on March 28.

It will operate on the northern end of Maroubra beach, competing against another club on the southern end.

If you or someone you know needs help contact Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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