On October 7, 2009, following two years of periodic lunch meetings at El Gringo in Hermosa Beach, Mike Balzer, Dan Bradford, Derek Levy, and Tom Horton decided to stop talking about how to start a surf club and actually take some action. (Balzer had shared his idea two years earlier, and like many good ideas, no one knew how to get started, and doubted they had enough spare time to dedicate themselves to it). The three invited about 50 friends to attend a meeting on November 12, 2009 at Tom & Darci Horton’s home to share Mike’s idea of a surf club, and ask “Who’s in?”. The positive energy and vibe at that initial meeting was so strong there was no doubt the South Bay surfing community had been waiting for a club to bring families and friends together for fun and to give back to the community, as well as protect our beaches and ocean environment. That evening, the birth of The South Bay Boardrider’s Club (SBBC) became a reality, and soon after our Mission Statement was created:

                                                                                                                                 “The South Bay Boardriders Club (SBBC) is dedicated to celebrating the rich history of the South Bay surfing culture, introducing families, youth, & our community to all aspects of ocean activities and being guardians of our local shoreline.”