Canterbury University Boardriders Association (C.U.B.A)

Back in the day, UC was the home of the FBI (Federated Boardriders Institute) for surfers, and the IRA (Ilam Riding Association) for snowboard riders. There was a lot of cross-membership, cross-dressing and equally as good parties, but just like all good uni clubs, there was a struggle between them for sponsorship, members and respect in general.

Although Canterbury University has had boardriders’ clubs for at least ten years, 2003 was the first year CUBA was officially formed, combing both the IRA and the FBI. It is the skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding (although we don’t exclude skiers) club, which holds a number of events that are a highlight on campus every year, and creates a society for students to compete and ride with.

It has grown rapidly since 2003, when it had just over 100 members. In 2005 the club reached 300 and at the last CUBA event in 2007 there were over 600 members.

2008 has been no disappointment, with a massive focus on the neglected skate side of the club, and has seen one of the biggest, loosest house parties in the History of the Club (which is a massive claim). A newly formed sponsorship with Cheapskates has seen the creation of a brand new half pipe with several attachments including a wall ride and extensions. The Cuba Skate Night at the Foundry went off with dozens of riders shredding the new pipe to pieces, and a mint night for the masses that came along.

The Learn to Surf day saw 50 or so cats out in the water at New Brighton, enjoying a 1-2ft onshore shorey to maximum capacity. The night surf was held in much more impressive conditions, 3-4ft of solid, super clean waves, with 25 brave kids out in the 6degree water while a solid crew turned up to watch, listen to some beats and get amongst the Redbull, Speights and tasty, tasty BBQ lovin’.


The 12 students on the Exec put aside a lot of time into the club. The executive body of CUBA is divided into 4 parts; Management, Snow Exec, Surf Exec and Skate Exec. It never works out that anyone stays in their particular area, and the president is frequently found shoveling snow while the Snow exec is nowhere to be found (or rather hitting rails).

Cuba is the only club of its type at any University in New Zealand and provides countless numbers of new events and trips never attempted before- as well as a environment where like minded people can get together and have a bangin time!

Cuba in past years has won the Top Sports and Recreation Club at the Madcap University Club awards. This is a big honor as there is a lot of competition in this field, so stoked to be us and thanks UCSA for the prize money, Chur!

Cuba also recently won the top award in 2009 for surpeme club of the year at Canterbury University, as well as the top sport club too.