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.