Students at the University of West Florida have shown interest in the development of a local surf club. Thirty-one students showed up to a petition meeting in the University Commons on Nov. 8, and others e-mailed their support, bringing the total to 48 interested in joining the club.

Jay Vanderlyn, communication arts major and president of the UWF surf club, had the idea of starting the organization.

"The club is open to everyone, and we are looking to have a lot of school spirits," Vanderlyn said. "So anyone who wants to come cheer us on if we make it to regionals, or just watch us practice are welcome."

There are those interested in joining to learn how to surf as well.

"I have never surfed before, so I joined to learn how," said Nicole Spiker, sophomore marine biology major. "I'm from the panhandle of Texas, but love the ocean and am excited to surf."

Basic club functions were discussed at the first club meeting on Saturday, Nov. 13. Future fundraisers, basic club information and club finances were also mentioned at the meeting.

The club officials consist of five students: Jay Vanderlyn, president; Brian Donigan, vice president; John Williams, treasurer; Kenari Guest, secretary and Web designer Sean Mcaleenan. They all spoke at the meeting and proposed their ideas for fundraisers.

The club has decided to offer surf lessons on Sunday Nov. 21, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., weather and waves permitting out at Pensacola Beach. To sign up for lessons, e-mail the club president at jsv1@students.uwf.edu. The minimum donation for a surf lesson is $10.00.

Future fundraising events will be discussed at the next meeting scheduled for Dec. 14. The club's financial information is still being worked out.

"Since we are a non-funded organization, we will be applying for a grant from the SGA to cover the cost of our season's entry fees and memberships to the National Scholastic Surf Association," said Donigan.

The average cost for a club member who does not participate in surfing contests will be $35. For contestants, the cost will be $50.

At the meeting, the rules of competition were discussed. The team will consist of nine people: Six men short-boarders, one woman long or short-border, one long-boarder of any sex and one body-boarder of any sex. Any students who wish to participate in the club are welcome.

The national association requires that each competitor hold current membership in the surf club to participate in competitions. To join the club, one must pay dues. Students must also sign a school waiver. The club constitution is still in the works.

"I hope to have the Web site up and running by Thanksgiving weekend so the students can access it when coming back from vacation," Mcaleenan said.

The Web site address will be either surfuwf.com, or uwfsurf.com. Surf club members hope to have an information table set up in the Commons within the next few weeks.

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