Organisers of the inaugural Surf Ball, raising money for surf clubs along the Bay of Plenty coast, have bowed to pre-Christmas craziness and postponed the event until later in the season.

The ball at Baypark's ASB Arena was scheduled to go ahead this weekend, but Papamoa Surf Club chairman Andrew Hitchfield says it will be a better fit early next year.

Papamoa lifeguard Justin Pickering preparing for the inaugural Surf Ball. Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media Services.

The ball has a fundraising focus on the Papamoa Community Surf Rescue Base Trust.

Andrew says: 'We've had an incredible amount of support so far and it's created a lot of awareness, not only for the proposed new community facility we're building but also for the surf lifesaving movement in general.

'We've had a lot of pressure on our members with Christmas coming up and subs recently due, however, and felt it was going to be a lot more manageable to leave the celebrating to the end of the season.

'This event will be benefit all the local surf clubs but we need to make sure we've got a sustainable model from the start."

The new date for the fundraiser will be announced as soon as possible.

Papamoa's proposed new base will contain storage for surf lifesaving equipment, a watch control room, paramedic centre, changing rooms, toilets, showers, a gym/training area, a workshop and multipurpose meeting and congregation areas for club members and community groups.

The existing building, built more than two decades ago, will be replaced by a larger facility, reflecting the rapid growth Papamoa has experienced in recent times.

At the moment, the clubhouse is also used by Papamoa Lions, Scouts, Cubs, Brownies and Girl Guides.

Fundraising efforts have been steadily building this year, with plans to have the new facility in place as soon as possible, enabling the 700-plus members at the club to provide a world-class lifeguarding service.

For more information, please contact Papamoa Surf Club chairman Andrew Hitchfield on: 029 928 9013.