Royan Surf Club Undergoes Leadership Change Amidst Concerns for Member Wellbeing
The Royan Atlantique Surf Club is navigating a period of transition following a contentious general meeting on September 5th that resulted in the removal of the existing management team. A newly formed “transitional office,” comprised of Guillaume Rousseau, David Nobre, Willy TRAON, Barbara Cabrolier, Guillaume Desmaison, Claire Desmaison, and one anonymous member, has outlined its plans to restructure the club and address concerns about its internal climate.
The change in leadership stemmed from a collective of approximately twenty members who expressed growing dissatisfaction with the club’s atmosphere and its impact on younger members.They cited tension within the institution, particularly following the sidelining of the Sports Director, Lionel Lourenço, who joined in 2023 with an educational project that was never fully implemented.
A key priority for the new office is financial clarity. They intend to commission a financial audit to determine the club’s current financial standing before establishing a provisional budget. This move is intended to establish “healthy and clear bases” for the future of the approximately 200 annual members.
Beyond financial matters, the new leadership aims to refocus the club on its core mission: promoting surfing in Royan in an inclusive and welcoming environment.Plans include expanding accessibility to individuals with disabilities and actively developing opportunities for female surfers.
Members of the transitional office emphasized the importance of protecting the wellbeing of the club’s youth. They expressed concern that conflicts between adults where negatively impacting children,with some members leaving or pausing their activities due to the unsettling atmosphere,particularly when instructors departed.
While initiating significant change, the new team has stated its intention to avoid a divisive “witch hunt” and remains open to collaboration with former leadership. However, attempts to reach former President Jérôme Pothier for comment have been unsuccessful. The circumstances surrounding the leadership change have prompted some to raise questions about its legality, suggesting the possibility of further scrutiny. The new office intends to propose a change of statutes to establish a broader governance structure with a steering committee.
