SESSIONS

The Junior Surf programme runs from Sunday 5 November 2023 to Sunday 17 March 2024, with a break over Christmas/New Year. 

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When:  Sundays during the summer season from 10am
Where:  In front of the Maranui Surf Life Saving Club

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SESSION TIMES

6 - 9 yr olds (U7 to U10),  10.00am - 11.00am

10 - 13 yr olds (U11 to U14), 10.00am - 11.30am

Note: Age as at 30th September (see table below).

 

Sign in: 20 mins before start time 

 Junior Surf athletes (nippers) are expected to be signed in and ready to go, so please arrive with plenty of time. Remembering that parking is at a premium!

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Each age group is assigned a team of qualified volunteer Surf Coaches, along with parent help who will oversee the activities for the children in their group.

 

We encourage children to have FUN while developing their skills so they can enjoy the beach with confidence and one day use this knowledge to save someone’s life. We aim to develop tomorrow’s lifeguards and open up a new world for your children. 

 

Having FUN is what it’s all about!

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SUNDAY JUNIOR SURF SESSIONS

Children are grouped according to age as per SLSNZ guidelines and will remain in these groups for the season (age as at 30 September). 

 

A Sunday Junior Surf session generally involves a short warm up, followed by a mixture of fun games, races and skills- based activities on the beach for younger groups. This is followed by some water activities, which will vary according to the age group. 

 

WHAT TO BRING

• Togs - NO boardshorts

• wetsuit

• swim goggles

• towels

• drink bottle

• sunhat

• sunscreen (a MUST, slip, slop, slap), and something warm to put on afterwards.

• Small flexi tubs are great to put all your wet gear in. 

• Wetsuits are optional, but we recommend full length wetsuits are worn as Wellington waters are hardly tropical.

Please ensure everything is named - Everything.

 

• U6 - U9 age group are identified by coloured beanies that are issued and returned on the day + Pink or Red Hi-vis vest 

• U10 - U14 - wear a Pink or Red Hi-vis vest

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Parental Involvement: coaches and managers will ask for active participation by parents each week.   

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Parents / Caregivers in the water

U7 old age group is an age which, at Lyall Bay with its variable wave height and harsh conditions, is unable to be left to just the coaches and lifeguards. U7 athletes require a parent/caregiver to be in the water with them at all times.

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U8 - U9 age group we ideally would like a parent/caregiver in the water or water edge ready to enter if required, 
If your child requires extra assistance in the water, please enter the water with them, rather than assuming our volunteers will be able to look after them.

 

Please note: Our club relies heavily on the active involvement of parents, the club cannot function without people volunteering. Kids love to see their parents/.caregivers interacting at the club.

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Parent/Caregivers participation is encouraged in the water at all ages. This is a great way for parents to be actively involved, it’s a great way to increase your own water confidence and have FUN. The more adults we have in the water the better. 

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If you are not a competent swimmer, there is always a need for people to remain in the shallows to help retrieve boards and ensure children exit safely, providing close and constant supervision of our young athletes in the water.
 

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Can I drop my children at Junior Surf and leave?

No, it is absolutely necessary that a parent or designated guardian is at the beach during the entire duration of the Junior Surf session that they are attending. Parents are also asked to assist with running events. 

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Sunday Sessions run like this:

• Sign-in (At least 15 minutes before start time)

• Assemble on the beach in front of the surf club and be ready to go!

• Beach Warm up – jog, stretch, games

• Beach based skills – beach flags

• Water based skills, swimming, wading, bodysurfing, board paddling

• Return kit
   

A Sunday junior surf session usually involves, warm up, followed by a mixture of races, games and skill-based activities on the beach and some water activities.

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Please note that while the Junior Surf programme teaches surf awareness and builds water skills and confidence, we are not a learn-to-swim programme. Swimming is fundamental to surf life saving and an integral part of all our sessions, therefore we encourage all our juniors to participate year-round in regular swimming lessons / training at their local pool.

 

Beyond Sunday Sessions 

We offer a range of opportunities for juniors to progress beyond Sunday Sessions from fun participation carnivals to rookie development.

Additional training is offered throughout the week for our older juniors ( 10 - 13 years ) who are keen athletes.

Check out  Junior Surf Development (U11-U14)

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