Junior Surf PROGRAMME
Tēnā koutou katoa
Welcome to Whangamata Junior Surf
Whether your tamariki are new to the beach or have been in the shorebreak since they could walk, there’s a place for them in Junior Surf at Whangamata.
Our aim is for every child who comes through this programme to leave feeling capable and confident, with a lasting connection to the ocean and to their community.
Sessions rotate between beach and (for older groups) water activities. A typical session includes:
- Warm-up, beach sport skills and fun activities on the sand
- Land-based skill drills: beach awareness, first aid basics, rescue techniques
- Water activities: wading, duck diving, swimming, catching waves, board skills (age and ability dependent)
- Games and team activities
- For poor weather days – alternative activities will be arranged where possible – these may include club based activities learning about different aspects of the beach, sports or team building skills.
Coaches lead the sessions, but parent and caregiver help is essential.
The Junior Surf Pathway
Junior
Ages 5–6
Learning the basics, beach fun, float and survive, bodyboards.
- Beach activities
- Parents need to be present at a distance
- Water activities
- Parents need to be present in the water and assisting
Intermediate
Ages 7–9
Building surf skills, bodyboards.
- Beach activities
- Parents present at a distance
- Water activities
- Parents need to be present in the water and assisting
Cadets
Ages 10–12
Using the waves, saving myself, foam knee boards. Fibreglass boards introduced when ready (Surf Sport programme).
- Beach activities
- Parents can be present at a distance
- Water activities
- Parents need to be present in the water and assisting
Rookies
Age 13+ (12 only if turning 13 in January of the season)
Rookie Lifeguard Programme. “Saving a Life”, an introduction to lifeguarding skills. See Section 15 for full programme details including session times and what Rookies do.
How age groups work
Age groups are based on your child’s age as at 30 September each year. For example, if your child turns 8 before 30 September, they’re in the Under 10 group. If they turn 8 after 30 September, they’re in the Under 8 group for that season.
What your Junior Needs
- What to bringDrink, warm clothes, towel, goggles (optional)
- UniformOwn togs, club skull cap and hi-vis vest (compulsory), wetsuit (optional)
2026/2027 Season Outline
Sun 25 October 2026
Next upLabour Weekend open day
- 9:15–9:45am
- Junior Surf introduction for parents and caregivers
- 10:00–11:00am
- Junior fun and have-a-go session
- 11:30am
- Life Saving Sport Development intro – 200m swim badge
13 Nov – 18 Dec 2026
Shoulder season (early)
- Fridays
- 5:30–6:30pm
27 Dec 2026 – 17 Jan 2027
Peak season
Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays
- Age 5–6
- 10:00–11:00am
- Under 8, 10, 12
- 10:00–11:30am
- Under 14 (Rookies)
- 10:00–11:30am
24 Jan – 28 Feb 2027
Shoulder season (late)
Sundays
- Age 5–6
- 10:00–11:00am
- Under 8, 10, 12
- 10:00–11:30am
Labour Weekend – 17 Jan 2027
Life Saving Sport Development
- Pre-peak
- Labour Weekend – 20 Dec (time TBC)
- Peak
- 27 Dec – 17 Jan, Sun/Mon/Tue, 8:30–9:30am
Fees
All Junior Surf participants must be financial members of Whangamata SLSC and registered through the Surf Life Saving NZ system.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| WSLSC Junior Membership (under 18) | $50 per child |
| Peak season programme | $50 per child |
| Cadets gear fee | $50 per child |
| Rookies fee | $100 per child |
| Development fee | $50 per child |
| Club cap + vest | Included in membership fee |
| Casual sessions | $10 per child per session |
| Carnivals (other than Coro Cup) | Additional, varies by event |
Ready to join Junior Surf?
Sign up through the Surf Life Saving NZ system and we’ll see you on the beach.
