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
(U6) Ages 5–6
Learning the basics, beach fun, float and survive, bodyboards.
Parents
Beach Activities
Parents need to be present at a distance
Water Based Activities
Parents need to be present in the water and assisting
Intermediate
(U8 & U10) Ages 7–9
Building surf skills, bodyboards.
Parents
Beach Activities
Parents need to be present at a distance
Water Based Activities
Parents need to be present in the water and assisting
Cadets
(U12) Ages 10–12
Using the waves, saving myself, foam knee boards. Fibreglass boards introduced when ready (Surf Sport programme).
Parents
Beach Activities
Parents can be present at a distance
Water Based Activities
Parents need to be present in the water and assisting
Rookies
(U14) Age 13+
(12 Only if turning 13 in January of the season)
Rookie Lifeguard Programme.
“Saving a Life”, introduction to lifeguarding skills. See Section 15 for full programme details, including session times and what Rookies do.
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 are in the Under 10 group; if they turn 8 after 30 September, they are in the Under 8 group for that season.
What your junior needs
What to bring
Drink, warm clothes, towel, goggles (optional)
Uniform
Own togs, club skull cap and hi-vis vest (compulsory), wetsuit (optional)
2026/2027 Season Outline
25/10/2026 Labour Weekend
Registrations, info sessions and fun sessions
Shoulder Season: 13/11/26 – 18/12/26
Friday evening sessions: 5.30-6.30pm
Peak Season: 27/12/26 – 17/01/27
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday sessions
Age 5-6 | 10:00am to 11:00am |
Under 8, 10 and 12 | 10:00am to 11:30am |
Under 14 (Rookies) | 10.00am to 11:30am |
Shoulder Season: 24/01/27- 28/02/27
Sundays
Age 5-6 | 10:00am to 11:00am |
Under 8, 10 and 12 | 10:00am to 11:30am |
Under 14 (Rookies) | 10.00am to 11:30am |
Lifesaving Sport Development:
Pre-peak: Labour Weekend – 20th December (Time TBC)
Peak Season: 27/12/26 – 17/01/27 (Sunday, Monday and Tuesdays 8.30am-9.30am
All Junior Surf participants must be financial members of Whangamata SLSC and registered through the Surf Life Saving NZ system.
| 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 |
