INTRODUCTION

Junior Surf is an integral part of Surf Club activity and is the future face and training ground for our lifeguards. Our programme aims to teach the children invaluable life skills regarding water safety as well as skills that will help them progress through to becoming a qualified lifeguard within the club. In doing so we encourage them to have fun, strive to do their best, and develop to their full potential.

At a minimum, we run a Sunday training session for the season commencing sign on at 9:45am and finishing between 11:00-11:45am (depending on age). We normally have a gathering around a sausage sizzle on the Club deck after every session!!

OUR OBJECTIVES ARE:

• To encourage children to participate in and enjoy water and surf lifesaving activities
• Assist children to develop and improve their water and surf lifesaving knowledge and skills
• Improve their self-confidence in a sociable, friendly and supportive environment
• Involve parents in the life of the club as assistance, leaders, coaches and administrators

Children between the ages of 5 and 13 participate in organised activities that ensures they are educated in surf safety as well as building their confidence to eventually undertake training for the Surf Lifesaving Award at aged 14 years. The primary Junior Surf events are based around our Sunday morning sessions during the Summer months.

The children are split into groups based on their age on the 30th September, as specified by Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ). For example, if you are 12 years on 30 September then you are in Marlin (see chart below)

NOTE: We can accommodate a child in a lower group if it is a better fit for their confidence / ability - please talk to the coach / manager first.

All groups follow the SLSNZ Junior Surf Program which consists of a mix of sport, education, fun and fitness introduced at an age appropriate level to each group. The children will follow a step by step pathway of 7 surf achievement levels as they gain confidence and skills in the surf and move through the groups. From this we hope they will join our trainee lifeguard program and graduate to be a qualified lifeguard.

Sign on & off procedures

Each week, every child must sign in and sign out with their group – even if you arrive late you must find your Manager and sign in.

Beanies & vests must be worn while participating in Junior Surf and removed at sign-out.  

These procedures are in place to ensure everyone is safe. If they do not sign out, expect a call which could be escalated to a full search and rescue as required.

Please note parents must remain on the beach with their children – you must not drop and leave. Whilst we do provide water safety through qualified lifeguards, we require parents or guardians to actively monitor their children at all times. We also require extra parent help in the water so if you can bring your togs / wetsuit and the coaches will let you know when you're needed. 

Junior Surf Cancellation

It would be very rare for us to cancel Junior Surf due to weather, coaches adapt the session to the conditions. However if it is canceled for any reason, we will notify you via an announcement on the club website, the Omaha Beach Junior Surf Facebook and Instagram pages by 9am.

* It is recommended for Dolphins and above for children to be able to swim 200m. Children will be asked to complete a 200m swim when conditions are right to obtain their “200m badge”. Children must have a “200m badge” to use the long foam boards.

** It is recommended that if your child is 13 years old and has not participated in a surf club before, then they join the Marlins group this season and the Rookies next season. Please feel free to chat to us for the best option.

ROOKIES LIFEGUARD 13+

In the Rookies group, the students will participate in all the training required to complete their SLSA (Surf Life Saving Award) and become real lifeguards. This includes beach/water safety skills, rescues & releases, first aid and beach management training. An assessment will be conducted after the end of the season where they will have the opportunity to be assessed for the SLSA. Rookies will meet & sign on at the club training room.

SURF SPORTS

Surf sports are also a big part of junior surf. Events like beach sprints, flags, surf swims, board paddles & relays are all part of the program.

For those children that are interested in competing in surf life saving competitions, the Club will run additional training sessions at a cost of $50 per child for the season. These training sessions will be on certain weekdays after school.

Please register your interest in surf sports when you join or renew your membership. We will send more details out on competitions and training closer to the start of the season, or contact mail@omahasurf.co.nz for further details.

NB: At least one parent volunteer will be required for competition children to fill the roles of water safety, officials and management at competitions.