+++ The 2025/26 season starts on the 2nd November! We can't wait to see you all!! +++

Junior surf is where the journey begins for most clubbies!

Our super popular nippers program caters for kids aged from 6 to 13 years old and is based on water safety, camaraderie and ocean skills.

Running every Sunday from the start of November to mid March, the sessions encourage kids to learn board paddling skills, sea swimming, water treading, hazard recognition and basic lifeguarding skills. Kids benefit from using the swim skills learned with their swim club in an ocean environment, making them stronger and more confident sea swimmers.

• Every Sunday from 9:45am (9:30am for the first session) to aroun 11:30am/12 noon (depending on the weather!
• Gather by the patrol tower out in front of the Clubhouse
• Bring togs, wetsuit if you have one (reccommended in the early season) goggles optional, high vis Kaiaponi vest (all nippers must have their own, these are available to purchase from the club) warm gear for after, towel, water bottle.
• The BBQ will be running each week so don't forget your $2 for a snag!

The Junior Journey:

Nippers

• For 6 to 13 year olds, fun sessions that focus on being beach savvy and surf smart.
• Caters for all levels of experience.
• Members can join in club carnivals and attend the summer holiday program.
• Sundays 9:45am sign in/10am start til approx 11/11:30am, conditions dependant, parents are required to stay on the beach with their child/ren.
• Always check our Facebook page for notices, changes or cancellations.

Rookie Lifeguard

• For our 12 and 13 year old members to build and develop the foundation for lifeguarding.
• The SLSNZ Rookie Surf Lifeguard programme develops young clubbies and teaches them the fundamentals of being a Lifeguard, including first aid, IRB and radio skills. The Rookie program is delivered by experienced coaches and is the perfect foundation for beginning their Lifeguard training at the age of 14.
• Run alongside the Nippers program, Sundays 10am til 11:30am.
• Will be dependant on number of people interested.

Ocean Athletes

• For 10 to 13 year olds who can swim 200m in the ocean, the 'Ocean Athlete' squad caters for kids who are looking for a little bit more than Sunday nippers!
• Young clubbies enjoy training sessions during the week, holiday training, camps, local and out of town events, culminating in a fantastic 4 day Junior Festival event which is held at Mount Maunganui in late February every year.  
• Weekday training sessions work on race craft and fitness as well as speed, technique, wave skills and max fun!
• Junior carnivals are great fun, low key, all about having a go and having fun with your mates.
• The prerequisite for joining the Oceans squad is to be able to swim 200 metres in the sea and attend weekday training sessions.

• Sessions can be in the pool, on boards, ocean swimming, body surfing and beach sports, lead by the team of experienced athlete coaches.

• Costs associated with Ocean Athletes - Normal junior subs $40, Oceans Training fee (inc own board allocation) $100, event entries ranging from approx. $20 for local events, $65 for Regional events and $120 for Oceans. Travel and accommodation costs for out-of-town events (varying depending on venue, Ocean athletes in held at Mount Maunganui and is a four night stay) Some uniform costs, tbc, can be borrowed/handed down!

Weekday training is for 10 to 13 year olds and focuses on ocean skills, team building and fun! The Ocean's Squad is open to anyone who is 10 years old and has their 200m swim badge, there is no selection criteria...if you're keen, committed and determined...you're in!

If you'd like to know more about the Nippers, Rookie or the Oceans programs, please email Clara at waikanaesurflsc@gmail.com