Junior Surf Its about developing tomorrow's Surf Lifeguards and opening up a whole new world to children & young people
Fun and educational! And a morning at the beach. It doesn’t get any better than Junior Surf . They’re our lifeguards in the making!
Junior Surf is open to children aged 3-13. It is a great way for children to make friends, be active and learn how to enjoy the beach safely. As an island nation, teaching our kids how to respect the water and learn water safety and lifesaving skills, is a no-brainer! Juniors first learn about surf awareness and beach safety with fun as the priority. As they progress through the various age groups, they pick up surf lifesaving and lifesaving sport skills.
At the age of 13, our juniors have the opportunity to take part in the Rookie Lifeguard Programme, which is an introductory step into lifeguarding. Rookie Lifeguards are asked to do patrols alongside a mentor, learning what it takes to become a surf lifeguard in a safe and enjoyable way. To see more information on the rookie programme, see this link: Rookie Lifeguard Programme | SLSNZ
There is also the opportunity to participate in our Lifesaving Sport carnivals which offer numerous beach and water (beach and pool) focused activities. These events are tailored specific to age group, and are a lot of fun for the entire family. This is all done in a safe and supportive club environment.
Our Junior Surf programme aims to provide children with engaging activities, encouraging active participation, leading to the development of personal, lifesaving and competition skills, in a safe aquatic environment. We strive to provide the best possible life saving experience for all juniors with the view to encouraging long- term active participation in Surf Life Saving, teaching surf beach specific water safety skills and building confidence, as well as developing fitness, while having lots of fun in the process.
Our Junior Surf programme is split in to five age/skill groups.
- When: 10.00am, Sunday mornings
- Where: All sessions at the surf club. We involve both land and water-based activities. We sometimes utilise a local pool for pool-based activities.
- Season start: Sunday 8th November 2026
- Season finish: Sunday 7th March 2027
- Cost: $45 for the season
Joining Junior Surf is a great way to increase the water safety skills and knowledge of your children and whanau. Throughout the summer season children will complete a range of beach and water activities using individual and group skills.
Check out the new SLSNZ Parent & Whanau handbook here for some great information about what to expect at Junior Surf.
Junior Surf runs on volunteer energy, so the more we share the load the easier it is for everyone. Parents are expected to contribute to junior surf at some point in the season, this can be as a parent helper. Have a chat to any of the Junior Surf Group Leader team for more info on how you can help.
Group Leaders are responsible for the implementation and coordination of activities for our age groups within the programme. Group Leaders facilitate the development of skills, knowledge and look after the overall safety and wellbeing of their group.
Check out the new SLSNZ Group Leaders resources here for all Wainui age groups.
