Junior SURF program
South Brighton's Junior Surf Program is an integral part of surf club activity and the future face and training ground for lifeguards. Children aged between 5-13 participate in organized activities that ensures they are surf and safety educated and confident enough to undertake training for their Surf Lifeguard Award at age 14. Our Junior Surf program consists of a variety of activities including surf events, beach events, skills development and life guarding.
Our cadet members are rostered on patrols to help their development under the watchful eye of our senior members. We also encourage our junior members and parents to participate in course's provided by the district, which include risk management courses, parent coaching days and skills development training. At South Brighton we provide some of the best possible coaching in the district as we boast some of the country's best athletes and coaches who interact with the junior surf program as much as they are able too.
Below is a flow chart showing the progression of children through the junior surf program and into the senior life guard ranks.
The 2023/2024 Season
The South Brighton Surf club aims to provide our junior surf members with a safe and fun environment in which to improve their water confidence and skills and develop their surf confidence and awareness in order to provide them with a platform to enjoy the surf environment safely. We also aim to introduce surf lifesaving competition standards in a fun and safe way. Planning for the 2022/2023 season has now commenced.
Key dates for this season are as follows:
September 2023: Register and order togs online.
29th of October 2023: Open day and first beach day for Junior surf.
Sunday 24th of December 2023: Xmas break up day.
Sunday 7th January 2024: Junior Surf resumes after xmas.
Sunday 24th of March 2024: Junior surf program end for summer.
JUNIOR SURF FORMS
Junior Surf information booklet.
If you have any questions please contact the Junior Surf Co-Ordinator using the email form below.
JUNIOR SURF REGISTRATION
Please complete the “Juniors” registration form below to register for the Junior Surf program. Please note the terms and conditions outlined on the membership page.
JUNIOR SURF FAQ's
What is the purpose of the junior surf program at South Brighton?
Our junior surf program focuses on having fun, learning how to be safe in the surf and participating in sports activities run on the beach and in the water every Sunday morning in summer (usually at the South Brighton beach). The children team up with a great group of kids and adults in suitable age groups for the mornings activities. SLSNZ run a number of carnivals and events throughout the season including junior surf carnivals, the Twilight Series, the Junior Canterbury Championships and the Southern Region Junior Championships. We encourage anyone who is interested in competing to get involved and have fun! While the junior program focuses on surf skills and confidence in the water it is not a learn-to-swim program. Swimming is fundamental to Surf Lifesaving and we encourage all children to improve their swimming through regular training and lessons.
How do the age groups work?
The group you are in is determined by your age on 30 September. If you are 8 on that date you will be in the U9s, if you are 11 then you will be in the U12s, etc.
What time does the Junior Surf program start and end?
The program starts promptly at 9.15 am with a briefing over general beach conditions and any notices about upcoming competitions, etc. Depending on the weather and conditions the day will wrap up at about 11.00 am but is dependent on conditions. If it’s a great summer day the session will often go past the official finish time.
What do children do on the day?
The day focus on two areas. First, learning some fundamentals about lifeguarding – the beach, surf, safety in the water, etc. Second, beach and water activities to prepare athletes for club competitions. Having fun, pushing yourself and contributing to the team are strongly emphasised. For the newcomers (especially the U8 to U10 year olds) there’s a focus on building water confidence. As athletes progress through the age groups, the activities become more demanding – such as the distance to swim and paddle, depth of water, size of surf – so it is important to gain confidence early. An environment of having fun and being with kids of the same age greatly helps with this.
What do I bring and what to wear?
Children in the program are required to wear a South Brighton surf lifesaving hat, and high visibility rash vest. Togs are fine along with a wetsuit. The club will also provide club togs and hats at cost. High visibility vests are also available for purchase (these are compulsory for children in the water). Please come prepared for all conditions however as it is the beach in Christchurch! Full or half wetsuits are highly recommended, particularly before Christmas when the water is still cool to cold.
Wetsuits are generally available from either the Warehouse or Seventh Wave in Dyers Road. Occasionally the Quicksilver Outlet shop in New Brighton will have them at a considerably reduced price but as this is an outlet store, suitable stock and sizes are not guaranteed.
Is gear supplied?
Yes, the South Brighton club provides gear for all levels of ability from foam boogie boards right through to fibre glass boards for older kids. No matter your ability we just ask that you treat all club gear with care and respect, particularly the boards. Carry them, don’t drag them when out of the water, and control them accordingly in the ocean. Whenever you use a board, you are responsible for returning it to the correct storage area rinsed and free from sand.
What is expected of parents / caregivers?
We always need help in the water, particularly with the U8 to U11 year olds. Typically, this is in waist deep water or shallower. We don’t need trained lifeguards but we need people who are confident swimmers and are happy to be in the water. If water isn't your thing, there are lots of other ways to help out on the beach or at the club, such as cooking the BBQ or helping to put gear away. We are always looking for parents who are keen to coach or manage as many hands make light work and we appreciate your help in delivering the quality programs we strive to provide. Without your help we will be unable to provide the programme as we would like.
Lastly we also ask that you arrive promptly and on time to all sessions, that you arrive prepared for all weather conditions and bring food and drink suitable for your children's needs.
INQUIRIES
To contact the club about the Junior Surf program, please use the form on the right: