Surf sports

Surf Lifesaving has 2 distinct facets, patrolling and competition. The Lifesavings skills are fundamental to what we do. To develop these skills a series of exercises have been developed. The skills are designed to improve reaction time (response to an emergency), and speed (to get to the victim). The skills required are running, swimming and board. These disciplines have subsequently been turned in to competition and so the Surf Lifesaving Carnivals were born.

 

At Junior level there are three competitive carnivals where medals and trophies are at stake, the Canterbury Championships, the Southern Ocean Athletes and Ocean Athletes (NZ Champs) for individuals and teams.

 

It is recommended that juniors attend the carnivals, as they are a fun day at the beach and it helps to develop confidence in the competitive arena. We are more interested in juniors participating to get experience in different conditions with a whole bunch of other juniors.

 

Carnivals are held in almost any conditions. Even if it is raining the carnival will be on. We have a big marquee, which will accommodate us. We need a few parents to be on hand to help put up and pull down the tent at the end of the day. If you are around please offer a hand.

 

We have a gear trailer that we take to carnivals. Once again we need help to load it and unload it both at the club and at the carnival.

 

IMPORTANT - Competency

At any surf sport event parents must take an active role, in association with the coach, in deciding if their child has the necessary skills and competence to participate in an event. This relates particularly to water events where conditions are variable. Event organisers are committed to operating a safe event but they are not familiar with the skills and competencies of every competitor.

 

 

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