Our Junior Surf programme focuses on having fun, gaining water confidence and learning how to be safe in the surf.
Following the skills and knowledge framework designed by Surf Life Saving New Zealand, the Taylors Mistake Junior Surf Programme provides an engaging environment in which children aged from 6 to 13 participate in a variety of age and ability appropriate running, swimming and board activities each week.
Whilst building their surf skills, the children make strong friendships and our hope is that by the time they reach the end of the junior programme and enter the senior section of the club, they are actively engaged in both the lifeguarding and competitive aspects of Surf Life Saving.
Developing lifesaving skills is fundamental to what we do as a club, and the Junior Surf programme runs into our Rookie Lifeguard programme, which members can begin training for from the age of 13. Rookies are placed on patrols and overseen by the patrol captain who ensures that they learn the ropes of patrolling our beach.
As well as producing some outstanding lifeguards, Taylors Mistake Surf Life Saving Club has an impressive history in the competition arena and we strongly recommend all juniors try at least one carnival during the season. Whilst this is not compulsory, participating in a carnival does help to develop water confidence at different beaches and gives children the opportunity to use the skills they have learnt in training. Carnivals also generate a great Taylors Club spirit and are lots of fun!
Between November and March, Junior Surf training sessions are provided for all members under 14 on Sunday mornings from 10 to 11.15am. In addition to this, our older children (U11 to U14) attend twice weekly evening training sessions to build their fitness and further develop their board and swimming skills. Our Junior programme starts in early November (date for 2024 TBC). Please note that only pre-registered children are able to participate in this programme.
We are very much a family club and encourage everyone to get involved. Many of our parents have enjoyed developing their own water confidence and have gone on to gain their own Surf Lifeguard Award. Please contact us if you are interested in finding out more about this.
Please note that while the Junior Surf programme teaches surf awareness and builds water skills and confidence, we are not a learn-to-swim programme. Swimming is fundamental to surf life saving and an integral part of all our sessions, therefore we encourage all our juniors to participate year-round in regular swimming lessons / training at their local pool. Our older juniors (9+ years) are expected to be competent swimmers capable of swimming 200m in around 5 minutes or less (see Awards for more information about target 200m swim times).
If parents are looking to develop their children’s swimming skills a good training session is with the Christchurch Amateur Swim Club, at Christ’s College pool on Tuesday nights.
If you have any questions about the Taylors Mistake Junior Surf programme, please contact us.
