Junior spring programme covers intro to surfing

 

Te Arai’s Aotearoa Surf School held its inaugural spring surfing event offering free surf lessons over two days for 45 children aged 7-12.

Children from Mangawhai, Tomarata, Kaiwaka, Wellsford and Auckland enjoyed the first thrills of the season each completing the company’s introduction to surfing lesson, which they plan to run free for the community each spring.

All children got to enjoy near perfect conditions with sun, low winds, 1-2 foot beginner waves all amidst the pristine Te Arai beach.

“It was fantastic to see all the kids out there in the water smiling and calling out to coaches so they could catch another wave,” say owner and coach Che Burnett. “Not all children have the opportunity to give surfing a go, and this is perfect for them. We set up the event so everything is included – surfboards, wetsuits, sunscreen, water and of course fun times.” The introduction to surfing event follows Aotearoa Surf’s standard lesson format covering beach awareness and safety, surfboard design, ocean entry, paddling, catching waves and standing up.

Aotearoa Surf use the Surfing NZ Wave Warrior Junior Surfer program which consists of five levels, so kids can progress through each stage gaining new skills and experience as they go. A Junior Wave Warrior program and logbook is used so proud young surfers can track their progress.

Che says the company is delighted to be providing this event every year, introducing kids to the excitement and challenges of surfing in a safe, fun and controlled environment. “We had five of the team on hand – three certified coaches and two coaches completing their certification. It was a fantastic event and the feedback we received from parents was just overwhelming.”

Due to popular interest Aotearoa Surf are structuring an after-school surfing program for 7-12-year-olds operating in Terms 4 and 1, classes running for 90 minutes every week. Aotearoa Surf School has been operating for 12 years, is accredited with Surfing New Zealand and recommended by Water Safety New Zealand offering surfing, stand up paddleboarding, kayak lessons and tours. 

Contact Che at Aotearoa Surf online at aotearoasurf.co.nz