Training & Competition

At Whakatāne Surf Lifesaving Club we are proud to offer a supportive, fun, and challenging training environment led by our experienced coach, Simon Wills. Our training programmes are designed to help athletes from age 10 and up build fitness, develop surf sports skills, and prepare for both competition and lifeguarding. We hope to attend 'The Aussies' - the Australian Nationals bi annually for u13 and above age groups who are dedicated to training and wish to experience international competition. 

Oceans Training (U11 – U14)

The Oceans programme is the perfect introduction to surf lifesaving sport. Training covers:

• Beach events: sprints, run, flags and relays

• Ocean events: board, swim, diamond and relays

No experience is necessary – all sessions are adapted to suit the group and individual abilities. Athletes are expected to attend a minimum of two training sessions per week to build confidence and progress.

Our goal is that by age 13–14, Oceans athletes will move naturally into lifeguard training, continuing their journey as both competitors and patrolling lifeguards.

Senior Training (U15 – Masters)

The Seniors programme offers training across a wide range of surf sports disciplines, with the flexibility to focus on fitness, competition, or lifeguard development. Training includes:

• Running, sprints, and flags

• Swim, board, ski, and ironman/ woman

• Team and individual relays

Seniors can choose which sessions they attend, with the option to compete at regional and national events, or simply train to be the best lifeguard they can be.

Commitment & Membership

Participation in training programmes is free with:

• A paid club membership

• A commitment to completing required lifeguard patrol hours each season for those of age

A gear levy also applies for use of club equipment (for both Oceans and Seniors).

Swim Training

Through the year we have Gary Waller running swim twice weekly swim training and through the winter months, coach Simon runs pool-based swim sessions to keep athletes active and to prepare for the Eastern Region Pool Champs and Nationals. 

To sign up, learn more or get in touch with Simon first contact our club administrator whakatane@surf.org.nz

Important dates for Competition Surf

Oceans camp - 10th October  - WSLSC

Spring Series #1 18th October (seniors) - Papamoa

Spring Series #2 15th Nov (seniors) - Mt Maunganui

Lifeguard exam day for new lifeguards - 15th Nov

Mt Monster - 29th Nov (seniors) - Mt Maunganui

Whangamata Classic - 6-7th Dec (seniors - compulsory)

BOP Junior and Senior Competition - 9-11th Jan - Ohope - compulsory

Owen Chapman - 18th Jan - Red Beach

Senior ERC's - 23rd-25th Jan (compulsory)

Junior ERC's - 31st-1st Feb

Champion of the Bays - 6-7th Feb - Gisborne

NRC's - 14-15th Feb - Omaha

Oceans - 19th-22nd Feb 

Nations -5th-8th March - Ohope (seniors and compulsory)

Senior training programme starting 1st September:

Monday 4:15pm - Road Running. 5:15pm - Ski

Tuesday 4:15pm - Strength & Conditioning. 5:15pm - Board

Wednesday 4:00pm - Yoga. 4:30pm - Sprints/Flags. 5:15pm - Iron/Transition

Thursday 4:15pm - Sand Transition/2km Running. 5:15pm - Ski

Friday 4:15pm - Strength & Conditioning. 5:15pm - Board

Saturday 8:00am - Iron/ transition

* Remember warm wetsuit gear for water sessions and running gear/ shoes for run sessions.

Oceans training programme - start of Term 4 

Monday 4:30pm - 5:15pm - Road Running

Tuesday 4:00pm - 5:15pm - Board

Wednesday 4:30pm - 5:15pm - Beach Flags/Sprints/Transitions

Thursday 4:00pm 5:00pm - Iron

Friday 4:00pm - 5:00pm - Board

Saturday 9:00am - 10:00am - Iron

Sunday Nippers/Rookies (no oceans)

Prerequisite for Oceans

200m Badge - completed before Oceans training starts

Board Skills - Minimum set of skills. Simon to decide during a session if board skills are needing extra coaching outside of Oceans.