...at Whakatane Surf Life Saving Club

Building Oean Confidence, One Smile at a Time

Our Junior programs are all about fun and fostering a positive lifelong relationship with our ocean! Set against the stunning backdrop of Ōhope Beach and crafted for kids aged 5 to 13, they’re the perfect place to build surf zone confidence, learn life saving skills, and grow within a vibrant beach community that places care and respect—manaakitanga—for the ocean, at its heart.

Our Junior program's focus on three main pathways, ensuring there’s something for every child—whether they’re diving into the surf zone for the first time, eager to explore what it takes to be a future lifeguard, or aiming to compete as a surf lifesaving athlete!

Sunday Surf Sessions 

"Fun on the Sand, Confidence in the Surf. Friends for the Journey"

These weekly sessions are the heart of our program — and where everyone begins!  

Most Sundays from November to March, kids enjoy a mix of beach games, surf skills, and water safety activities. Our focus is on building ocean safety awareness and surf zone confidence through play. Children are grouped by age and ability so they can learn and thrive alongside their peers. 

For kids keen to build on their skills, there’s the opportunity to give competitions a go later in the season. While competition isn’t the main focus of our program, these events can be a great way for kids to develop resilience, teamwork, and a sense of achievement. Events like the Pukehina Harris Cup—which the whole club attends—as well as junior-friendly carnivals hosted by local surf clubs, offer a relaxed and encouraging environment for those wanting to experience the excitement of surf sports.

This program is run by parent volunteers and relies on your support — you’ll need to stay at the beach with your child and lend a hand with things like water safety, setting up and packing down equipment. Don’t worry though — no experience is needed, and we’ll make sure you’re having just as much fun as the kids!

Rookie Lifeguard Program  

"From First Waves to First Rescue: We Grow Lifeguards"

Ready to take it up a notch? The Rookie Lifeguard Program is where our 12–13 year olds step into the action and get a real taste of what it’s like to be a lifeguard.

This high-energy, hands-on program is packed with the most exciting parts of lifeguarding — from rescue tube races and first aid challenges to patrol simulations, radio use, and rescue board skills. It’s all about inspiring the next generation and motivating them to pursue lifeguard training with Surf Life Saving New Zealand in the future.

Whether they dream of wearing the red and yellow one day or just want a summer on the sand with their mates, Rookies experience the thrill, the responsibility, and the fun of being part of the lifeguard crew. No experience at previous Sunday Surf is required to join this program. 

Junior Surf Sport  

"Growing Stronger from the Inside Out"

Our Junior Surf Sport program is for 10–13 year olds who want to take their skills to the next level.

Led by a qualified paid coach, this pathway includes additional training sessions during the week, on top of Sunday Surf, plus competitions on weekends throughout the season. Athletes train in board paddling, beach sprints, flags, and surf swims, honing strength, speed, strategy, and resilience. 

Junior Surf Sport competitors take part in local and regional surf lifesaving carnivals, culminating in the prestigious "Oceans" Festival at the end of the season. 

Participation in Junior Surf Sport is a commitment — but it’s one that builds discipline, resilience, and confidence, while encouraging kids to push their fitness boundaries in a supportive environment surrounded by a community that believes in them.

Kids with no prior surf life saving experience are welcome to join, provided they’re confident swimmers who can complete a continuous 200m pool swim in under 7 minutes. 

Program Details

Where: Ōhope Beach – in front of the Whakatāne Surf Life Saving Club
When: Early November to mid-March (with a break over Christmas/New Year)
Who: Kids aged 5–13 (must be at least 5 by September 30th)
How to Join: Registrations open early August – right here on our website!

There's a place for every child in Junior Surf at Whakatane Surf Club. Come join the fun. Build skills for life. Be part of something special!