Major Junior Surf Event in Christchurch This Weekend

The eight Canterbury surf clubs are combining for the second largest junior surf event of the year on Sunday at Scarborough Beach.

For the third year running, Surf Life Saving NZ is running this event, which is a fun morning for junior surf participants aged 7 – 13 but also provides training and networking opportunities for the 50+ coaches who are part of it.

Event organiser Luke Smith, SLSNZ Sport Manager Southern Region, said numbers for the event have increased each year. Upwards of 80 volunteers are involved as coaches, lifeguards, coordinators and helpers from all eight Canterbury Clubs.

Over 400 Junior Surf participants are registered, making this the second largest Junior Surf event in New Zealand, behind the Oceans Festival of Junior Lifesaving.

“It’s a great way for the kids to get a really fun enjoyable experience and introduce them to our Surf events,” said Luke.

“And our coaches get to learn from each other and work together.”

Luke, who has grown up in Surf and is a qualified Surf Lifeguard, knows how important surf can be in a youngster’s life, starting in surf when he was just four years old.

“My family were heavily involved in Surf, especially in the Junior Surf space. Dad was a club junior surf coordinator for 12 years, Mum has coached Junior Surf for over 20 years and my older sister is current Waimairi Junior Surf Coordinator.

“I came through this junior pathway myself, and think one of the best parts of Surf Life Saving is the ability to connect and engage with members from other clubs. Events like this hopefully enable this to occur for kids of all ages, and coaches from all clubs.”

Details:

Sunday 1^st December

9:00am start til 11am

Scarborough Beach, Sumner

Click here to view the event flyer.