The Ocean Development Programme runs from November - March each year. Details of the 2025/2026 season will be updated closer to the time.

The Ocean Development Programme offers an extension of the skills developed in our Sunday Junior Surf Programme. It is designed for our under 10 and above age group children. Under 9s will be considered on a case by case basis. It is also for children in the under 11 - under 14 age groups who are attending Junior Surf on Sundays and are looking to develop the skills required to join the Ocean Athletes Programme. 

During the Ocean Development Programme, participants will learn a variety of skills suited to their abilities and experience. The programme primarily focuses on board paddling (safely moving in and out of the surf and an introduction to board racing), but will also touch on elements of beach skills and surf swimming when the conditions allow.

Whilst developing the above skills, our experienced coaches use a framework where participants become familiar with “living” our club values – fun, respect, commitment, encouragement and excellence. This helps them to prepare for the Ocean Athletes Programme, the next step along the pathway to becoming a lifeguard. 

Skills developed during the Ocean Development Programme offer participants an opportunity to compete in Junior Surf sport events throughout the summer, joining other junior athletes from around NZ to share their passion for surf sport. 

Block 1 

5th November - 24th December 2024

Block 2

7th January - 23rd January 2025 (school holidays)

Block 3

28th January - 13th March 2025

*no session on 20th February as the coaches will be at the Oceans 2025 Festival of Surf.