JUNIOR SURF HANDBOOK 2017/18 OMANU BEACH SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB 15 SURF ROAD, OMANU, MOUNT MAUNGANUI PHONE: 07-575 4805 E-MAIL: admin@omanubeach.co.nz WEBSITE: www.omanubeach.co.nz FACEBOOK: Omanu Beach SLSC Junior Surf
Haere mai, welcome We re glad you chose to spend your Sundays with us at Omanu Beach SLSC. This handbook aims to give you all the information you will need as a parent of a Junior Surf nipper and lifeguards of the future. Please have a read through and be sure to let us know if you have any questions. Junior Surf / Nippers Every Sunday 10am till 11.30-noon Starts: Sunday 5 November 2017 Ends: Mid to late March 2018 (date TBA) 2 P a g e
Your Club At Omanu we have been keeping our stretch of paradise safe for 70 years with over 150 lifeguards volunteering their each year time to patrol. We have a growing number of senior competition squad and the largest junior surf programme in the country. We encourage children to have fun and develop their skills, so they can enjoy the beach and one day may be able to save someone else too Junior Surf Programme The Omanu Beach Surf Life Saving Junior Surf programme, or Nippers is a great opportunity for families to become involved in surf lifesaving. Nippers teaches kids how they can keep themselves and their friends safe at the beach while having tonnes of fun. Our Junior Surf programme enables the kids to learn about being surf smart, learning about rips and waves and being safe in the water. Surf sport gives them the chance to pursue a sport both on the land and in the water and also allows our young surf lifesavers to develop their lifesaving skills such as board paddling and catching waves. Our programme is run in a safe, friendly and fun environment on the beautiful Omanu Beach. SUNDAY OMANU 10.00am 11.30am to 12noon (All Groups) The main training session is on Sunday morning at Omanu, group leaders teach nippers technique for surf sports, beach safety and understanding the conditions at the beach. Training starts at 10am sharp regardless of weather conditions, unless otherwise notified through our Junior Surf Facebook page (by 9am Sundays). Please meet on the grass reserve beside the Surf Club, unless otherwise advised. Training will normally finish between 11.30am and 12noon, although this is dependent on conditions. For safety reasons your child will be signed in at the beginning, and signed out at the end of the session. This will be done through your group co-ordinator or leader. Please ensure this is done so that we can account for each child. If your child needs to leave early, or arrives late, please ensure the sign in/sign out procedure is adhered to. 3 P a g e
Junior Surf Costs Payable at the start of the season Cost per child (under 14 years old) $ 60 OR Family (2 adults, 2 children) $200 Equipment rental fee per child Academy $ 50 Equipment rental fee per child Oceans $100 Coaching fee per child Oceans $100 Overview of Groups Nippers are divided into age groups, which are calculated as per SLSNZ guidelines on 30/9/2017. To calculate which age group your child will be in: Born on 25th of September 2008 = Red Group Born on 1 st of October 2011 = Pink Group Pinkies : 5 & 6 year olds (1 Oct 2011 30 Sept 2012) With a strong focus on fun and games the Pinkies will have a go at body surfing, boogie boarding and much more Orange : 7 year olds (1 Oct 2010 30 Sept 2011) The orange group will develop their skills in the water and build their confidence. Red : 8 year olds (1 Oct 2009 30 Sept 2010) The Reds will spend more time in the water and will need a higher level of fitness. This age group can compete in inter-club competitions and participants are encouraged to work towards a 200m swim badge for the following year Green : 9 year olds (1 Oct 2008 30 Sept 2009) Our 9 year olds will learn initial paddle board skills, body surfing and body surfing skills. A 200m swim badge is required. Yellow : 10 year olds (1 Oct 2009 30 Sept 2008) Our 10 year olds will learn paddle board skills, body surfing and body surfing skills. A 200m swim badge is required Please Note: Any movements between groups by nippers must be discussed with the Group Leaders and approved by the Director of Junior Surf 4 P a g e
Intermediates 11 to 13 year olds: At intermediate age-group level, training becomes more intensive but there are still plenty of opportunities for fun. The focus on developing skilled Lifeguards becomes clear but there is also an environment for becoming actively involved in Surf Sports and developing genuine athletes. Sunday sessions will focus on one of two areas each week competition events and working towards the Rookie Programme, this focuses on lifesaving skills and children work towards achieving their SLGA. We plan to run the Intermediates and Rookies together. Requirements for Intermediate Group 11 to 13 year olds: A hi-vis vest must be worn in the water Children are required to complete the 200m swim test Rookies 13&14 year olds: This is for those 13 & 14 year olds wanting to become qualified lifeguards. Our Rookies programme will run throughout the season combining instructing, practical skill building, and patrolling. Each Rookie will be assigned to 4 patrols of 4 hours each and will also be expected to complete a series of 10 modules outlined in their workbook as well as passing their practical assessments. A uniform will be issued and worn while on patrol. This uniform is to be returned at the end of the season. At the end of the season there is an opportunity to compete in the Rookies Challenge which highlights their lifeguarding skills and knowledge. Those turning 14 years of age before the end of March are eligible to enrol in the SLGA (Surf Life Guard Award) at the end of the season to become a qualified lifeguard. The later birthdates will qualify the following season. We plan to run the Intermediates and Rookies together. 5 P a g e
Oceans Athletes The Ocean Athletes squad are the next generation of surf sport stars, under-14 athletes who love being out on the water and ultimately competing at the annual Oceans. Coached by Simon Wills they are provided the best possible training environment to develop and grow. Academy & Pre-Academy (9-12 years) Academy sessions are run by Denny Enright and Jono York and the primary purpose of Academy is to improve the water skills of your child and water confidence. The Academy group was created to give potential Ocean Athletes the opportunity to build their water skills and confidence to a point where they could move up into the Ocean Athletes group. Academy is run on Tuesday and Friday night's through the Summer season from 5pm to 6pm (sometimes later if conditions are good). We use only foam boards and teach technique and water confidence through each session. Swimming is a key element for all Academy athletes and every athlete wanting to join Academy must pass a 200 metres test. Discipline is also a very important key to the success of the Academy group. Water safety is really important so we must have the water ratio of 1 parent, per 5 athletes available. If we do not have enough parents to cover the safety ratio we will then adjust the session to suit. Our goal for Academy is for every athlete to enjoy the sessions, develop new skills, enjoy the environment that we create, and grow in confidence as they up skill. Pre-Academy This group is for children that are too young or not yet up to the level required for Academy but who want to improve their skills. Working on the same principles as Academy these children work in shallower water to make it safer for them. Again, for the Pre Academy group we do require parents to make themselves available these sessions to cover the safety ratios. These sessions keep your children actively engaged in your club while learning valuable life and water skills. 6 P a g e
Parents & Caregivers (your involvement) Parents play a huge role in Junior Surf. We encourage all parents to take the opportunity to become active contributors to the Nipper programme. Your help during training sessions is always required and appreciated by the group leader whether setting up equipment, cleaning and packing away the gear, helping on the beach or being involved in the water. Please read the Safety First section below. Please check with your child s group leader or coordinator at the start of each session to find out if they require any extra help. Parent involvement is also crucial when it comes to attending surf carnivals. Whether it be as a water helper/official or putting up the tent and cooking sausages on the BBQ we need you. There are so many different facets to running Junior Surf, if you have some time available or have a great idea please contact the Junior Surf Director or Club Administrator. Thank you! Join in you ll love it as much as your child does Look after our Club On a Sunday you are welcome to use all the facilities in the Club so it is our responsibility to keep the Club clean and tidy after use. Please get the kids to rinse their feet before heading inside and no wet clothing or wetsuits inside the Clubhouse. If the kids are using the showers please keep them short, or better still, just have a quick rinse off in the outside shower or hose and get changed into some warm clothes. Each week one group is assigned to washing down the Junior Surf trailer and running the BBQ. If it s your group s turn please don t be shy, we love people who lend a hand. 7 P a g e
WHAT TO BRING TO NIPPERS Omanu togs (or red equivalent) Group cap (in your group colour) Omanu red rashie Sunscreen Towel and warm clothing to change into Water bottle Money for sausage sizzle, ice block 200m badge sewn on togs (if using boards and/or swimming past waist depth) A fun attitude UNIFORM SHOP We have a shop at the Club which sells everything you need for Sunday Nippers and carnivals. Group caps are compulsory, as are the red rashies. Omanu branded swimsuits are available and are recommended, if you do not have branded togs please can your child wear red togs. Also available through the Club are long coats, branded umbrellas, drink bottles, hats, Surf Life Saving towels, Surf Life Saving jandals and other items. These sometimes sell out quickly so please talk to the Club Administrator about what s available. T-shirts, Club hoodies and merchandise will be available throughout the season via our online store and your items will be sent directly to your home. Visit the Club website for the link. Training Safety vests are required to be worn by all Oceans, Intermediate and Academy groups. They are mandatory for safety reasons and are included in the Fee. Extras can be purchased from the uniform shop if you lose yours or wish to have a spare. 8 P a g e
Safety First NIPPERS 200M SAFETY BADGE As already mentioned, nippers MUST achieve their 200m badge before they can train or compete in water events which go beyond waist depth. This is a mandatory safety requirement which demonstrates that members are confident in the ocean and capable of returning to shore if they are separated from their equipment. This test must be repeated yearly and must be sighted by an Omanu senior coach or group leader. Nippers must swim 200m of a competent non stop single freestyle stroke with no stopping or changing of strokes. The beginner pass time is 7 minutes with the expectation that the swim will be under 4.5 minutes by the time the child reaches 12 years of age. The assessments are done for safety purposes and the criteria will be upheld by the senior coaches and group leaders. There is no limit to the number of times a candidate can re-test but they must have swum their 200m competency test in order to participate in open sea and board training this applies to Green Group upwards. If the coaches are not confident that a child is a strong enough swimmer to tackle the conditions, whether it be training or at a carnival, they can stop the child taking part. This is not done lightly and is only done for the child s safety. 5:1 RATIO SUPERVISION As another STRICT mandatory safety requirement, we require a minimum supervision ratio (in any water activity, regardless of depth) of 1 adult IN THE WATER per 5 children. On rough days, we will increase this number. If we cannot reach the required ratio, the water events will be cancelled. 1:20 RATIO OF QUALIFIED SUPERVISION In addition to the in-water 5:1 ratio we must also have 1 qualified guard per 20 children in the water. One of the best ways to help at the beach is to become a lifeguard. 9 P a g e
Junior Surf Carnivals Carnivals are a great opportunity to participate in both a fun and competitive environment, meet nippers from other clubs, and see other beaches. While it can be competitive at times, the emphasis is always on safety, sportsmanship and enjoyment. Carnival Calendar Keep an eye on the Junior Surf Pages on the Omanu website for all the latest news and details of events http://www.omanubeach.co.nz/junior-surf Be sure to like the Junior Surf Facebook page also for up-to-date event details Omanubeach slsc junior surf Junior Surf Carnival Checklist Ensure you register and pay for your child to compete at the event. This is done in advance of the event through the Club. The group leader and Club will send out information prior through email or facebook. On the day, arrive at the carnival at the time advised by your Group Leader previously and report to your Group Coordinator/Team Manager. Children must tell their Group Coordinator if they are leaving the club area for ANY reason. Parent help is required for all carnivals, even little jobs like helping put up the tent or being there at the end of the weekend to take the tent down are crucial, please offer your time. It is important that you always remember to bring: Omanu competition cap (red with white star) Omanu togs, hi-vis vest and 200m badge if applicable Good food & plenty of water to drink Sun hat & sunscreen Towel & warm clothing, including a warm jacket to put on between events Please note wetsuits cannot be worn at carnivals Good, keen attitude 10 P a g e
Junior Surf Officials There is a requirement that the club supply officials and water safety officers for carnivals. If in the event there are insufficient officials, our club may be withdrawn from the carnival. Parents of junior athletes competing at carnivals are expected to help with water safety or officiating. A surf official is the person helping to set up the flags arena, recording winners, marshalling children to the start lines, starting the races and more. The only people closer to the action are the athletes. To become an official you must first complete a Surf Officials Level 1 (one day) course which the club will pay for. Then you will be mentored on the beach and assessed in your role before being issued the qualification. Surf Official uniforms are issued so children and spectators may easily identify you. Lunch and snacks are supplied at most carnivals. If you are interested please contact the Club Administrator (admin@omanubeach.co.nz). If you decide to take the course the Club will expect you to finish the course, attend the carnivals to be assessed to gain the final qualification. You will not be expected to officiate at Carnivals that your child does not attend, but the opportunity to do so is there if you would like to. Whilst we encourage all parents to help and be part of the Club activities, being an official is a full day s job on Carnival day and it is not advisable if you have small children that will need to be kept an eye on. If you have an older child who is too old for Nippers but interested in surf and will be available at the beach to help, they can be put forward to take the course. Water Help On Carnival day we will be asked to supply help for water safety. This is an important job but less demanding than being an Official, usually water safety help will be on duty for 2-3 hours and then swap with other helpers. Please let your Group Leader know if you can help. 11 P a g e
Junior Surf Gear Usage and Guidelines All water equipment used in training and at the carnivals has been bought by Omanu Beach SLSC for use by its members. It has been bought with money raised by club members through fundraising events, sponsorship and grants. The Club gear (boards, body boards, tubes, etc) is expensive to purchase and to maintain. Most gear damage is avoidable. Teach your kids to be careful and to be respectful of the hard work it has taken to get this equipment. If we teach the kids to look after the gear from day one we will have less to fix. If you see kids struggling with the gear, please give them a hand. Every dent in a board costs time and money to repair. It is the responsibility of each and every member that this equipment is looked after to ensure its longevity and most importantly its integrity for safety. Boards and equipment can only be used by registered Surf Club members wearing the Club uniform (cap, hi-vis vest etc). Gear may only be used during coached surf sport sessions. Only junior gear can be used and any damage needs to be reported to the Group Leader, Coach or Club Administrator as soon as possible. Damaged boards need repairs urgently as they become water logged very quickly and a small fix can become a major problem if left. Junior Surf Gear Guidelines Handle & carry the equipment correctly. DO NOT drag boards, including body boards - carry them or if your child cannot handle the board, please carry with/for them. Standing on the boards is NOT permitted either in the water or on land. Do not use between the flags and around swimmers. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun, don t leave boards out in the sun longer than necessary. Take all precautions necessary when transporting the equipment. If you are putting boards on a roof rack they must have padding and be tied down CORRECTLY! Ask a coach or group leader for help if unsure. When you have finished wash the equipment after use and put it away. No gear is to be taken from the club without approval by the JS Director, Coach or Club Administrator and must be signed back in when returned If the gear is damaged the board must be removed from the water immediately and advise your group leader, coach or Club Administrator. 12 P a g e
A MASSIVE THANKS TO THESE AWESOME ORGANISATIONS WHO SUPPORT OMANU JUNIOR SURF They support us, so please support them too 13 P a g e