Bay swimmers take part in three-day swimming camp in Auckland

A group of budding Bay swimmers took part in a three-day camp to hone their swimming skills. Photo/Mark Leedom

A group of budding Bay of Plenty swimming stars gathered for a three-day camp to hone their skills under the watchful gaze of New Zealand swimming elites.

Liam Shanahan, Talitha McEwan, Hayley Fowler, Danielle Fowler, Grace Richardson, Ryleigh McEwan, Poppy Richardson, India-Rose Scholes, Henry Scholes and Sheldon Hogan were selected as part of the 36-member Jetstar Super Swim Squad.

The swimmers qualified for a place in the squad by winning their age groups in the 200m OceanKids event at one of six qualifying events in the Banana Boat New Zealand Ocean Swim Series.

The team members gathered at the weekend for the annual camp at Shakespear Lodge in Whangaparaoa, carrying out swim training in both a pool and ocean environment. The camp ended yesterday.

The youngsters were mentored by three-time Olympian Dean Kent and supported by Olympic swimmer/canoeist Steven Ferguson, Commonwealth Games swimmers Laura Quilter and Ellen Quirke and respected surf lifesaving swim coach Jack Gavin.

Lauren Boyle, who retired last year as New Zealand's most successful female swimmer after securing 14 international medals during her career, including five world championship medals and gold for the 2014 Commonwealth Games 400m freestyle, attended the camp as a guest coach.

The aim of the camp is to back New Zealand's future swim stars by offering expert tuition to develop their technical skills and help them to build confidence by providing an opportunity to meet and talk to a range of high-performance athletes.

Banana Boat New Zealand Ocean Swim Series event director Scott Rice said the promising young swim stars who came through the camp always left with big smiles and felt motivated about their future swimming careers.

"It's inspiring to see the next generation excited about the sport and it continuously leaves me in no doubt that New Zealand's swimming future is in good hands."

Head of Jetstar New Zealand Daniel Banens said the squad was created with the aim of nurturing young swimming talent.

"The squad provides these young swimmers with a true once in a lifetime experience. They train alongside their swimming role models and learn from their peers.