School kids have chance 'to get up and ride'

Northland schools have been included in the newly expanded ASB Community Trust Have a Go Surfing Days at Ninety Mile Beach.

Over the next two weeks, primary and intermediate schools from throughout the region will take part in the programme before finishing up with three weeks at Piha and Muriwai beaches on Auckland's west coast.

Surfing New Zealand development manager Lee Ryan said the focus was on water safety, something which was important to Northlanders considering the region's beach lifestyle.

"We are excited to partner up with ASB Community Trust and expand this learn to surf programme to Northland," Ryan said of the programme which kicked off last week.

"We have a big focus on beach safety and teaching the kids about rips and currents and how to keep out of danger. These skills remain with kids for a lifetime.

"Even if they do not continue to surf, they can use these skills whenever they go to the beach and that is an important legacy of the programme.

"It is the third year running we have teamed up and brought surfing to these youngsters that may otherwise not get to experience the thrill of the ocean."

Students are bussed to their surf destination each day and learn about water safety along with surf lessons that include a fun-filled practical lesson in the water, and theory on land before getting wet.

Students learn about the best techniques to get up and riding and enjoy the thrill of catching waves.

"We work with the teachers and encourage them to join the students in the water. That way they can experience the thrill they see gleaming across their students faces day after day," said Ryan.

The programme follows on from three successful years of Kiwi Sport Have A Go Surfing Days that have been delivered in Northland, North Harbour, Waitakere, Counties Manukau, Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay, Wellington and Otago.

About 1000 youngsters now get the opportunity to go surfing under the programme each year.

The learn-to-surf programme is the first step of the development pathway for surfers who can then move on to surfing at events.

Events include the Primary School Championships, the New Zealand Grommet Series which offers three divisions for boys and girls - under-14, under-17 and under-20 and the Regional and National Scholastic championships which are held annually.