Wairarapa children learned how to use a stand-up paddleboard on Friday as part of the Masterton Safe and Healthy Community Council (MSHCC) holiday programme.
Stand-up paddleboarding is one of the fastest-growing water sports in the world, says instructor Glen Butcher. About 60 kids were to go through 45-minute sessions withthe Wind Warriors, of Foxton. Mr Butcher said classes usually began with a 10-minute lesson on how to use the boards and then got into it. "It's really easy ... it's super simple, it's great fun," he said.
Masaki (10) and Kenta (13) McKelvey, of Masterton, said they enjoyed paddleboarding, although Kenta "fell in five times". They had never been paddleboarding before and Masaki said "it was a lot of fun".
Manager Sandy Ryan said she organised the day as something different to do. It was a way to boost water confidence, too.
About 260 from across the region participated in this year's summer holiday programme in total. Mrs Ryan thanked Kerry Hefferen and Kerry Pike for the use of their lake. She said Masterton District Council member Doug Bracewell, of Wairarapa-Bush Rugby Union, also needed to be acknowledged for his contribution to the programme.
The MSHCC has had funding approved for the April school holiday programme, and registrations are open now. Email admin@mshcc.org.nz for a registration form.
