When Wanganui Multisport and Triathlon Club's young kayakers get instructions on the water, it will be well-prepared coaching staff who provide it.
The club has experienced growth in its kayaking component in recent times, but with only head coach Aaron Cox and Brian Scott guiding the membership of about 85, the need for more kayak-focused coaches was clear.
"With the amount of interest being shown in the sport and the influx of people myself and Aaron Cox would have struggled to find the time to handle the numbers so the need was urgent," said Scott.
Five new kayaking coaches Robyn Scott, Barry Hurley, Phoebe Cromar, Max Brown and Erica Tanner are now working towards gaining the Community Coach Level 1 Certificate, through Canoe Racing NZ.
As their club have been working with Sport Wanganui to create a strategic plan for a number of years, they applied for Kiwisport funding to help with getting equipment and to put potential kayak coaches through the programme.
The return from their application was $25,000 a big boost for the small club.
The Kiwisport fund provides financial assistance for young people aged five-17, focusing on giving more kids opportunities and better skills.
Regional Sports Trusts are charged with caretaking the fund so it is invested in organisations and schools who show they can co-operate with other entities and forge partnerships.
In a press release, Sport Wanganui said the club's funding application was successful because their plan included the development of youth coaches and had a knock-on effect for young athletes involved in the sport.
Set up in the early 1990s, the club took on a kayaking division during the 2005-6 season.
Scott said there were a variety of reasons why kayaking had enjoyed growing interest.
"It is hard to put a finger on the exact reasons for the increased numbers, it could be as easy as a long hot summer.
"But with New Zealand having a history of success at World Champs and Olympics Games, the sport is seen as a credible way to represent your country.
"Recent successes with Lisa Carrington winning the world title in 2011 and Olympic Gold in 2012 and the way she is, as a person, has brought a focus into the sport which is very positive."
The club's new coaches are all good paddlers in their own right.
They are on the water for about six-to-eight hours each per week.
The club has also obtained a grant from Powerco Wanganui Trust to purchase new boats to cater for beginners.
Sport Wanganui's Rachel O'Connor praised the club for their commitment to building their relationship. "The kayaking division of the club have been working with Sport Wanganui for two years now.
"They are working through their development plan and ticking all the boxes in terms of club development, which is shown in the growth and strength their club is currently experiencing."