Swimming: Eight-year-old Kaia Derbyshire given top coaching in Auckland

Kaia Derbyshire with Olympic swimmer/canoeist Steven Ferguson, left, and Commonwealth Games swimmer Laura Quilter. Photo / Mark Leedom

Kaia Derbyshire, 8, was treated to top class coaching at the Jetstar Super Swim Squad training camp.

The Squad brings 36 youngsters from around the country for the annual camp after qualifying through winning their age group in the 200m OceanKids division at one of six qualifying events during the Banana Boat New Zealand Ocean Swim Series.

The 36 swimmers were given coaching and words of encouragement from a decorated group of coaches, which included three-time Olympian Dean Kent, Olympic swimmer/canoeist Steven Ferguson, Commonwealth Games swimmers Laura Quilter and Ellen Quirke as well as respected surf live saving coach Jack Gavin.

Lauren Boyle, New Zealand's most successful female swimmer with 14 international medals which includes five World Championship medals and a Commonwealth Games gold medal in the 400m freestyle, was also on hand as a guest coach.

Trudy Derbyshire, Kaia's mother, said the camp was a great chance for Kaia to continue her learnings.

"This has been a phenomenal experience for Kaia. She worked so hard to earn a place in the Squad so she is absolutely thrilled to be here," she said.

"To be able to tap in to the wealth of experience from the coaches who come from both surf life saving and Olympic swimming backgrounds is a true once in a lifetime opportunity.

"Kaia found the ocean swimming tips amazing and she has learnt so much from the coaches."

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 with a range of high-performance athletes.

This will be the sixth season that the Jetstar Super Swim Squad has supported New Zealand's young swimming talent and their families at the national swim camp.

Banana Boat New Zealand Ocean Swim Series Event Director Scott Rice the promising young swim stars that come through the camp always leave with big smiles on their faces and feeling 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."