Kids rush to learn vital surf lessons

Kids on holiday are embracing the opportunity to learn valuable surf and lifesaving skills at Riversdale Beach.

The Riversdale Surf and Lifesaving Club's Gazley Nippers Programme started yesterday, with 87 kids taking advantage of the fine weather to learn important beach skills.

Club treasurer Helen Bartlett said the large numbers on the first day of the programme indicated that "it's going to be a busy one this year, which is good".

"They're learning to keep themselves safe in a fun way," she said.

"A lot of our children are from families that come back for the holidays year after year, so some of them start when they're 5 and end up working as regional lifeguards.

"It's important that the kids learn these skills -- hugely important. We have so many beaches and so many drownings. It's really important that they know how to look after themselves."

Ms Bartlett said the Riversdale Gazley Nippers Programme was unique because it ran every morning of every week day over the holiday period.

"With our programme, most kids are on holiday from out of this area and if we didn't run it, there would be no place for them that could teach them about being at the beach.

"Riversdale is an ocean, a surf beach, and a great place to learn," said Ms Bartlett.

Upcoming Nipper events are the Cooper Tires Kids Triathlon on January 9 and the Junior Surf Carnival on Sunday, January 24.

The Junior Surf Carnival is the biggest day on the club's calendar with more than 300 competitors and supporters expected from Lower North Island surf clubs.