Hi there
Another great day on the beach yesterday, the surf was quite a
bit rougher but the kids still went out in it and looked like they
were having fun and gaining in confidence.
A reminder we have a carnival this week Sunday
8th December at Otaki, no Nippers at our beach this
week.
The carnival starts at 10 am so we need you there
at 9 am. James and Lynnie are away so we need extra help
setting up and packing trailer at end of day. See here for the
carnival flyer http://www.surflifesaving.org.nz/media/262375/20131208_juniorsurf2_otaki.pdf
But please note that all surf events are very flexible due to
conditions so don't bother printing and bringing along.
Safety Vests
are compulsory for anyone entering the water at this
carnival, we now have our supply and it was great
to see them being worn yesterday, as a club we want to see everyone
wearing them at the beach each Sunday. If you didn't get
yours yesterday bring $20 cash and I will have some for sale at
Otaki. Reminders/tips of things for surf events below.
Don't forget the washing instructions re the vests are 2 x
separate washes.
NZ U14 Champs, "Ocean Athletes"
We need to start planning now for those 10yrs and over who want
to attend the NZ U14 Champs at Mt Maunganui, Feb 20 to
23rd, 2014. This is a great event, it is quite
competitive and sometimes held in big surf conditions but it is a
lot of fun for the kids and an event that if they have been to once
they want to go back to. As a club we stay in a camp ground
in cabin like accommodation, we book the space and then you pay for
your accommodation and food. i.e. we all stay together but as
separate families. This works well as the kids get to hang
out while the adults also get to catch up with each other as well.
You don't have to stay in the club booked accommodation but
if attending as part of our club you are still expected to attend
team meetings at our camp ground each evening and the kids have to
be available on the beach for all events they should be taking part
in. i.e. it is a competitive event and not a holiday
outing.
We understand that conditions may at times be too challenging
for some competitors, we ensure our kids only take part in events
they can complete and feel comfortable doing so. If attending this
event each child should be accompanied with an adult from their
family.
http://www.surflifesaving.org.nz/sport/calendar/Details?/calendar/2014/february/u14-new-zealand-surf-life-saving-championships-(oceans14)/
Please note that "All athletes must be a minimum of 10 years of
age at 1st October 2013 to compete in this event."
The campground we are staying in need to have our number
confirmed very soon (accommodation is always at a premium around
surf event times) so we do need to have some indication now of your
likely attendance to the event. If you need more details speak to
me at the Otaki carnival or other families who have
attended.
Reminder Tips for Nipper Carnivals
For a Carnival you need:
- Togs, Swim Cap, Goggles, Nipper Hat, always wear swim cap under
Nipper Hat when in the water to help stay warm (and keep hair
dry).
- Board shorts are not permitted to be worn.
- PINK HI VIS VEST
- Heaps of warm clothing to rug up in, polypro and fleeces which
can get a bit wet and stay warm are the best, wet towels wrapped
around kids only get them colder. Fleece blankets are popular
and are often used by kids to wrap up in.
- Bring a good morning tea and lunch, lots of drink and
nibbles.
- Use sun screen especially for wind and remember tops of feet
and tips of ears.
- The host club normally has a sausage sizzle going so bring some
change to buy sossies.
The carnival will be split into 2 different age groups:
- 9 years and under, who will do beach sprints, flags, boogie
boards and run wade run. There may be a Nipper Board race
available for competent 9 yr olds with 200 m badges. 9 yrs and
under section should take about 2 hours to run.
- 10 yrs and above will do beach sprints, flags and swim, board
and diamond races, additional relay races may be held depending on
conditions/time. Only Nippers with 200m badges may take part in the
water races. Expect to be there for most of the day for these
age groups.
You don't have to register for a carnival prior to the day just
turn up in plenty of time to get registration numbers put on kids
plus kids groups sorted. We need parent help to act as Team
Mangers for each age group and gender, so basically 14 groups and
Team Managers. These Team Managers will ensure kids are at
the start line of each of their races, they are NOT solely
responsible for your child for the day. You will need to be
with your children to care, feed, water, sunscreen, warm them etc.
and also to help the manager make sure they know where kids are
prior to a race. It works best if the parents of each group
work together on the day, and it's more fun for all, the kids like
to stick together to play with their mates, we like to be
sociable.
We won't know the order of events until the day, these may
change at any time due to conditions and time factors. Anything can
happen at Surf events.
Cheers
Sandra
