New Board, Ski and Swim Program

for 2026/27 Season

Building Phase Kicks Off Tuesday 6 October

Pre-season is done — the Building Phase of our Board, Ski and Swim program starts Tuesday 6 October, led by new Head Coach Ariki Pearson.

This phase is all about lifting fitness, technique and capability, and there’s now a full weekly schedule with sessions running almost every day across board, ski and swim, so there’s something for everyone regardless of your pathway — Beginner, Social or Racing.

Haven’t joined the WhatsApp group yet? Scan the QR code below to get the schedule and jump in.

Come along and give a session a go!

Freshwater Surf Life Saving Club is excited to announce the launch of its new Board, Ski and Swim program — a dedicated pathway designed to help athletes, families and members of all ages build skills, confidence and community through surf sports.

The new program provides opportunities for all current financial Freshwater SLSC members, from U14 Nippers through to Masters, with a focus on developing fundamental surf sports skills, improving fitness and supporting members to achieve their personal goals — whether that is learning new skills, enjoying social training, or representing the club at competition level.

The program has been designed around three key participation pathways:

Beginner / Novice
A supportive introduction for members with little to no prior experience, focusing on building confidence and developing essential surf sports skills.

Social / Recreation
Aimed at members looking to improve fitness, enjoy the ocean and connect with the club community without a competitive focus.

Racing / Competition
A structured pathway for members training at a competitive standard, with the goal of representing Freshwater SLSC at carnivals and major events.

The season will progress through three phases:

Pre-season (1 August – 4 October)
An initial training period focused on building foundations, developing skills and preparing members for the season ahead.

Building Phase (5 October – Christmas)
A structured development period focused on improving fitness, technique and surf sports capability.

Championship Phase (4 January – Aussies)
A peak performance period targeting local, Branch, State and Australian Championship events.

Members will have access to a wide range of training opportunities across board, ski and swim disciplines, including beginner sessions, social paddling, club skills sessions, craft training, ironperson development and competition-focused preparation.

The program will be supported by an experienced coaching and leadership group, including Head Coach Ariki Pearson, Captain Board Ski Swim Michael Kirkby, Masters Coordinator Gavin Needham, Open/Youth Coordinator Tom Duffy, and a team of trainers and coaches across the club.

Freshwater SLSC is committed to creating an inclusive environment where members can develop at their own pace, challenge themselves, and enjoy the lifelong benefits of surf sports participation.

Whether you are taking your first steps into board, ski or swim, returning to competition, or looking to train alongside your clubmates, there is a place for you in the new Board, Ski and Swim program.

We encourage all interested members to get involved and be part of this exciting next chapter for Freshwater Surf Life Saving Club.

All communication will be via the WhatsApp platform that can be accessed through the below QR code. From Monday 3 August this will replace all previous communication channels.