HANGIN’ UNDER-10: KINDERGARTEN INTRODUCES SURF LESSONS
A GOLD Coast kindergarten has started giving pre-schoolers surfing lessons and one of Australia’s premier boardriders thinks it’s just swell.
Broadbeach Kindergarten is offering surf sessions and teaching kids how to stay safe on the beach.
Professional surfer Bede Durbidge is backing the program, taking the children for a lesson at Broadbeach.
“I think it’s the best thing ever. I wish they had that when I was young,” he said.
“The beach is part of our lifestyle on the Gold Coast, the kids are so intrigued by the surf and very conscious of the environment ... they were even picking up rubbish.”
Broadbeach Kindergarten’s Ocean Warriors beach program follows another Gold Coast daycare’s move to install a fire pit to combat the “bubble wrapping” of children over the past decade.
“Our aim is to support children to have a feeling of freedom, allowing children to take risks and be adventurous,” Broadbeach Kindergarten assistant teacher Kathryne Powell said.
“Kids need to be able to take risks in a controlled natural space.
“That’s why we started the Ocean Warriors program so they learn how to be safe on the beach, protect the environment and respect Aboriginal heritage ... they’ve become really good little environmentalists.
“We’ve had a lot of support from organisations including Surf Life Saving Queensland who have been running a mini nippers program. Not one parent has raised any concerns. They think it’s unbelievable their children have been given this opportunity.”