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Kowhai Swimming Club’s new junior coach is Paula Blackie, a former competitive swimmer with the Rovers Swim Club in Hamilton. She says she is passionate about encouraging young swimmers who are confident and successful in the water, with correct technique and a desire to better their stroke. The club welcomes all young swimmers who can swim a couple of basic strokes for about 25 metres. To arrange an assessment, email kowhaiswimming@gmail.com
The Kowhai Swimming Club will be well represented at two national swimming events next month.
Eighteen-year-old Aaron Skipper will go up against the best sprint breaststrokers in New Zealand at the national Swimming Championships in Hawkes Bay, starting on April 9, as well as competing in the 4×4 men’s relay medley.
A week later, Toby and Ryan Hewertson, Sienna Morrison and Fergus Charlton will compete in the national Age Group Swimming Championships in Napier.
Senior club coach Jill Fayeman says that for a small club, it is pretty awesome to have so many swimmers qualify for national events.
Skipper has been swimming with the Kowhai club for several years and this will be his first time swimming in the national opens. He is a former Mahurangi College student who left at the end of last year to pursue an apprenticeship with Laser Plumbing.
Fayeman says the club caters for young swimmers who swim for fun and fitness, as well as those who want to swim competitively. Sessions are held throughout the week at the Mahurangi College pool.
“Club membership offers camaraderie and improved water confidence, as well as an opportunity to be involved in a low-injury sport,” she says.
It is a supportive community where swimmers can improve their technique under the guidance of experienced coaches. The club provides access to structured training programmes tailored to individual skill levels.
“The Kowhai club is in good heart, but we are always keen to attract new swimmers. We don’t offer learn-to-swim classes, so most juniors join when they are around seven or eight years old, when they can swim 25 metres in a couple of strokes.
“Swimmers start in the fun and fitness classes, but if they show commitment and potential, then we move them through into the competitive squad.”
Kowhai also offers adult lane swimming, Monday to Friday, from 6pm to 7pm.
