Tadpoles are beginners in the water, aged from 6 months to around 2 and a half years old. A parent or carer is in the water with the child participating. Children develop skills and water confidence at their own pace. Many babies are very comfortable and sure in the water and it is great to develop and encourage this natural affinity with the water. Activities include songs, games, play with carers, running on mat, and using a platform and other props. Objectives: to float unassisted and roll and turn in the water.
Platypuses
Platypus skill and confidence levels can vary a great deal, so each child is taught according to their capabilities. Goals at this level include survival stroke, pop-up breathing, rolling over to a back float, and swimming independently to the side of the pool. Objectives: to swim at least 10 metres survival stroke with confident breathing technique.
Dolphins
Dolphins are continuing to develop listening skills, coordination, physical strength and stamina. Goals at this level are to increase water confidence and skills, and to learn new skills such as diving, treading water, and dolphin kicks. Freestyle technique is introduced at dolphin level, and existing techniques are reinforced. Objectives: to swim at least 50 metres freestyle.
Swordfish
Swordfish swimmers can swim independently with continuous and confident breaths. This level develops good body positioning, strong kicking and more freestyle technique, as well as introducing other strokes. Diving, dolphin kicking, somersaults and treading water are also worked on. Objectives: to swim several laps continuously of freestyle and breaststroke, including treading water in between.
Mini Squad (level 5)
At this level the kids are given a harder workout to develop strength and endurance whilst working on perfecting freestyle technique. More laps are swum in each lesson, and at a faster pace than in earlier levels. Breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly stroke are introduced. Kids wanting to compete can also prepare for school swim carnivals. Objectives: to show correct technique for each stroke style and swim 50 metres of each.
Private Lessons
Private lessons of 15 minutes or 30 minutes are available for individuals or sibling groups. Having one-on-one time with Kong helps to develop skills and reinforce messages quickly. Private lessons can also be valuable when a child is not confident in the water and needs gentle and focussed attention to help them through their fears. Some parents choose private lessons exclusively as they feel the development is so much quicker. After a break because of travel or illness for example, private lessons can also be beneficial in reconnecting a student to their previous knowledge before joining a group again.
Beach Awareness
Being located in the beautiful Byron Shire so close to the beach, children need to know about rips and currents. This is something many parents are not aware of and cannot train their children in. Kong will take your child out to the beach and study the water behaviour, so that he or she can swim safely. Kong will also take the kids out into the waves and show them how to deal with unexpected rips and currents.
Surfing
Learn to catch your first wave! All kinds of boards are available for beginners to safely experience the unique sensation of catching a wave. In one lesson you will ride a wave on your own to the beach, and after 5-10 lessons you will know enough to keep going on your own. Kong loves to do family classes for Mum, Dad and all the kids. For the really keen, Kong can also prepare you for winning junior competitions.
Surfing Training
Kong worked for 15 years on professional surf training camps all over the world with talented surfers of all ages gearing up for world titles. Some of the surfers he has trained include Danny Will, Mick Campbell and Jeremy Flores. Now he offers one-to-one focussed and individualised training and mentoring to accomplish all your professional goals.
Kong For Kids. Lot 9, Unit 5 Mogo Place, Billinudgel. Ph: 02 6680 1614 or Mob: 0411 214 936
