Whakatāne Surf Life Saving Club is feeling proud of its juniors who attended the recent Oceans competition in Mount Maunganui, returning with multiple medals.

The 26 children who attended showed great potential and brought home five medals, three more than last year.

Archie Thompson paddled his way to gold in the under-12 boys’ board race, while Dominic Rowland ended his Oceans career on a high with gold in the under-14 boys’ board race.

Riley Miskell showed she’s got a bright future by taking silver in the girls’ under -11 board race, while Arabella Lawrence sprinted to bronze in the under-11 girls’ beach flags.

Archie, Ted Toogood and Liam Lawrence also scored bronze in the under-12 boys’ board relay.

Whakatāne Surf Life Saving coach Simon Wills, who is in his second year of coaching at the club, is proud of all the children who attended.

“We were really happy as a club with those who attended.

“We had 26 competitors, which is a big number for us.”

About 20 members attended last year.

“There were lots of finals and semi-finals, all a step up from last year; I am very proud of everyone.”

Wills said Oceans was about bringing the young ones through to lifeguarding and competing at senior level.

“I have been a professional coach for 13 years and this is my second year in Whakatāne.

“The plan is to grab these Oceans’ kids, get them a bit more confident and bring them through to seniors and hopefully grow the club and provide better lifeguarding for the community.”

He said club numbers at junior level were up on previous years.

“There have been improvements. Everyone has made steps.

“We have a few more making finals now, and that is the progress we’re after.

“The medals aren’t the main thing; if you are seeing the kids progress from getting knocked out early to make semis and finals, you know you’re tracking in the right direction. I am loving it.”