Surf Life Saving New Zealand Southern regional sport manager Luke Smith, of Christchurch, said 376 youths, aged between 7 and 14 years old took part in the event, held at Warrington Beach on Saturday and yesterday.
It was a large turnout and the biggest such competition since the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Mr Smith said.
The ocean was relatively flat, especially on Saturday, which made it easy for judges and organisers to run a smooth event.
The conditions meant all skill levels were able to give it their all and enjoy themselves.
There had been a high calibre of competition across the board.
"The kids got out there and really got amongst it.
"They gave it their all and everyone seemed to have a really good time," Mr Smith said.
The competition was an athletic event which focused on developing surf life-saving skills.
Contestants could go for their lifeguard certificate when they turned 14 years old and taking part in the competition set them up well to attempt it.
The event also helped funnel contestants into volunteer surf life-saving when they got older.
While there was not a national championship planned, the event was held before the Oceans Festival of Junior Surf Life Saving, to be held at Mount Maunganui from February 23.
The carnival is the biggest event in the junior surf life-saving calendar.
One of the best things about the events was the connections which youths made with their peers across the country, Mr Smith said.
The overall top club for the weekend was Sumner, which performed well in both individual and team events.
Mr Smith’s advice for any youths wanting to give it a go themselves was to go down to their local surf life-saving club or check online for branches close to them.
