ABOUT THE CLUB
Meet our dedicated and qualified coaching and governance team.
PAVEL ASTAKHOV
HEAD COACH
Pavel brings more than eight years of coaching experience in New Zealand and has worked with swimmers at all levels, from junior and fitness squads through to national-level athletes. In his recent role as Head Coach at Papakura Swim Club, he led programme delivery, competition planning, meet-day coaching, assistant coach mentoring, and regular communication with parents and club leadership.
“I enjoy helping swimmers recognise potential and work strategically towards their goals.”
— Pavel Astakhov
Governance Group.
CLUB PRESIDENT
CLUB VICE PRESIDENT
CLUB TREASURER
CLUB SECRETARY & REGISTRAR
CLUB PUBLICITY OFFICER
CLUB ADMINISTRATORS
HEAD COACH
Tiffany Wren whakataneswimclub@gmail.com
Renine Stansloski
Megan Dalgity whkswimming@gmail.com
Steve Williamson
Jamie Worrall
Sarah Standen & Suzanne Johnson
Pavel Astakhov headcoachpavel.wsc@gmail.com
General Info.
ABOUT OUR CLUB
SWIMMING ASSESSMENT
Whakatane Swimming Club is a community-led swim club which follows on from the Whakatane Aquatic Centres LEARN TO SWIM programme. We have 150+ members and our squad programmes are located in the Whakatane Aquatic Centre.
We understand the importance of local, quality options in the Learn to Swim space, but unlike most programmes, Whakatane Amature Swim clubs squad programmes are not-for-profit. All proceeds from our programme are returned to the swimming club, to help support all WSC members, no matter what their swimming goals.
All new WSC members are required to have a free swimming assessment to ensure that they are placed at the correct level for their current skill set. Assessments are conducted at the Whakatane Aquatic centre and take approximately 10 minutes. Please note, levels are based on ability, not age.
As a swimming club, as opposed to a swim school, we can enrol kids once they are at a post-LTS level of proficiency. In our case means they can swim one unassisted length of the outdoor 33m pool in either Freestyle, Backstroke or Breaststroke.
To book your assessment, please email headcoachpavel.wsc@gmail.com
Learn more about Membership and our Squads & Training
CLUB ROOMS AND GEAR USE
We have a range of basic swimming equipment which is available to be used during training time by members. These include kickboards, pull buoys, fins & paddles across a range of sizes. These are only to be used by swim club members and can only be used during training (ie: swimmers cannot use them for play or give them to their non-swim club mates for use).
Swimmers with personal gear bags are permitted to store these in the gear racks in the clubrooms when they are not training. They can use club gear in these bags, but naturally must return this if they depart the club. Please note that keeping gear in the racks is a privilege, and swimmers are expected to show respect for the gear of their fellow clubmates and are responsible for keeping this area clean & tidy.
UNIFORM INFORMATION
Information on uniform types, sizing & pricing can be found on the noticeboard in the clubrooms. Orders can be placed at any time by filling out the order page below the uniform order information documents. Our supplier requires a minimum of 20 garments, so orders will be open year-round & will be processed once this minimum has been reached.
Uniform orders need to be paid in full before they can be processed. Please pay these to the account details found in the below “Membership Cost & Payment Info” section, with your last name as the reference. And “Uniform” as the code.
A club swimming cap is available for purchase either at trainings or at meets – talk to a coach & they will be able to provide you with these. This is a white-on-blue cap which can be used for racing at $15ea. Your purchased cap cost will be added to your swim club account & invoiced to you alongside squad fees. Please note that at interclub competitions cap use is mandatory.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
The club’s health & safety policy documents (hazard register etc) can be found in the clubrooms, or alternately get in touch with a committee member for full details. Please complete the online H&S medical information form (https://forms.gle/w79trtX1xtay9AGK7)advising the club of any health conditions, medications or treatment plans that your swimmer may have.
If a swimmer needs medication to be stored at the club this can be organised with your swimmer’s coach. Please note that coaches & more widely the club can take no responsibility for the upkeep of stored medication. In reference to more general medical circumstances, we have a small first aid kit appropriate for dealing with small cuts & grazes kept in the clubrooms, anything more substantial will be referred to the Aquatic Centre’s lifeguards.
Should you or your swimmer witness an accident or injury whilst in the clubrooms or during organised swim club activities, please ensure that an incident form is filled out – either grab a hard copy form (found next to the clubroom exterior door) or request an electronic copy from the club administrator. This should be filled out & submitted to our administrator as soon as is practicable.