Year 10 JumpSmart Programme with Dive Otakou

By Andrew Willmott | Posted: Monday November 3, 2025

10Y, with Mr Alderton, have been participating in the JumpSmart programme with Dive Otakou this term.

This initiative provides students with an invaluable opportunity to build deep-water confidence, learn safe jumping and diving techniques, and develop an understanding of risk management in aquatic environments. In a country with such a strong water culture, these skills are not only beneficial - they are essential for keeping our young people safe while still encouraging them to embrace fun and adventure.

The programme began with a classroom session focused on safe practices, the theory behind different types of jumps, and how to assess potential hazards before entering the water. Sessions were then held at Moana Pool’s new dive pool, where students put their learning into action. While it was hoped the boys would get to jump from the 10m board, they made the most of the 7m platform - tackling jumps such as the pin, staple, 180 and 360-degree turns, along with an actual dive and, of course, the classic manu.

With a wide range of starting confidence levels, it was fantastic to see the progress made in just a few weeks - some students went from wearing aqua belts and jumping from the pool’s edge to confidently performing advanced jumps from the 5m board!

A special highlight of the final session was having Flynn MacGill-Brown (Year 13) join the group to assist and demonstrate a dive from the 1m board (see photo). Students also had the chance to put their new skills to the test, being scored on their best dive to round out the programme with a fun and competitive element.

A big thank you to Dive Otakou and their team of coaches for providing such a valuable and enjoyable learning experience.

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