New Zealand’s biggest youth carnival is coming to Pāpāmoa, with more than 1,000 young surf participants, their whānau and supporters are set to bring colour, noise and energy to the Bay of Plenty when Oceans ’26: Festival of Junior Surf Lifesaving arrives at Pāpāmoa Beach from Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 February.

Oceans is the country’s premier junior surf lifesaving event, bringing together clubs from across the country for four days of racing, connection and celebration.

Over four days, competitors will take on a wide mix of surf lifesaving disciplines, including swimming, board paddling, beach sprints, flags, team relays and surf races. The action is fast, loud and full of club pride, with team chants, colours and supporters lining the beach.

But behind every start line is the same foundation: ocean awareness, judgement, teamwork and community: skills and values that matter well beyond the competition arena and stay with young people long after the race is over.

“Junior surf is one of the best ways we build capable, confident lifesavers,” says Zac Franich, GM Sport for Surf Life Saving New Zealand. “Oceans brings young people together in a positive environment where they learn to back themselves and work as a team. Those are the same qualities that make great lifeguards in the future.”

Oceans is designed as a fun and family-friendly festival, and spectators are encouraged to come down and be part of the atmosphere.

This year, the event will be hosted by Pāpāmoa Surf Life Saving Club, shifting from Mt Maunganui for the first time in 25 years, following the tragic landslide event at Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park. The decision to relocate the event was made by Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ), in conjunction with Tauranga City Council, Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service, and Pāpāmoa Surf Life Saving Club.

Mathew Bowling, Pāpāmoa SLSC’s chair, says that they are excited to be hosting Oceans ’26.

“We acknowledge the impact of recent events down at the Mount and we'll be working closely with Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service to make it a real success. Both Clubs understand the importance of this event as a celebration of surf lifesaving, so Papamoa are happy to be able to support it this year and continue the tradition."

Oceans also reflects the strength of surf lifesaving’s volunteer culture. From officials and coaches to water safety teams, managers and club whānau, the event is made possible by people who give their time to create a safe, supportive and unforgettable experience for every young athlete.

Across four days, Oceans brings a vibrant, festival energy with clubs travelling in from around the country and families spending time on the beach, in local cafés and shops, and around the wider Tauranga-Moana community. It’s a celebration of youth sport development, beach safety, and a chance to see surf lifesaving at its best.

“Oceans is our showcase of junior lifesaving sport, and the wider surf lifesaving community behind it,” says Zac Franich. “It’s about community spirit and is made possible by a massive group of volunteers.

“To every junior athlete pulling on club colours and heading to the Bay of Plenty, good luck. Oceans is a chance to challenge yourself, back your mates, and enjoy the buzz that comes from being part of something bigger than a single race.”