PathwaysAt Canterbury Diving, we provide a clear and supportive pathway for every diver – from first-time jumpers through to athletes working towards national and international competition.
Our programmes are designed to build confidence and water safety, develop strong technical foundations, and support long-term progression at every level. Divers can choose to enjoy diving recreationally or progress into competitive and performance pathways over time. |
Three pathwaysOur programme is structured around three main pathways:
Recreational For learning, confidence, and enjoyment Competitive (by invitation) For structured training and entry into competition Performance (by invitation) For high-level training and national/international competition How our programme worksAt Canterbury Diving, we use two connected systems:
Classes and squads These are the groups your child trains in each week and are part of the Recreational, Competitive or Performance pathway. Competition pathway These are the recognised levels divers progress through over time. ❚ Our classes and squads provide the training environment. ❚ The competition pathway provides progression and benchmarks. |
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Recreational pathway
Entry point for all divers
Focus:
Divers can remain recreational or progress into competitive squads (by invitation). |
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Progression
Most divers begin with our Canterbury Grading System, building core skills and confidence.
From there, progression happens:
From there, progression happens:
- Within squads
Based on skill, strength, and readiness - Through competition levels
- Diving NZ Skills Levels
- NZ Age Groups
- World Aquatics pathways
Understanding the structure
Divers across different squads may sometimes compete in the same competition categories. While this can look similar from the outside, each squad reflects a different stage of development, with its own training focus, expectations, and level of experience.
For example:
It is important to note that development is not always linear. Divers may move between squads or pathways at different points in time, depending on how they are progressing, their goals, and what will best support their growth and enjoyment in the sport.
Progression is guided by each diver’s individual development, performance trajectory, and ongoing coach assessment.
For example:
- A diver in the Age Group Squad may be taking part in Age Group events as part of building confidence, skills, and competition experience
- A diver in the Development Squad may also compete in Age Group events, while typically working at a more advanced level within that category and following a more performance-focused pathway
It is important to note that development is not always linear. Divers may move between squads or pathways at different points in time, depending on how they are progressing, their goals, and what will best support their growth and enjoyment in the sport.
Progression is guided by each diver’s individual development, performance trajectory, and ongoing coach assessment.