This month's Beach Blast parties at New Brighton are again offering 7-12 year olds free lessons in surfing, body boarding and body surfing.

North Wai Boardriders Club will hold surf lessons at both parties while the local surf lifesaving clubs, North Beach and South Brighton, will conduct boogie boarding and body surfing lessons at their respective beaches

Beach Blast North (North Beach Surf Club, Saturday January 16) and Beach Blast South (South Brighton Surf Club, Saturday January 23) will also offer free sausage sizzles, a sandcastle competition, face painting and activities including cricket and touch rugby run by the Youth Alive Trust. Canterbury Volleyball will also give lessons in beach volleyball.

All activities, including equipment, are free of charge. Parents are asked register their children for the water events. Spot prizes will be awarded throughout the day. Sunscreen is also provided. The events are being organised by the Christchurch City Council Recreation and Sports Unit, and are funded by the Burwood/Pegasus Community Board. Event partners are North Wai Boardriders, North Beach and South Brighton Surf Life Saving Clubs, Canterbury Surf Lifesaving, Youth Alive Trust, Canterbury Volleyball, Cancer Society, SISCO's Surf School & Surf Shop, 91.3ZM, and Hellers Tasty.

Beach Blast North

* Date: Saturday 16 January

* Time: 9.30am - 1pm

* Location: North Beach Surf Club, Marine Parade, opposite Bowhill Road

* If wet: Event will be cancelled

Beach Blast South

* Date: Saturday 23 January

* Time: 9.30am - 1pm

* Location: South Brighton Surf Club, Marine Parade, opposite Bridge Street

* If wet: Event will be cancelled