This month we hear from Club Member Ted Salmon. Ted is a member of the U18 Men's Team and attends Rangitoto College. He is a club coach and is involved with the U12 and U14 Age Groups. Get to know Ted below!

How long have you been playing water polo?

6 years

What made you take up the sport?

I originally thought that I had signed up for baseball but after my first training I realised it was water polo (but I enjoyed it so much that I carried on)

What do you think is the most challenging part of the sport?

The early morning and late night trainings.

You are involved with coaching school and club teams. What is the most rewarding part of being a coach?

I really enjoy being able to see the younger players enjoy the same experiences that I had at their age (EG the Rowan Brown tournament, having fun in TAP and playing with their friends in school teams)

You recently travelled to Hawaii with our U16 team, what was this experience like for you?

I really enjoyed my trip to Hawaii as it has been a long term goal of mine since starting at North Harbour. The trip was exciting as I had never travelled out of the country to play water polo before and being one of the older players in the team allowed me to step up and learn how to be a leader in the pool. I also really enjoyed playing outside and being able to explore around the island.

Do you have a Water Polo ‘idol’ you look up to. Who is this and why?

I think someone I look up to is Jake (lockwood) as he has had a similar path through the club that I have. Jake has pretty much coached all of my teams since I was in year 8 but also went to Murrays Bay Intermediate and Rangitoto College. The time he gives to us for our development and being able to relate to his experiences is what makes him the person I look up to.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time in terms of Water Polo?

In 5 years time I would like to be playing for the turtles and still be involved with NZ water polo through coaching and playing. I would also like to be playing water polo in Australia during my time at university. 

Quick Fire Round

1. Pool or Beach? Pool

2. If you could be an animal, what would it be? Dolphin

3. One thing you cant live without? My headphones

4. Favourite Food? Cornish pasty 

5.  Favourite Movie/TV Show? Fantastic Mr Fox