Gravity Development Squad (GDS)
Sign up for afterschool/weekend coaching.
Overview
Activity details
NOTE: Parents should sign up their kids to the PLACEHOLDER DATE on JUNE 26th 2025 (for TERM TWO 2025), indicate preferred slots, and then we will form groups. Please note that weekday sessions will require mountain bike specific night lights during Term Two and Three.
Our Gravity Development Squad coaching program provides professional level mountain bike skills coaching to keen young mountain bikers who are motivated to improve their skills. Our program is more structured and more race orientated than the excellent Krankin Kids program, but also suits kids who don't want to race but are keen to quickly improve their skills.
Our qualified and experience coaches provide expert coaching on all mountain bike skills, race craft, and safer biking.
We have a wide variety of tools we use to achieve excellent coaching outcomes including video analysis, slo-mo video, professional grade timing system, speed radar gun, drone video etc.
Our coaches will take the kids through a varied, challenging and fun progression each term on some of the most amazing trails around Nelson.
To thank all parents and families for supporting the Gravity coaching program we have a number of benefits to all families who are enrolled during a term.
Gravity Development Squad Family Discounts: When you sign your kid up, your family receives Special discounts on Parts, Accessories, Workshop services and private coaching sessions for that term. A whopping 15% off! That's right! 15% off!
What's included
We aim to deliver 8-10 two hour coaching sessions, we are able to provide rainy day activities for some groups.
Depending on the group size there will be one senior, qualified, experienced mountain bike coach and potentially one assistant coach to supervise the group.
What's not included
Kids will have to come with an appropriate and well maintained mountain bike, appropriate personal protective gear including mountain bike specific helmet and knee pads. More advanced kids will be required to have full-face or removable chin-bar style helmets and gloves.
All kids should bring water, snacks, and appropriate extra clothing to every session. In Term Two and Three it is expected that all kids will come with a light jacket and thermal shirt for warmth if required during the session, they will also need mountain bike specific handlebar and/or helmet mounted night lights.
Itinerary
We can do weekend sessions (Saturday or Sunday 10-12 or 2-4), and weekday sessions 4:15-6:15pm. The scheduling is not certain as of yet. Parents should sign up their kids to the PLACEHOLDER DATE on JUNE 26 2025 (for TERM TWO 2025), indicate preferred slots, and then we will form groups.
Highlights
Gravity Nelson's after-school mountain bike coaching program offers an exciting opportunity for kids to take their riding skills to the next level. Through our Gravity Development Squad, young riders can experience a safer progression of skills under the guidance of experienced coaches. This structured approach ensures that children learn proper techniques and safety measures, allowing them to tackle more challenging trails with confidence.
As participants hone their mountain biking abilities, they'll notice a significant boost in their overall confidence. The program not only improves their riding skills but also enhances their self-esteem, general learning skills, and problem-solving abilities. This newfound confidence extends beyond the trails, positively impacting other areas of their lives.
One of the most rewarding aspects of joining the Gravity Development Squad is the chance to meet new buddies who share the same passion for mountain biking. These friendships formed on the trails often last long after the program ends, providing kids with a supportive network of fellow riders to explore new trails and share adventures with.
Beyond the thrill of riding and making friends, the program offers numerous additional benefits. Children will improve their physical fitness, develop a deeper appreciation for nature, and learn valuable life skills such as perseverance and teamwork. With Gravity Nelson's commitment to fostering junior talent, participants develop a love for the sport of mountain biking that they will carry into the future.
Pricing
Pricing starts at $350 per term, this price includes Nelson City Council access fees.
Additional information
Check-in details
We encourage kids to arrive 15 minutes before the session to get ready, give their bikes a quick check etc.
What to bring
Kids will have to come with an appropriate and well maintained mountain bike, appropriate personal protective gear including mountain bike specific helmet and knee pads. More advanced kids will be required to have full-face or removable chin-bar style helmets and gloves.
All kids should bring water, snacks, and appropriate extra clothing to every session. This means in Term Two and Three they should bring a light jacket and thermal top in case required during the session. Mountain Bike specific helmet or handlebar mounted night lights will also be required for weekday coaching sessions during winter.
Restrictions
Please contact us directly to discuss the suitability of our program for any children under the age of 9.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
What age group is the Gravity Development Squad for? Our Gravity Development Squad is designed for prep- and college-aged students, typically ranging from 9 to 18 years old. We also have a crew of 7-8 year olds by special request.
How long does the program run? The program runs for 8-10 sessions per school term, starting in the second week of each term. We offer sessions during all four terms, including winter.
What equipment does my child need? Participants need:
A mountain bike in good working condition
A helmet
Knee pads
Closed-toe shoes
A water bottle or hydration pack
More advanced groups need full-face helmets, neck braces and gloves, and elbow pads are recommended.
How much does it cost? The cost is $350 for a full term of 8-10 sessions.
When are the sessions held? We offer weekday sessions from 4:15-6:15 pm and weekend sessions from 10 am-12 pm or 2-4 pm.
Is the program suitable for beginners? Yes, we cater to a wide variety of skill levels. Children are placed in groups based on their age, ability, and availability. We focus on kids who have already demonstrated a desire to work on improving their skills.
What skills will my child learn? Children will learn a range of skills including cornering, pumping, jumping, line choice, and maneuvers such as wheelies, manuals, and endos. The specific topics vary depending on the ability and focus of each group.
Do you offer holiday programs? Yes, we run holiday camps and day care sessions at the Field of Dreams, which are excellent opportunities for kids to significantly develop their skills.
How safe is the program? Safety is our top priority. Our coaches are highly experienced and work hard to ensure proper progression of skills in a safer environment.
How can I sign up? You can book online through our website. Once we receive your booking, we'll contact you before the term starts with confirmation of groups and times.
Cancellations
Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 24 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.