Future ForWORD
We are a new generation of leaders. A crew of amazing humans that bring together the stoke of riding and sharing that passion with younger riders. We are kind. We are super fun. We are leaders.
By application only - apply below
Welcome to Future ForWORD!
Back for the 26/2027 season, we are stoked to introduce Future ForWORD!
This is our Assistant instructor programme, re-vamped.
Future ForWORD provides hands on leadership skills for 14-16 year olds that are relevant to life, not just riding bikes. Confident, kind, and resilient young people. By focusing on progression through leadership, this is an alternative pathway for young people to continue participating in mountain biking.
Through a youth centred model, the young leaders gain risk management tools, mountain bike skills, and relationship building knowledge to be excellent role models for younger people at WORD.
This is a FREE volunteer based programme. We provide training, mentorship, and discounts on WORD teen programmes while participants commit to volunteering 1 day/week at the Term Programme with the younger kids. These volunteer hours can also be used as credits for Duke of Edinburgh award or school volunteer hours.
Riders will join the regular teen programme on a Wednesday (girls)/ Thursday (boys) and then team up with a WORD Instructor to assist one day/week.
The Process
Future ForWORD leaders must apply through the following process:
Read the Job Description here
To be a WORD Assistant Instructor, you don’t need to be a pro rider, but you do need to be stoked about helping kids enjoy riding just as much as you do.Prerequisites:
Minimum age 14 years old
Current participant in WORD
Lock in to attend the WORD Assistant Instructor Training Days (Last Friday of every School holidays in Jan, April, July, October)
Current First Aid Certificate (preferred) *Check out our buddies at Peak Safety
Timeline:
28 August: Applications close
September 7-9: Interviews online
September 15th: - App and online training evening via google meet or in person
September 20th : Orientation Day 9-11am in person
October: Attend 1 school holiday programme in person
October 9th: First Training day (Last Friday in school every holidays) in person
October 19th: Term 4 starts
What’s on offer
14 weeks of Assisting over Term 4 2026 and Term 1 2027 (4:30-6:30PM) and school holidays where possible
4 Assistant Instructor training days and skill development
Priority booking for camps
Opportunity to co-design/organise our annual event ‘Bike a Palooza’
Half price term fee for your normal teen programme WORD day (Wednesday/Thursday)
Mentorship from your Instructor
Assistant Instructor T shirt
Pathway for instructing/leadership/governance - WORD Board Youth Positions (18+)
Future ForWORD Season Cost: FREE - you are giving us your time
Not included: Any additional excursions/costs for trips
Fast ForWORD
We are a new generation of racers. A team that brings together gravity riders to ride fast, go big, and eat snacks. While we want to win, we care more about the humans we become than the podiums we stand on.
Welcome to Fast ForWORD!
Back for the second season in 2026, we are stoked to introduce Fast ForWORD!
A new kind of race team focused on skills development and self empowerment through training, racing, mentoring, goal setting and healthy living.
Fast ForWORD is made up of 12 riders age 13-17 years old. We train and compete throughout the Wellington region and nationally, under the guidance of amazing coaches and mentors.
Goals of Fast ForWORD
Be the most fun race team Aotearoa has ever seen
Hone our race craft skills (mental and physical training)
Set big goals (on and off the bike)
Create a positive and supportive community
Riders will join the regular teen programme on a Wednesday (girls)/ Thursday (boys) and then come together for race training on Tuesdays.
What’s on offer
Race team Tuesdays Mt Vic (4:30-6:30PM):
7 weeks of practice on race team day
Term day Thursday Boys Mt Vic or Wednesdays - Girls Makara or co-ed Porirua
7 weeks of normal term teen day programming
Specialist L1/L2 GSMBC Advanced Coaches with a 1:6 instructing ratio
Race support at up to 4 key races per season
Advanced skills and focus training
Essential Strength + Mobility Programme
Progress Tracking
Mindset + pressure tips
Special edition race T shirt and team socks
Instructors: Jesse (L1), James (L1), Nic (L2)
Race Team Season Cost: $800 per term*
*Monthly instalments or split payment options available
Not included: Race team entries, race specific gear
The Process
Fast ForWORD team is limited to 12 riders . Athletes must apply through the following process:
All Year Round Applications open
September 10th 7:30-8:30pm: Online info webinar (athletes and whanau) with Nic and Jesse - Programme makeup, criteria, format and outcomes discussed DATE TBC
September 22nd: Applications close
September 25-30thth: Team selected
October 20th: First team training session!
We are a new group of explorers. A crew that comes together to find the trail less travelled. We connect to each other, ourselves, and the land. The bikes bring us together, but that’s just the beginning...
12 Spots available by application only - Term 1 applications open January
OnWORD
Welcome to OnWORD!
Brand new for the 2026 season, we are stoked to introduce OnWORD! A new kind of adventure crew…At OnWORD, young people will make lifelong friends through a bit of type 2 fun. We’ll develop a connection to each other, the land and ourselves while building resilience, grit, confidence and fostering overall wellbeing.
OnWORD brings together 12 riders age 13-17 years old. Over the term, riders will learn the skills to be confident and capable on an overnight bikepacking trip in the Wellington region in December. We’ll cover trip planning, gear selection (and packing!), bike handling skills, and food to fuel an adventure in a supportive environment.It won’t always be easy, but we’ll do it together. And we’ll do it with snacks.
Need some inspiration? Check out where OnWORD originated.
Riders will join the regular teen programme on a Wednesday (girls)/ Thursday (boys) and then come together for rides on Fridays.
The Process
The OnWORD crew is limited to 12 riders. Participants must apply through the following process:
All Year Round Applications open
September 10th, 7:30-8:30pm: Online info webinar (athletes and whanau) with Brad and Nic - Programme makeup, criteria, format and outcomes discussed
September 22nd : Applications close
September 25-30th: Crew selected
October 23rd: First session!
What’s on offer
7 weeks of normal term teen day programming
7 week term (4:30-6:30PM Fridays)
Programme culminates with an overnight (2 day/1 night) bike packing trip
Specialist Instructors with a 1:6 instructing ratio
Free bike packing gear hire
Overnight trip accomodation and kai
Special edition T shirt
Instructors: Isa, Frank, Emma
OnWORD Cost: $850* (includes equivalent of two terms day costs of $260 plus an 2day/overnight trip)
*Monthly instalments or split payment options available
