Tennis Coaching
Led by Dave Knight
Island Bay Tennis Club is fantastic to have an experienced and enthusiastic coaching team.
This team is led by Dave Knight who is the 2023 'Tennis New Zealand Coach of the Year' and has been servicing the club for 10 years. The coaching team offer a diverse menu which is aligned to the school term and is designed to challenge players of any level to improve while also having a good time along the way.
The adult tennis programme is led by senior coach Kate Bolton who is back from completing a college tennis scholarship in the United States of America while Ary, Amber, Ayla and Jeremy complete the coaching team.
Community first choice
Established in 1914, we're Wellington’s go-to for tennis growth.
Expert coaches available
Benefit from our coaches' experience and passion for tennis.
Develop your skills
New to tennis or enhancing your skills, learn from our coaches.
Junior Coaching
Whether your child is starting the sport or improving their skills, our programmes offer the right mix of learning and fun.
Group Lessons
We have options year-around for group tennis coaching lessons for all ages and abilities. In these sessions kids will have fun, make friends and improve skills.
Junior group lessons start from $16 a session when committing to a term's lessons.
Academy Lessons
For more serious players looking at tournaments, we offer academy lessons, including group options too!
Dave and his team are heavily involved in 'Performance tennis' locally in the central region.
Get in touch!
For more information please contact the coaching team via the contact form below.
Please note, children will need to be junior members of Island Bay club to partake in lessons. Contact our club manager to join.
Adult Coaching
Improve your skills, get fit, progress to the next level, learn tips and tricks!
Rusty Racquets (Beginners)
We offer beginner, adult group tennis lessons for those who are new to tennis, or those who haven't picked up a racquet in years.
Mondays 6:00pm - 7:00pm (during summer October - April).
$130 per term (based on school terms 1 and 4) or $20 per session casually if there is space available.
Rusty Rally (Beginners plus)
Learn to rally and play games with our Rusty Rally adult group. These small group coaching session will focus on improving drills and rally-based play.
Currently 10:00am - 11:00am on Saturdays at the Island Bay Club.
$130 per term (based on school terms 1 and 4) or $20 per session if there is space available.
Active Tennis
Group lessons that combine cardio and tennis skills training to intensify your play. Perfect for interclub practice.
Currently Tuesdays 6:00pm - 7:00pm at the Renouf Centre, Brooklyn.
Please enquire for space and costs.
Term Dates
2025
Term 1
27 January - 11 April
Term 2
28 April - 27 June
Term 3
14 July - 19 September
Term 4
6 October - 19 December
Private Lessons
Our coaching team creates a supportive environment through both private one-on-one and semi-private two-on-one lessons to help you achieve your potential. These are beneficial for all levels, whether you're a beginner or looking to compete. Prices outlined below are per person/player (pp).
Head Coach - Dave Knight
30 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | |
|---|---|---|---|
Private | $46 | $63.25 | $80.50 |
Semi-Private (2 players) | N/A | $35 pp | $45pp |
**One-off lessons incur a | |||
$5.00 surcharge |
Senior Coach
30mins | 45mins | 60mins | |
|---|---|---|---|
Private | $37.50 | $52.50 | $65 |
Semi-private (2 players) | N/A | $30 pp | $35 pp |
Development Coaches
30 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | |
|---|---|---|---|
Private | $35 | $50 | $60 |
Semi-private (2 players) | $20 pp | $27.50 pp | $32.50 pp |
Our coaching team
Qualified . Talented . Passionate
Dave Knight
Head Coach & Director
Achievements: Tennis NZ Coach of the Year 2023, ITF Level 1 and ATPCA Level 3, LLB/BA, HPSNZ Core Knowledge Coach, Coaching at Island Bay for over 10 years, Has coached numerous NZ rep players, champions and teams.
Amber Lyons
Senior Coach
Achievements: Marlborough Senior Rep Player, International Tennis Federation (ITF) Level 1 qualified and formerly a 'Head Coach' in Blenheim.
Kate Bolton
Senior Coach & Lead Adult Programme
Achievements: American tennis scholarship graduate, Coaching at Island Bay since 2018, Current premier 1 women's team champ and women's club champ.
Ayla Gisen
Development Coach
Achievements: Previous New Zealand Junior Rep, Previous national doubles champion, Tania Dalton Scholarship Recipient, Member of current premier 1 women's team champion, 'Head of Boarding' at Scots College.
Ary Bhawan
Senior Coach
Achievements: New Zealand Junior Ranking of 3, Committed to an American Division 1 College, Experienced coach in Lower Hutt, ITF doubles title with Ayla's brother, A clothing sponsorship!
Jeremy Guy
Development Coach
Achievements: Island Bay Premier 1 Men's Player, Wellington Men's Rep Player, Non-travelling reserve for a New Zealand junior team 2024 and 'Tennis Assistant Coach' qualified.
