A group of Wakatipu children did not let the theft of some of their belongings from Moana Pool, in Dunedin, over the weekend ruin what was otherwise ''a fantastic day''.
Site Trampoline coach Jens Groot, of Queenstown, said he had taken about 11 children, aged 11 and 12, to Dunedin on Sunday to take advantage of the diving boards at the pool.
Site had sponsored the children - all promising young skiers and snowboarders - and helped them learn aerial awareness while also providing a safe environment to practise their tricks.
However, before arriving at the pool, the children had been told ''to leave their valuables'' behind.
After leaving their bags in the changing rooms and taking advantage of the pool and diving board, Mr Groot said the group returned to find some of their belongings - including his shoes and empty wallet, along with about $80 in cash and several iPods - stolen.
''We just were maybe a little bit naive,'' Mr Groot said.
''It wasn't ideal, but we've learned.
''We're pretty stoked we're from Queenstown and we don't have to worry about that as much.
''It was such a fantastic day, I don't think that really dampened our spirits.''
Mr Groot said the thefts were reported to police.
Despite the incident, he planned to return to the pool once a term with the athletes.
''Next time we'll use lockers, though.''
