Joining Nippers as a new member can be daunting, and there is a lot of information to take in. For this reason we have compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions which we hope will help cover any queries you might have. We hope we have covered everything on this page and with the Nipper section of this website but if you cannot find an answer to your questions please feel free to contact us direct. Details are at the bottom of this page.
How do I register and how much does it cost?
Check out the ways to register and membership fees HERE
Any children included in family memberships aged from 5- 14 years are automatically enrolled in our Nippers Program.
Do I have to become a club member in order to register my child?
Yes. One parent has to become a member alongside their child/children.
What does my child have to wear for Nippers?
We have a uniform shop which sells club swimmers, hats, rashies and many other items but the only compulsory items are the cap and the pink hi-vis vest enabling the Nippers to be spotted easily in the water and on the beach for their safety. The uniform shop will be selling all these items on Registration Day and will be open most Sundays during Nippers. For more information, head over to our Uniform Page Here
Is Nippers running this weekend
What happens in bad weather/conditions?
Check TeamApp notifications in cases of bad weather. If the beach is closed, but the weather is favourable we still run Nippers on the sand without the water activities. Check out our Communication page on how to keep up to date with all announcements and notifications.
Club Policies
Carnival Team Selection Policy
Who runs Nippers?
Nippers is not possible to run without a team of volunteers headed up by John Vickery, our Director of Junior Activities. He is supported by an amazing group of highly capable and experienced Age Managers and volunteer parents.
One parent must be present for their children on the beach during the session, and whilst we understand that this can be difficult when siblings and infants are present, there still should be plenty of parents around to help out. Any help is good help so PLEASE seek out your Age Manager, let them know who you are and that you can support them.
My child is scared of the water – can they still join in at Nippers?
Absolutely! The whole goal of Nippers is to help children gain confidence on the beach and in the water and we are here to help this happen. The Nipper movement is about induction, education, awareness, competition, sportsmanship, transition (to Cadets and Seniors’) but MOST importantly it is about participation and fun for Parents and your Children. Nipper activities are aimed at teaching your children the basics of surf awareness and water safety. Please talk to your Age Manager about any concerns you have and we will door best to accommodate your child. They do not have to enter the water if they do not want to, but we aim to encourage and grow their confidence in this area as required.
My child would like to participate in another age group to be with a friend?
We understand this date can often split up school year friends. Whilst we recommend you stay in your age group where you will likely find other friends or meet new ones. We also understand being with your bestie will often make the difference of loving nippers much better. Your child is welcome to participate in the group below, however when it comes to either our club official events (Club Champs) or Northern Beaches Branch Carnivals held at other beaches you must compete in your correct age groups.
My child has a disability – how can they still get involved in the Nipper Program?
North Curl Curl SLSC has introduced a Special Needs Nippers program for children from U5 – U14 called Ripper Nippers. The modified program runs right before our normal Nippers program from 8am to 10am on a Sunday and is all about the children having fun in a safe environment, learning new social skills and integrating with the broader community outside of their existing circle of friends, family and carers. For more information about this program please see our Ripper Nippers page.
My child is keen on extra training sessions in the week. How can I find out more?
As part of your membership, there is the option to join a 6 week introductory course on the boards (for U9s and other beginners). This takes place at 8am each Sunday for the first 6 weeks of the season before the Nippers session and is free and voluntary. For more information see our Beach and Water Training Page. Anyone undertaking this course must have completed their Preliminary Swim Evaluation.
My child is keen to compete in Carnivals. How do they sign up?
There are many opportunities to compete in carnivals throughout the season and other competitions. Your Age Manager will be able to advise you. For more information see our Carnival page.
How can I help out on the beach?
Any help is good help so PLEASE seek out your Age Manager, let them know who you are and that you can support them. There are many jobs to be done at Nippers from helping organise kids, keep them interested, help them have fun, assist them in the water, help move them to each location for the various activities and more! The kids enjoy seeing their parents get involved, so please don’t be scared to put your hand up! For more information see our How You Can Help page.
In order to assist in water safety on a surf rescue board, you need to wear a water safety vest and this requires you to have completed your Bronze Medallion course. Other then that we would LOVE for you to help out in all the activities whether that be the flags races, beach sprints, beach wades (for the U6 and U7’s) and ocean swims (U8 and over). To find out more talk to your Age Manager and check out our How You Can Help page.
How do I keep up to date with the Surf Club news?
It is important for Parents to have TeamApp installed as any last-minute changes or updates to Nippers, Carnivals or training sessions will be communicated via this medium. Further details on TeamApp will be given to you once registered.
Communication to Parents is via Surfguard (central emails will be sent to your registered email address) covering club news, notices, events and reminders and Smartphone App (TeamApp). Surfguard is the SLS Membership database and emails will be sent from this address ‘no-reply@surfguard.slsa.asn.au’. It is used for blanket communication to all registered members.
Finally FaceBook and Instagram are updated regularly with news and announcements. Check out our Communication page on how to keep up to date with all announcements and notifications.
Can I drop my child on the beach and collect them after the session?
Absolutely not!! This is not a baby sitting service, but about participation and fun for Parents and your Children. The safety of the children on the beach is of paramount importance and we need parents to be present to help out and enjoy the fun. The more of you that do this the more fun it is for the kids, and the smoother the sessions will run. There are many jobs to be done at Nippers and the kids enjoy seeing their parents get involved, so please put your hand up….Check out our How You Can Help page.
Can U15’s+ and parents have a go at the water and beach events?
YES! Throughout the season, we run a fortnightly Senior Beach Event on Sundays which starts at 11am after Nippers. These events include an ocean swim, board paddle, beach sprint and flags races and are open to all club members 13 years of age and over. No experience or expertise necessary just come along to join in, meet fellow members and enjoy some friendly competition (and you can do as many or few of the events as you like!)
Who do I contact if I have a question regarding the Sunday Nippers sessions?
Please feel free to email our Nippers team at nippers@nccslsc.com.au.
How can I find out more information about North Curl Curl SLSC?
Please use the drop down menus above to find out everything you need to know about the our club. For all other general club questions please email adminstration@nccslsc.com.au and we will try and answer your query as soon as we can.
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