Nippers

Nippers is a great way for children to make friends, be active and learn how to enjoy the beach safely. Designed for children aged 5 to 14, it introduces Surf Life Saving through a set of fun activities. 

Nippers (the kids) first learn about surf awareness and safety.  As they progress through the various age groups, Nippers will undergo lessons in wading, running, ocean swimming, board paddling and lifesaving skills as well as learning the basics of resuscitation and first aid. 

Nippers runs from October to March, on Sunday mornings. The upcoming season starts 15 Oct. 

REGISTRATION AND SEASON KICK OFF

All registrations are completed online via the Surf Lifesaving Members Portal. Instructions on how to complete your registration are included here. 

For safety reasons, your child will need to pass a Preliminary Swim Evaluation to take part in Sunday Nippers’ sessions. Evaluation days will be held at AquaCulture Swim, a brand new purpose-built swimming facility in Brookvale on 14 October and 21 October 2023 from 1pm to 3pm.

For those wanting to compete in inter-club carnivals (U9+ only), a Competition Swim Evaluation is also required. These evaluations will be undertaken at the beach during nippers. More information on evaluation requirements for each age group can be found here.

Uniforms can be bought online and picked up the first Sunday of Nippers.

SUNDAY NIPPERS

Our first session of the season starts on Sunday 15th of October 2023. 

9am start for Under 6 (U6s) and U7s. And 9.30am for U8s and above. 

U6s will wear yellow caps this season. U7s will wear green caps. U8s and above use the club cap (yellow with two green stripes down the middle). Caps are compulsory. 

Hi-visibility club rash tops (either pink or green) are mandatory for U8+, however, they are optional for U6s and U7s. 

As the water is still a little cool in October, wetsuits are a good idea if you have one. The U6s will have a splash up to about knees but spend most of the time on the sand. U7s will end up a little deeper around the waist. Pack a water bottle, sunscreen, goggles and a towel.

For safety reasons, your child will need to pass a Preliminary Swim Evaluation to take part in Sunday Nippers’ sessions. Evaluation days will be held at AquaCulture Swim, a brand new purpose-built swimming facility in Brookvale on 14 October and 21 October 2023 from 1pm to 3pm. 

For those wanting to compete in inter-club carnivals, a Competition Swim Evaluation is also required. These evaluations will be undertaken at the beach during nippers. More information on evaluation requirements for each age group can be found here. 

CONTACT US

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KEEP IN TOUCH

There are three main sources for Nippers information. These are: 

  •  This website – everything you’ll need to know about the season
  • Whatsapp – these groups will be set up for each age group. A place to ask any questions and check Sunday morning weather conditions and beach closures. These will be set up after the Registration Day
  • Facebook Group – is for photos and updates. A great place to share special moments from Sunday Nippers! This is a private group, so you will need to request to join

COMPETITIONS

There are two to four Club Championships each season. These are low-key fun days for nippers to get a taste of carnival competitions and put the skills they have been learning into practice. NCC Nippers compete against each other (within their age groups). Points are tallied for the top 6 in each event. A Club Champion will be awarded at the end of the season. Check the calendar for Club Championship dates. 

U9+ can compete (optional) against other clubs on various carnival days. If you would like to compete there is a facebook group set up for all carnival and training information called NCC Surf Sports Competitors Family Page

This page is a private group, so you will need to request to join

If you would like more information on this area, please use the contact form.

TRAINING

As part of your membership, there is a free introductory board paddling and water skills course for U9+. This takes place before Nippers on Sundays at 8.30am for 6 weeks. This course is optional. Parents or carers must be present for this session. 

Turn up on the day and learn the basics of:

  • Board Paddling Skills (boards provided on the day)
  • Swim (Surf) Skills
  • Beach Skills when the surf conditions are unfavourable

Anyone undertaking this course must have completed their Preliminary Swim Evaluation. See above ‘Sunday Nippers’ section for more information. 

Don’t forget to bring your pink or green hi-vis rash vest (no vest then no entering the water), NCC Nippers cap, wetsuit (the warmer the better) and goggles. See you there!

If your U9+ child enjoys this initial course, there are additional sessions they can join. Information can be found here