Nipper Info

Our Nipper program is for Children aged 7 to 13 and includes developing surf awareness and surf education, while we learn skills on the beach and in the water. We hope to enjoy our times at Carnivals this summer and let’s hope we have warm weather and great waves.

Following the Surf Education program, Nippers will have a good awareness of beach hazards such as waves and rips and also have a basic knowledge of resuscitation and first aid skills.

Competition is offered that incorporates fun and teamwork. Events for Nippers involve swimming, board paddling, wadding, running, beach flags, iron nipper and relays. This is optional and at your own expense.

Torquay competition caps and club bathers must be worn at all carnivals (See uniform prices).

A sausage sizzle is held at the end of each Sunday session. This is a great opportunity for parents to help out, and all proceeds of the BBQ going towards the Nipper section.

We will have a roster system so let the organisers know how you can help out this summer.

The nippers program, which is co-ordinated at a national level, comprises four components: Surf awareness, surf skills, lifesaving skills and competition.

Children are allocated to their age groups (age taken as on the 30th of September) and an age- appropriate program is provided which includes theory and practical activities.

The Holiday Program is on Sundays and Wednesdays 9am-11am from 30th December 2007 till Christmas, recommencing 2nd January with the last Holiday Program session being Wednesday 23rd of January 2008.

It is the responsibility of parents to ensure Nippers are Sun Smart and well hydrated while on the beach. It is compulsory that Nippers wear their rash vests and cap during sessions for easy identification. Bathers, rash vest, towel, hat, sunscreen, drink bottle and warm clothes are necessary. Optional: goggles, wet suit.

Usually at the main surf beach in front of the club. If this changes to Cosy Corner due to bad weather, a notice will be posted at the entrance to the club car park. In severe weather conditions indoor activities will be arranged.

As you will appreciate with our program being run by parent volunteers, we do not provide a “Swim School” program.

Safety is most important. We always need parents who can act as water safety officers and if you have your Bronze medallion or would like to qualify, we usually run a couple of parent groups through the summer, which are always well supported and a lot of fun.

Competition is offered that incorporates fun and teamwork. Events for Nippers involve swimming, board paddling, wading, running, beach flags, iron nipper and relays. This is optional and at your own expense. Junior Carnivals - $10.00, Junior State Championship - $20.00. All children who wish to compete at carnivals must obtain their Proficiency badge (S Badge). This is normally assessed at the start of the season.

To maintain safety and lifesaving standards, Surf Life Saving Australia has a set of standards of competency that Nippers must achieve before being eligible to compete at carnivals.

All competing swimmers are required to complete an annual "S Badge" Proficiency test.

The Proficiency shall be valid until 31st of December the following year.

Once your child obtains their "S Badge" parents need to sew it on to the front, lower, left hand side of their child's bathers.

Competitors not displaying "S Badge" Proficiency patch will not be permitted to compete in water - based events at Junior Carnivals.

Carnival race starters will inspect competitors at the start line to ensure they are wearing a badge.

Badge will be supplied on successful completion of test that involves a RUN - SWIM - RUN

For more information and the full details about nipper program please download the Nipper Season 09-10.