What is Nippers?

Nippers at Kawana is focussed on providing children with the skills, confidence and understanding of the beach and surf environment. We concentrate on providing an environment that is fun, family-friendly and focussed on developing each of our nippers throughout the season. Our aim is to give our nippers the skills, training and environment to become excellent lifesavers of the future.

Nippers can start if they are 5 years old at the beginning of the season (cut off date is 1st October). The first two years of Nippers are spent in the Under 7′s, with the focus here on fun and games on the beach which teach children basic skills and awareness of where to swim and what help is available from lifesavers.

The Under 8′s to Under 14′s participate in a structured program that includes skill development activities in both the beach and water environment and an integrated education program that develops basic resuscitation, first aid, rescue skills and understanding of the beach and surf.

Nippers in these age groups can compete in local carnivals several times during the season and we encourage children to do so (to test their skills in a new beach environment and enjoy representing their team) but it is not compulsory.

Kawana also prides itself on our free and extensive club coaching program, with board, surf and beach training available on weekdays for beginner 9′s through to the more senior nippers. Our qualified and experienced coaches will develop your child’s skills in these areas.

The Nipper program runs each Sunday for about 2 hours depending on helpers, water safety, weather conditions, program, etc. Nipper events include wades, board paddling, swimming, beach sprinting and beach flags as well as lots of fun activities and games designed to teach and improve all surf skills.

Our Nippers participate in a progressive SLSA Surf Education program providing them with the skills and knowledge of beach safety rules and basic first aid.

 It should be understood that Nippers is a voluntary organisation and is heavily dependent on parent helpers to run successfully. Each Nipper group is managed by an Age Manager (usually a parent who is given training and support) and is assisted by parent helpers and water safety (also parents and others who have completed their Bronze Medallion). We also expect parents to assist with beach setup and pack up and the fundraising BBQ when rostered.

Essentially Nippers is to provide the children with a fun environment to learn and understand the beach conditions and environment. It’s all part of the preparation of the Kawana Nippers learning to be the lifesavers of the future.

HAVE A GREAT SEASON