NIPPERS
The Nipper Registration for the 26/27 season will open on the 3rd of August 2026, please email the Surf Office if you would like to be added to the waitlist.
Nippers at Kawana Waters SLSC is all about fun, fitness, and building confidence in the surf for kids aged 5 to 13. Our program runs every Sunday from October through to March (with a short break over Christmas) and gives children the chance to learn essential surf and beach skills — from sun and surf safety, beach sprints, and board paddling to vital lifesaving techniques like CPR and water rescues.
But Nippers isn’t just for the kids — it’s a whole family experience! Parents are encouraged to get involved, whether that’s helping out with beach activities, joining the water safety team, or taking on your own challenges such as completing a Surf Rescue Certificate or Bronze Medallion.
For a clear overview of what is involved in a Nippers program - activities, how it works, and the key info you need to get involved and thrive on the beach, check out Surf Life Saving QLD’s Junior Activities Centre | Surf Life Saving Queensland, or keep reading below for our club-specific info.
AGE GROUP REFERENCE GUIDE
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Junior Activities (Nippers) is a fun, family-focused program that teaches kids and parents vital beach and surf safety skills. It promotes surf awareness, confidence, friendship and fun.
Nippers is a family-oriented, volunteer-led program that relies entirely on the participation of Nipper parents to run.
Our program consists of:
Nipper Sundays - 8am - 10am (9.30am for U6 - U7 green caps) is the main focus of the nipper program. Age groups rotate through water and beach activities.
Midweek Training Sessions - surf swimming and board skills technique with our Surf Coach for those who compete or seek to improve their skills.
Nippers is not a “drop and go” sport and we rely on volunteers to ensure the success of the program.
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Nippers is not a drop-and-go activity. Parental involvement is essential at all sessions.
For your nipper to participate, parents must:
Hold a valid Blue Card
Help on a rotating roster (BBQ, beach setup/pack-down)
Support midweek training if your child attends
Join our group on Spond app to keep informed of updates and activities throughout the season
If your child competes at carnivals, a parent from each family must also assist at each event as an Official, Age Manager or Water Safety. It is a requirement that at least one parent of a competing nipper becomes an accredited Official.
Each age group needs a volunteer Age Manager (green rashie) and Water Safety (orange rashie) at a 1:5 ratio. Water Safety volunteers must hold an SRC or Bronze Medallion.
Not so keen on getting wet? General volunteering roles include BBQ, uniforms, admin, and fundraising.
Interested in taking up a role? Contact the surf office for details.
MEMBERSHIP
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This has not yet been updated for 2026/27 season. It will be when registrations open at the begining of August 2026.
Click here to see what age group your nipper would be in for the 25/26 season.
To enroll
1. Create an account
You will need to create an account with SLS Hub for every member of your family. Click here to go to SLS HUB2.Make Payment
This is done via your new SLS Hub account https://hub.sls.com.au/We accept PlayOn Vouchers. Once you have registered online and chosen the Family with PlayON Voucher option, email the voucher to SURF OFFICE
3.Birth Certificates must be sighted by the surf office. Please Email a copy to SURF OFFICE
4.Blue Card. For child safety management it is required that parents have a Blue Card. The volunteer card is free of charge. This process can take weeks to months to process. We encourage all members to Register or Link their Blue Cards pre-season. See below for more information on Blue Cards.
INSTRUCTIONS
Sign up - How to Create your SLS Hub Account -
Nippers is not a learn to swim program. Each nipper must show that they are a proficient swimmer to be eligible to join the nipper program.
To be eligible to participate in Nippers
Each nipper MUST complete a pool proficiency to be in nippers. Times vary depending on age group.
Nippers in U8-U13 need to also complete a beach swim proficiency.
We host a Proficiency day prior to the start of Nippers
Nippers must be signed up and fees fully paid to come to Proficiency day.
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All membership renewals are to be renewed online, payment is via the online portal. Contact the Surf Office for any queries.
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Membership Fees
Family Membership *Parent/s + 1 Nipper | $285
Family Membership *Parent/s + 2 Nipper | $325
Family Membership *Parent/s + 3 Nipper | $345
Family Membership *Parent/s + 4 Nipper | $365
*Includes $50 volunteer levy (refundable - see Nipper handbook for details)
Uniform Fees (Compulsory)
Nipper Cap | $15
High Vis Pink Long Sleeve Rashie | Incl in Reg.
*Each nipper gets one long sleeve pink high vis rashie which is mandatory for nippers. The U11+ may purchase a high vis pink singlet.
Uniform Fees (Optional)
Blue Star Cap (Carnivals) | $15
High Vis Pink Singlet (U11+ only and for carnivals) | $30
High Vis Long Sleeve Rashie Replacement | $35
Club Swimmers | Various
Other Fees
Carnivals | $10 entry
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Keeping our kids safe is one of our highest priorities here at Kawana Waters SLSC.
It is a requirement of SLSQ that nipper parents and patrolling members over the age of 18 years, hold a Current Working with Children Blue Card.
For detailed description on how to apply, please look at the QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
You can apply for this online via the GOVERNMENT WEBSITE
Once your Blue Card application has been processed you are required to complete two small online courses. Child and Youth Risk Management Strategy (CYRMS) Child Safe Awareness (CSA). The Surf Office will help you with where to find these courses online.
Information on how to keep our kids safe can be found on the Daniel Morcombe Foundation website.
SEASON INFO
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Click here to visit our Uniform and Merchandise Shop
KWSLC Nippers are required to wear a High-Vis Pink Rashie and age group cap at all times during Nipper Sundays and training sessions.
You will receive a long sleeve Pink Rashie included with your membership, but you will need to purchase the appropriate age group cap.
Competing nippers also need to purchase a Kawana Blue Star cap and competition singlet rashies.
KWSLSC Swimwear is encouraged but not mandatory.
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Nippers in U9s to U13 age groups require a nipper board.
U9 - U10 use a foam board, while U11 - U13 use a fibreglass nipper board.You are able to purchase your own or hire from the club.
Hire of a board will depend on availability; the club does not have enough boards to hire out for every nipper. However, the club provides foam boards for use on Sunday sessions for nippers who don’t have their own board.
To hire a board you will need to agree to terms and conditions, pay a deposit and the lease fee.
Board hire can be done on Open Day.
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NIPPERS SPONSORS
We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors for their generous support of our Nippers program. Their contributions help us provide quality training, equipment, and opportunities for every child to grow, learn, and enjoy surf lifesaving. Thanks to our Official Nippers Sponsors listed below; we’re building a stronger,
safer community—both on and off the beach.
