What is Nippers?
The Nippers program at Pacific Surf Life Saving Club is all about fun, fitness, and building confidence in the water. Designed for children aged 5 to 13, it’s a fantastic way for kids to learn essential lifesaving skills, develop water safety awareness, and make lifelong friends. Kids who over 13 can explore the beginning steps of becoming a surf lifesaver by obtaining their Surf Rescue Certificate, whilst 15 years and over are encouraged to qualify for their Bronze Medallion and become a bona fide Australian lifesaver.
1 Why join Nippers (back to top)
- Lifesaving Skills: Learn vital water safety, CPR, and rescue techniques.
- Confidence Building: Empower kids to feel safe and capable in the surf.
- Fun & Friendship: Enjoy exciting activities and games while forging strong friendships.
- Pathway to Lifesaving: Progress through the Nippers program to become a volunteer lifesaver.
- Parents can get involved: BBQ operators, age managers, water safety, official and lifesaver paths… parents can be more involved in their child’s nipper experience.
Membership includes:
- Sunday nippers sessions run by competent Age Managers and water safety personnel
- Surf Lifesaving Australia (SLSA) Age Award
- Insurance
- Access to club facilities and equipment
- For members aged U8 and above (including Associate Members):
- Swim fitness training sessions
- Surf training sessions
- Beach training sessions
2 When and where does Nippers happen during the season? (back to top)
Nippers runs on Sunday mornings from the end of September to the end of March, and the location is at the Pacific SLSC club house. The exact start and end dates are published on the website here in the Nippers section.
- 7.00am – Parents rostered for BBQ set-up arrive
- 8:00am – Nippers assemble on the lawn in front of the club house
- 10.30am – Nippers finishes, with the option to stay for bacon & eggs rolls and sausages
3 What age group will my child be in? (back to top)
* Nippers must be 5 years old by 30 September to start in U6. Any child turning 5
after this date will need to wait until the following season.
4 What swimming skills are required for the Pool Evaluation? (back to top)
5 Is there a training program available outside of Nippers? (back to top)
Pacific offers a training program led by Accredited Surf Sports Coach Richard Hancock.
Richard is in his ninth season working with Pacific and is much loved by the young and older athletes who attend the training program.
The training program is open to any member of the Club from U8s upwards (including parents who may just want to improve their fitness). The group trains on various days of the week either at the Club or a nominated location nearby such as Tallebudgera Creek or Currumbin Creek. The program is posted weekly in advance on the Club Facebook page and updates in the Stack Team App if weather requires a last-minute change. Participants can come to one or as many sessions as they would like.
For more information, see the About Surf Sports page.
6 What costs are involved? (back to top)
There are two (2) costs associated with joining Nippers.
6.1 Membership Cost
Membership fees for 2024/25 are outlined below. There are a range of membership options available to offer flexibility for family units.
Surf Lifesaving Australia requires that at least one parent must become an Associate Member of the Club when joining up their child.
Single Nippers
- Junior Membership U6-U7 $90
- Junior Membership U8-U10 $130
- Junior Membership U11-U15 $150
Parents
- $110 Associate Member (Parent)
Family Packages
- Family membership * (2 x nippers + 2 x parents; or 3 x nippers + 1 x parent) $360
- Family membership * (1 x nipper + 2 x parents) $310
- Extra Child (Nipper Only) $50.00
6.2 Uniform
It is compulsory for all nippers to wear a Nipper cap and a pink fluorescent rash shirt whilst partaking in any Nipper activities. If using your FairPlay voucher these items are included.
All these items can be purchased from the Club (see the team at the BBQ stall during the season or during sign on sessions).
- U8 to U14 – Club Noddy $25.00
- Pink Rash Shirt – Singlet $25.00
and/or
Pink Rash Shirt – Long Sleeve $40.00
7 Can my child compete at club, branch, state and national competitions? (back to top)
Club Championships
During the season we run two Club Championship days for our Nippers. The Club Championships are designed to introduce Nippers to Surf Sport competition in a familiar, friendly environment, replicating carnival conditions and rules to prepare our Nippers for carnivals if they wish to compete.
Club Championships are run on Sunday during Nippers. Dates are listed in the Nipper Calendar (and are subject to change dependent on weather conditions).
Our junior competitors compete at Club level in the following disciplines:
- U6 do not compete (Age Manager organises fun races and games)
- U7 do not compete (Age Manager organises fun races and games)
- U8 sprint | flags | wade
- U9 sprint | flags | wade | swim
- U10 sprint | flags | wade | swim | board
- U11-U15 sprint | flags | swim | board | Iron-person
Points accumulated over the two Club Championships count towards our Age Champion awards, which are distributed at the end-of-season presentation event.
Branch, State and National Carnivals
Yes. There are additional requirements, costs and a team selection policy that also apply to the higher levels of competition.
For more information, see the About Surf Sports page.
8 How to join up as a Nipper or Nipper Parent? (back to top)
Ready to Get Started?
Joining Nippers at Pacific SLSC is easy! Simply register online, attend our welcome session, and dive into a season of fun and learning.
Help your child build confidence, learn lifesaving skills, and become part of the Pacific SLSC family.
At least one parent is also required to be involved, and there are different ways for parents to be involved too.
How to Join Junior Activities Handbook