Fun, Friends
& Surf Skills

• Program Overview & Weekly Structure

  Our Sunday morning sessions follow a consistent rhythm that balances structured learning with social connection:

  • 8:30am – Age Managers and volunteers arrive to set up the beach.
  • 8:45am – Sign-in opens with your Age Group Manager.
  • 9:00am – Activities begin for all age groups (Under 6 – Under 13).
  • 10:30am – Pack up begins.
  • 10:45am – BBQ and social time at The Galley Café.

  Each age group progresses through a nationally recognised syllabus that builds skills and confidence year by year: Under 6-7 follow Surf Play 1 & 2, Under 8-9 work through Surf Aware 1 & 2, Under 10-11 complete Surf Safe 1 & 2, and Under 12-13 tackle Surf Smart 1 & 2.

• Age Groups

  Age groups are determined by each child’s age as of 1 October. Here’s how the groups break down for the 2026/27 season:

  Age Group	Age at 30/9/2026	Birth Date	Cap Colour
  Under 6	5	1/10/2020 – 30/9/2021	Pink
  Under 7	6	1/10/2019 – 30/9/2020	White
  Under 8	7	1/10/2018 – 30/9/2019	Yellow
  Under 9	8	1/10/2017 – 30/9/2018	Green
  Under 10	9	1/10/2016 – 30/9/2017	Light Blue
  Under 11	10	1/10/2015 – 30/9/2016	Purple
  Under 12	11	1/10/2014 – 30/9/2015	Dark Blue
  Under 13	12	1/10/2013 – 30/9/2014	Red

  Each group is led by two or more Age Group Managers who deliver the weekly program and oversee safety and participation. We encourage you to build a strong relationship with your child’s Age Manager and let them know about any health or ability considerations that might affect your nipper’s experience.

  You’ll find the complete list of 2026/27 Age Group Managers and their contact details in the handbook and on the Club website. For general questions about the program, reach out to our Director of Junior Activities or contact Kylie in the office.

• Parent Involvement

  Parents are the backbone of our Nippers program. As a volunteer-run club, we depend on your support to keep sessions safe, engaging and smoothly run. There’s a role for everyone, whether you’re comfortable in the water, prefer to stay on the sand, or want to help behind the scenes.

  Ways you can contribute include assisting your Age Manager during sessions, stepping up as an Age Group Manager yourself with full training provided, earning a Nipper Rescue Certificate to support water safety, joining the BBQ cooking roster, helping organize social events or carnivals, or becoming an official to support competition days.

  Important reminder: A parent or guardian must stay on the beach throughout the entire session. Any non-parent volunteers need a current Working With Children Check.

• What to Bring & Wear

  All Nippers wear designated safety and sun protection gear during Sunday activities. This keeps children visible and protected while creating a unified, team-oriented atmosphere.

  Essential items:

  • Woodside Nippers age group cap (provided at registration).
  • High-visibility rash vest.
  • Wide-brimmed hat and long-sleeve shirt for sun protection.
  • Racing bathers or wetsuit (useful on cooler mornings).
  • Water bottle and sunscreen.

  Boards: From Under 8 upwards, nippers use boards during activities. U8–U10 groups use foam boards, which the club has limited numbers available to hire, while Under 11 – Under 13 transition to fibreglass boards with limited supply available for lease.

  All gear from caps, bathers, rash shirts and more, can be purchased at the Club Shop. You can check out the range of Club merch here which can be purchased from the office during office hours.

• Surf Sports & Carnivals

  Competition forms an important part of the Nippers experience, not just for the excitement and challenge, but as essential preparation for becoming capable surf lifesavers. From Points Days to inter-club carnivals, children test their developing skills in both beach and water events.

  Events include beach flags and sprints, surf races and board paddling, Ironman and Ironwoman races for U10 and above, plus team events like relays and board rescue. All participants earn points for completing events, with awards presented for Water and Beach Champions, Most Improved, and Club Spirit. While we encourage participation, competition is never mandatory.

  Mid-week training sessions may be available for Under 9 – Under 13 Nippers, focusing on board skills, surf awareness and fitness development. 

  Nippers who compete for City of Perth SLSC must wear a competition City of Perth SLSC cap (see Merch here).  This can be purchased from the office during office hours.

• Safety, Water Supervision & Proficiency

  Water safety sits at the heart of everything we do. Before participating in water activities, all Nippers  must complete a proficiency swim assessment each season, conducted under supervision at a local pool or in the ocean.

  During water activities, we maintain Surf Life Saving’s strict safety ratios with a minimum of one qualified water safety volunteer for every five Nippers. These volunteers hold either a Nipper Rescue Certificate, Surf Rescue Certificate, or Bronze Medallion.

  We encourage water-confident parents to complete the free NRC training, it takes just one hour and remains valid for the entire season. All water safety volunteers must sign in each Sunday.

• Program Overview & Weekly Structure

  Nippers is run on Sunday mornings throughout the season, offering age-appropriate surf education aligned with Surf Life Saving WA’s national framework. Each week is designed to build skills progressively in four areas: Individual Safety, Surf Awareness, Life Saving Skills and Surf Sports.

• Code of Conduct & Child Protection

  We’re committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all members. We expect Nippers to be good sports, encourage their teammates, look after equipment, respect Age Managers and volunteers, and avoid bullying, teasing or inappropriate language.

  All volunteers comply with Surf Life Saving WA’s Member Protection Policy. We maintain a team of Member Protection Information Officers available to support children and families with any concerns that arise. If you see something that worries you, please speak up, support is always available.

NIPPERS FAQs

• What age can children start Nippers?

  Children can join Nippers from age 5 in the Under 6 category (see above list age groups). The program runs through to age 13, with age groups determined by each child’s age as of 1 October each year.

• Do parents need to stay during sessions?

  Yes, a parent or guardian must remain on the beach for the entire session. This requirement ensures safety and means you’re available to assist your child if needed.

• What happens in bad weather?

  When extreme weather conditions arise, sessions may be modified or cancelled. We’ll keep you informed through email and our club app, as safety is always our top priority.