Woodside Nippers is Surf Life Saving WA’s junior surf program that introduces children, aged 5 to 12, to surf lifesaving.
Held on Sunday mornings at Trigg Beach, generally from October to March, it is a fun, outdoor activity that grows a child’s confidence; teaches valuable skills and lessons about beach safety; and provides a fun and safe environment to get outside and enjoy the coast. Woodside Nippers run, swim, laugh, and make new friends. Participation fosters a sense of belonging and the concept of community.
As well as providing a fun program and meeting lots of new friends, children also develop the ability to become knowledgeable participants in lifesaving beach patrols as well as a wide range of surf sports.
Read here, for further information on our Nipper Program and its benefits.
Development Program
The Woodside Nippers curriculum is comprised of 4 key learning areas.
Surf Awareness
This covers surf skills and kids will gain a knowledge of where the dangers are and how to read the surf – the essential ingredients in keeping safe at the beach.Individual Safety
This deals with recognising potential risks that we all face when visiting the beach, and in life in general.Lifesaving Skills
This learning area starts to introduce our Nippers to the role we hope they undertake as they grow and develop into future lifesavers.Surf Sport Skills
Nippers learn skills to help develop confidence and introduce them to surf life saving’s various surf sport events like swimming, boards and beach flags.
All children receive a Woodside Nippers pack upon joining which includes:
- Woodside Nippers Age Group Cap
- Woodside Nippers Hi Vis Vest
- Woodside Nippers Wide Brimmed Hat
- Woodside Nippers Sling Bag for Under 6 to Under 12
- Woodside Nippers Backpack for Under 13
Nippers also need to bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and a towel along with any appropriate clothing for the day’s conditions. For club gear click you can visit on Sunday mornings during the season for your club bathers, t-shirts, jumpers, jackets, etc.
Age & Requirements
Before children can participate in water activities at Woodside Nippers, they need to be assessed on their entry level skills.
Click here to see the entry-level requirements for each age group.
These evaluations ensure that all children are fit and able to meet the requirements of the Woodside Nippers Program. It consists of a swim/glide and survival float component which may be conducted at the beach or in a pool. Please refer to the table below for age dates and requirements. Children can join in with the beach activities but will not be able to join in water activities until they have met the proficiency.
Parent Participation
Parents are required to participate in Woodside Nippers. For safety reasons, we ask that a parent/guardian is always present during Nippers sessions. Some parents help out by volunteering to assist with essentials tasks such as:
- Helping record results
- Helping with club set up and pack down
- Helping with the club canteen
- Loading and unloading trailers for carnivals
- Becoming qualified Water Safety Personnel
- Becoming a Qualified Foundation Coach
- Becoming a qualified Competition Official
- Being an Age Group Manager/Assistant Age Group Manager
If you would like to know more about what’s involved in Nippers membership, please click here to contact our Club Administrator.
