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 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.
See below for further information on our Nipper Program and its benefits.
2026/2027 Key Dates
Sunday 11th OCT – Nipper Open Day (Pack Collection) | 2pm – 5pm
Saturday 17th OCT – Prelim Evaluation Pool Swim | 2pm – 4pm
Sunday 25th OCT – SESSION 1 – U8-U13 Age Groups
Sunday 15th NOV – SESSION 1 – U6 & U7 Age Groups
Sunday 21st MAR – FINAL Day of Nippers
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 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.
Preliminary Requirements
Before children can participate in water activities at Woodside Nippers, they must complete the age-relevant Preliminary Evaluation. These evaluations ensure that all children are fit and able to meet the requirements of the Woodside Nippers Program
CLICK HERE to see the Preliminary Evaluation by Age Group, consisting of a swim/ glide and survival float component.
Should a child not initially meet the preliminary evaluation requirements for the age group, their participation in water activities will be modified based on the demonstrated capability. We encourage all Trigg Island Woodside Nipper participants to also participate in regular swimming lessons or squads.
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 essential tasks and roles such as:
- Age Group Manager/Assistant Age Group Manager
- Becoming qualified Water Safety Personnel
- Coaching in beach or water disciplines
- Competition Official
- Helping record results
- Helping with club set up and pack down
- Loading and unloading trailers for carnivals
If you would like to know more about what’s involved in Nippers membership, please click here to contact our Club Administrator.
PLEASE NOTE: All Nipper registrations (Junior Activity Member) must be accompanied by a Nipper Parent registeration or a minimum 1 parent within a Family Group registration.
Registration Details
New Members
If you’re a new member wishing to join, go the SLS Hub and create an account.
Once you have created an SLS Hub account, follow the instructions below to join.
How to Join – New Member (Individual)
How to Join – New Member (Family)
Renewing and Returning Members
If you’re an existing member, or a previous member returning, login in your SLS Hub account and follow the instructions below.
How to Join – Renewing and Returning Member
For registration enquiries contact admin@triggisland.com
For general Trigg Island Woodside Nipper enquiries nippers@triggisland.com
The parent member attached to your child(ren) Junior Activity Membership, must be the parent who currently holds or plans to attain a Nipper Rescue Certificate (or higher level qualification) to provide water safety.
Nipper Handbook
For all of the season’s info on Nippers and key dates, please see below:
CLICK HERE to view the Woodside Nipper Club Handbook page.
