Member HandbookChapter 3.2
Age Groups and Caps
Updated 22 Aug 2026 · Rochelle
Age Groups and Caps
Age reference date
Your (or your child's) age for membership category purposes is your age on 30 September in the year the season starts. For the 2026–27 season, the reference date is 30 September 2026. Example: a member who is six years old on 30 September 2026 will enrol in Junior Activity U7.
Each group has its own coloured cap to make them easy to spot on the beach.
Age group | Cap | SLSA award |
|---|---|---|
Under 6 | Pink | Surf Play 1 |
Under 7 | White | Surf Play 2 |
Under 8 | Yellow | Surf Aware 1 |
Under 9 | Green | Surf Aware 2 |
Under 10 | Light blue | Surf Safe 1 |
Under 11 | Purple | Surf Safe 2 |
Under 12 | Dark blue | Surf Smart 1 |
Under 13 | Red | Surf Smart 2 |
Only registered Nippers can take part in club activities — siblings and friends who aren't registered aren't covered by insurance.