Nipper Competitions

U8–U13s have the opportunity to compete at interclub carnivals and state championship events. To enter water events, a Nipper must first be assessed by their Age Manager as meeting the competition evaluation swim, ahead of the entry deadline — this assessment happens as part of normal Sunday activities. Taking part is encouraged but optional; Sunday sessions still run at Trigg even when there's an interclub carnival on the same day.

What events can my child enter?

Carnivals are split by age: Little Nippers (U8–U9), running about 2–3 hours, and Nippers (U10–U13), running about 3–4 hours (longer at State Championships).

• Little Nippers — individual events: surf race, board race, sprint race and flags
• Nippers — individual and team events, including surf race, board race, ironperson, surf teams, board relay and Cameron relay, plus beach events: 1km or 2km run, sprint race, beach relay and flags

All competitors must wear a fluoro yellow vest, club bathers and the club competition cap. Entry process and carnival program details are shared by your Age Manager team, and via The Islander, before each entry deadline — visit the SLSWA MyBeach website for carnival dates and registration information.

Team selection

General carnivals are about fun and participation. For State events, selection shifts to a performance focus, made by Age Managers and coaches based on performance at Nippers, training and earlier carnivals, conditions on the day, and team balance and spirit. Parent help is always needed for trailer loading/unloading, officiating, marshalling and water safety at every carnival.