NARRABEEN NIPPERS

The friendly little club

If you would like your children to join a nippers club where they are a name, not a number . . . join Narrabeen Nippers. As one of the smallest Junior Activites clubs in the Sydney Northern Beaches branch of Surf Life Saving Australia, Narrabeen Nippers offers each child the opportunity to proceed at their own pace, to develop without being pushed.

Narrabeen Nippers is not one of the highly competitive, win-at-all-costs clubs. We want our children to enjoy their time at Nippers, not be frightened by someone who is more interested in results.

WHO CAN JOIN?

Any child from 5 to 13 years can join Narrabeen Nippers. 5 and 6 years (or more properly under 6 and under 7) join on an educational basis while children from under 8 to under 14 years may join in the friendly competition at the club and the inter-club carnivals within the Northern Beaches and beyond.

Nippers is NOT just for good swimmers or surfers - in fact, it is an ideal way to introduce poor swimmers and those frightened of the beach to the marine environment. No child may compete in events until they have satisfied minimum standards in the water. Water safety is provided far in excess of SLSA requirements at Narrabeen Beach, especially in the early part of the season when many children are most apprehensive of the water.

WHAT DO THEY LEARN AT NIPPERS?

Along with competition and fun events, all children are encouraged to participate in Surf Life Saving awards for their particular age group. "Surf Ed" is a graded series of activities which teach children the basics of the beach, of the water and the environment. Each year progresses on the previous year so that by the time children reach their final year at Narrabeen Nippers, they have enough knowledge and experience to undertake the SLSA Surf Certificate, a basic qualification which will allow them (if they wish) to join in the beach patrols undertaken by the club.

ARE THEY FORCED TO COMPETE?

Never! The club never forces anyone to enter an event if they do not wish to do so. Indeed, the club discourages parents from trying to make children enter events against their will - it only discourages them further. However, by the season's end our experience is that most, if not all, children have gained the confidence they need to enter.

MY CHILD CANNOT SWIM, OR IS TOO SCARED TO GO IN THE WATER. WHAT THEN?

Any child who cannot swim cannot participate in water-based events. However, there are always beach-based activities for them to enjoy until they gain the necessary skills and confidence.

ARE THERE AWARDS?

Apart from the "Surf Ed" awards already mentioned, each child has the opportunity to compete for a variety of trophies or medals which are presented at the end of each season. Among these are club championships, best beach competitor, best water competitor, pointscore winners, 100% attendance, and so on. Also, any child gaining a place at a branch carnival wins a certificate; a place at the branch championships or state championships earns a medal.

ARE PARENTS INVOLVED TOO?

The club actively enourages parents to participate in the running of Sunday morning Nippers events and to participate in the Junior Activities Commitee of the Narrabeen Beach Surf Life Saving Club. In addition, parents who wish to join in the senior club competition on Sunday morning are also more than welcome. Many parents also join senior club training squads to obtain the Bronze Medallions - the club is always happy to welcome new participants.

Parents join the club at the same time as their children in order to be covered by Workcover insurance while on the beach. Family membership involves only a nominal charge to cover direct costs to the club.

HOW MUCH DOES NARRABEEN NIPPERS COST?

You'll be surprised at how little Nippers costs, especially compared to just about any other organised sport! Fees for the full season are just $55 for the first child and there is discount for additional children. For this they get the full season of Nippers including the Surf Ed program, the use of any equipment and, believe it or not, insurance!

DO THEY HAVE TO BUY CLUB UNIFORMS?

Club costumes are only required if the child wishes to compete in a team event at a carnival. However, for the child's sake it is preferable for them to be "part of the team" even if not competing. Girls and Boys costumes are purchased in bulk at the start of the season and are on-sold at near cost price. Due to variations in prices from manufacturers, please enquire at the club for latest pricing.

Club caps are compulsory. Again, these are bought in bulk at the start of the season and sold virtually at cost price - current price is about $9.00

CAN THEY TRY NIPPERS BEFORE JOINING?

It is essential that a membership form is filled out and signed before anyone participates. Having said that, however, if you wish to have your children try Nippers before paying their registration fees, the club will allow a two-week period of grace.

HOW DO THEY JOIN NARRABEEN NIPPERS?

To join Narrabeen Nippers, simply turn up at Narrabeen Beach Surf Life Saving Club (Cnr Ocean St & Albert Sts Narrabeen, right behind Narrabeen Shops) any Sunday morning at 9.00. Just ask anyone in the Surf Club who to see about joining . . . The only thing you'll need to bring is proof of age (eg a birth certificate) for every child joining, a pair of swimmers, a towel and a smile!