NIPPERS PROFICIENCY

For safety and development reasons, all Under 6 – Under 14 junior activity participants (Nippers) must complete a proficiency evaluation prior to being able to participate in any water activity on beach days, training days, or at carnivals.

In order to participate in an evaluation children MUST have a completed registration, including payment of fees.

Proficiency dates for the 2025/26 season will be communicated shortly.

The proficiency evaluation requirements are listed below:

  • U6-U7 – Pool only, front glide, recovery, dive to retrieve, float

  • U8 – 25m pool swim plus scull, dive, flat, tread water components

  • U9 – all U9 Nippers must attend a club proficiency session for both their pool swim and ocean swim. Proficiency consists of two parts:

    • Part 1 – Pool Swim: 200m, plus float, tread water, dive;

    • Part 2 – Ocean Swim: 150m – as per SLSA Surf Sports Manual.

  • U10 – U14 – As per U9s, proficiency consists consists of two parts. This season ALL U10 – U14 Nippers will need to complete their pool swim at a club proficiency session PRIOR to attempting their Ocean Swim.

    • Part 1 – Pool Swim: 200m, plus float, tread water, dive;

    • Part 2 – Ocean Swim: 150m-288m – as per SLSA Surf Sports Manual.

Note:

  • Both parts must be completed to be deemed competition proficient.

  • Children will NOT be able to attempt the ocean swim without attending and passing a club pool assessment session.

  • Surf swim is to be completed to an acceptable standard under the supervision of accredited Hunter Branch assessors.

  • If intending to participate in carnivals the proficiency evaluation must be completed prior to their first carnival (even if only planning to do sand events).

  • Any Nippers intending to compete at Forster Carnival or our early Branch carnivals will need to complete their proficiencies early in order to be eligible to compete

  • Proficiency is a requirement for ALL nippers

  • Nippers MUST have a completed registration (including payment of fees) 48 hours prior to attending a proficiency day so that your Nipper’s name is on our list.

  • ALL nippers MUST wear a hi-vis pink singlet at the beach. Nippers without a hi-vis pink singlet will NOT be permitted to enter the water.

  • Pink singlets are not required for pool swims.

Contact

For any phone enquiries please call 02 4942 6633 in business hours.

Specific contacts:

Nipper president: Troy Blatchford – redheadnipperspresident@gmail.com

Nipper registration: Ann Griffiths – nipperrego@redheadslsc.com.au

Nipper parent registration enquiries: Darren Mitchell – registrar@redheadslsc.com.au

Board Hire enquiries: clarke_nippers@outlook.com

Carnival Entries: Lisa Brown – lisajb75@hotmail.com