Nippers is not a learn to swim program. We strongly encourage all nippers to participate in an external professional swimming program.  Your child will be safer in the ocean and progress more quickly if they are a confident swimmer.

All U8 to U14 nippers must complete a pool and ocean proficiency. The pool proficiency must be completed prior to Nippers commencing and the ocean proficiency will be conducted during the first two weeks of Nippers.  U6s and U7s are not required to compete a pool or ocean proficiency.

The ocean proficiency will be conducted during the first two weeks of Nippers. Children can wear a wetsuit for their ocean proficiency. Nippers cannot enter any surf carnival without completing their ocean proficiency.

U8 AGE GROUP
wade (waist deep run in the ocean)

U9 AGE GROUP
untimed 150m ocean swim

U10 AGE GROUP
untimed 150m ocean swim

U11 AGE GROUP
untimed 300m ocean swim

U12 AGE GROUP
untimed 300m ocean swim

U13 AGE GROUP
untimed 300m ocean swim

U14 AGE GROUP
untimed 300m ocean swim

Age Groups for 2023/24 Season:

Nipper’s age group will depend on their date of birth. The 2023– 2024 age group birth date range:
U6 – born between 1 October 2017 – 30 September 2018 (5 by 30/09/23)
U7 – born between 1 October 2016 – 30 September 2017 (6 by 30/09/23)
U8 – born between 1 October 2015 – 30 September 2016 (7 by 30/09/23)
U9 – born between 1 October 2014– 30 September 2015 (8 by 30/09/23)
U10 – born between 1 October 2013 – 30 September 2014 (9 by 30/09/23)
U11 – born between 1 October 2012 – 30 September 2013 (10 by 30/09/23)
U12 – born between 1 October 2011 – 30 September 2012 (11 by 30/09/23)
U13 – born between 1 October 2010 – 30 September 2011 (12 by 30/09/23)
U14 – born between 1 October 2009 – 30 September 2010 (13 by 30/09/23)

Nippers must be in correct Age Groups and must turn 5 before they can join. There are no exceptions.