Who Can Join?

Children aged 5-14 years can join nippers.  North Bondi Nippers takes place on Sunday mornings.

A Nipper’s age group will depend on their date of birth. The 2021– 2022 age group birth date range:

  • U6 – born between 1 October 2015 – 30 September 2016 (5 by 30/09/21)
  • U7 – born between 1 October 2014 – 30 September 2015 (6 by 30/09/21)
  • U8 – born between 1 October 2013 – 30 September 2014 (7 by 30/09/21)
  • U9 – born between 1 October 2012– 30 September 2013 (8 by 30/09/21)
  • U10 – born between 1 October 2011 – 30 September 2012 (9 by 30/09/21)
  • U11 – born between 1 October 2010 – 30 September 2011 (10 by 30/09/21)
  • U12 – born between 1 October 2009 – 30 September 2010 (11 by 30/09/21)
  • U13 – born between 1 October 2008 – 30 September 2009 (12 by 30/09/21)
  • U14 – born between 1 October 2007 – 30 September 2008 (13 by 30/09/21)

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

Qualification & Proficiency

To take part in nippers, children must also complete an annual proficiency. All proficiencies must be continuous and unassisted. A proficiency certificate must be filled out by a swim coach or club authorised person and provided to the club as proof of proficiency.

Under 8s Proficiency

  • 50m swim (continuous freestyle) in swimming pool in less than 2.5 minutes
  • 1 minute float in swimming pool
  • No ocean swim required

Under 9s Proficiency

  • 100m swim (continuous freestyle) in swimming pool in less than 4 minutes
  • 1 minute float in swimming pool
  • untimed 150m ocean swim

Under 10s Proficiency

  • 150m swim (continuous freestyle) in swimming pool in less than 4 minutes
  • 1.5 minute float in pool
  • untimed 150m ocean swim

Under 11s Proficiency

  • 200m swim (continuous freestyle) in swimming pool in less than 6 minutes
  • 2 minute float in pool
  • untimed 288m ocean swim

Under 12s Proficiency

  • 200m swim (continuous freestyle) in swimming pool in less than 5 minutes
  • 2 minute float in pool
  • untimed 288m ocean swim

Under 13s Proficiency

  • 200m swim (continuous freestyle) in swimming pool in less than 4.5 minutes
  • 3 minute float in pool
  • untimed 288m ocean swim

Under 14s Proficiency

  • 200m swim (continuous freestyle) in swimming pool in less than 4.5 minutes
  • 3 minute float in pool
  • Untimed 288m ocean swim

Completing Proficiency

Due to COVID-19 a pool swim proficiency is not required for the 2021-2022 season. We will be performing swim proficiencies in the ocean in the first 2 weeks of Nippers (conditions allowing).