Nippers FAQ

The 2026/27 Nippers season started on:

• U6 age group: Saturday 17 October 2026 (first week only, then Sundays)
• U7 to U14 age groups: Sunday 18 October 2026

Age groups are split across the morning so every Nipper gets a quality experience. There is generally an 8am and a 9.30am slot, confirmed before the season based on enrolments.

Draft session times (final groups for 2026/27 to be confirmed):

• 8am: U6s, U9 Girls, U11s, U12s, U13s and U14s
• 9.30am: U7s, U8s, U9 Boys and U10s

Lessons are tailored to each age group and follow the latest lifesaving and surf sports training standards. But most of all, Nippers is about having fun! Every child is encouraged to have a go, but no one is forced into an activity they are not comfortable with.

Surf education builds each year, with the goal that at 13 Nippers can gain their Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) and start patrolling.

What Nippers is not: it is not a child minding service, and a parent or guardian must be on the beach at all times. It is not a learn to swim program either. We strongly encourage all Nippers to take part in an external swimming program.

The youngest age group is U6. For 2026/27 that is children born between 1 October 2020 and 30 September 2021.

A child can join a surf club as soon as they turn five (an insurance requirement). A child who turns five after 30 September can join for the rest of the season, but will stay in U6 the following season. Fees are the same whenever you start. Proof of age must be sighted for all new members.

Compulsory items:

• Nippers cap ($25, reversible: Nipper colour and club colour)
• Pink high visibility rash vest: singlet style ($30) or short sleeve ($40)
• Swimming costume

No cap and high vis rash vest = no water. No exceptions.

Other swimwear and items are available at the club office. Competition touring team members must wear a club competition cap and club swimwear.

Do I need a new cap each year? No. Like the baggy green, your Nipper keeps the same colour cap right through Nippers.

Where can I buy uniforms? From the club office, Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm. A Nipper Apparel Sale Day is held at the clubhouse before the season starts, and the date is posted on this page.

Every Nipper must complete the age appropriate proficiency evaluation each year as part of registration. It ensures a safe minimum standard of swimming and survival ability for water activities.

This season: the evaluation was held at Des Renford Leisure Centre, Maroubra on Saturday 26 September 2026. If your Nipper has not yet completed it, please email the Nipper registrar at nippers@southmaroubrasurfclub.com.au. Nippers must be registered to attend, and should bring swimmers, cap, goggles and a towel.

U9 to U14 Nippers who want to compete at carnivals must also complete a competition evaluation (an untimed ocean swim). Dates to be advised.

What if my child does not pass? Nerves happen. They are welcome to try again. If you are worried, try a practice run at swimming lessons or the pool first.

All registrations and renewals are online through the SLSA system. New to Nippers? Join here. Renewing or transferring from another club? Use your SLS Hub account.

Fees shown are the registration fee only. Other costs may include the pink hi vis vest, age cap, competition cap and club swimmers.

Parent membership: at least one parent or carer per family must be a member, to cover insurance and training costs:

• Nipper Parent, $50: suits most parents and covers helping on the beach.
• Active 18+, $90: for Water Safety or patrolling (Bronze Medallion required for Water Safety). Learn about becoming a lifesaver.

Any parent volunteering as an Age Manager, beach assistant, water safety or official must be a member and hold a current WWCC.

Financial hardship: the club can support Nippers from families experiencing hardship. Email the Director of Youth, Ash Philp, at doy@southmaroubrasurfclub.com.au.

Active Kids vouchers: still accepted. Vouchers are now means tested and $50 per child. Select the voucher option in the membership portal and email your voucher details to office@southmaroubrasurfclub.com.au. Membership is approved once the voucher is received. Vouchers are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Nippers is run entirely by volunteers and no surf lifesaving experience is needed. The more you take part, the more you and your child will enjoy it. We encourage every family to have one parent with an Age Manager Award (to be an Age Assistant) or a Bronze Medallion. Doing the Age Manager course does not mean you have to lead an age group.

Volunteer checklist:

• Bring a positive, enthusiastic attitude
• Be a current financial member of South Maroubra SLSC
• Become an Age Manager or Assistant (short online course)
• Join the Nipper Water Safety Team (with the right SLSA award)
• Hold a current Working With Children Check, free from Service NSW

Other ways to help: set up or pack away the beach, help on the BBQ, learn to be an official, help at Club Champs and carnivals, organise social events, fundraise, or share your ideas.

Circumstances change. Refunds are available up to 30 November and incur a $30 per membership fee, as the club is charged insurance for every accepted member. Read the refund policy.

Parking: free but limited, with around 250 legal spots shared with all beachgoers. Try Broome Street (directly west of the club, up the hill) or the middle Maroubra Beach car park and walk along the dunes. Council rangers do book illegally parked cars.

Bus: the 396 runs every 10 minutes via Anzac Parade and Maroubra Rd, and the 350 every 10 minutes from Coogee via Torrington Rd and Fitzgerald Ave. See Transport NSW, or track buses live with AnyTrip or Moovit.

Coffee: Luke the Coffee Man is on the lawn from just after sunrise.

Food: Mick in the Kiosk has a fully stocked kiosk (the chicken schnitty is something else). The bar opens at 11am in season with pies, sausage rolls, chips and nuts.

Follow the South Maroubra Nippers Facebook page or this website.

Questions? Contact our Nipper registrar at nippers@southmaroubrasurfclub.com.au or the club office at office@southmaroubrasurfclub.com.au. Office hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm, and Sundays in Nipper season 7.30am to 11.30am. Phone (02) 9314 0070.

Problems with the SLSA join system? Lodge a ticket at help.sls.com.au or call the helpdesk on 1300 724 006.