NCSLSC Woodside Nippers Program

Woodside Nippers is as much about surf skills, as it is about making friends, building confidence and being part of an enduring Australian Tradition.

Children and adults playing tug-of-war on a sandy beach during daytime, with some children wearing white caps and yellow vests, and one adult woman wearing sunglasses and a grey cap.

What is Nippers?

Woodside Nippers is Surf Life Saving WA’s junior surf program that introduces children, aged 5 to 12, to surf lifesaving.

Held on Sunday mornings from October to March, North Cottesloe’s Woodside Nipper Program is a fun, outdoor activity that grows a child’s confidence; teaches valuable skills and lessons about beach safety; and provides a fun and safe environment to get outside and enjoy our coast. Woodside Nippers is a great opportunity for children to be introduced to an active, friendly, and tight-knit local community – as well as building valuable life skills that will accompany them into adulthood.

Our Nippers run, swim, laugh, and make new friends. It’s what we call serious fun!

Not only will your child have fun and meet new friends through the program, they will also develop the ability to become a knowledgeable participant in lifesaving beach patrols as well as a wide range of surf sports. At the completion of the program, when your child finishes the Under 13 Program, they will be equipped to gain their Surf Rescue Certificate and should they wish, to become a qualified surf lifesaver who can patrol our beaches and provide a service to the community.

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Woodside Nipper Sessions at North Cottesloe

  • Children in bright yellow safety vests and white hats with the logo 'Woodsie Nippers' standing on a sandy beach, likely listening to instructions or watching an event.

    Little Nippers

    Little nippers age groups range from under 6 (U6) to under 9 (U9).

    U6 and U7 will focus on play, participation and fun with beach activities and games. They will also learn about basic beach safety practices; what makes up a beach environment; the importance of having an adult with them at the beach; what a lifesaver is and what they do; wading, dolphin diving, board paddling, beach sprinting and flags.

  • A group of seven young boys in matching bright yellow running shirts and white swimming caps on a sandy beach, celebrating during a sports event with tents and spectators in the background. One boy is being carried on the shoulders of another, all smiling and making energetic gestures.

    Big Nippers

    Big Nippers incorporates children aged in under 10 (U10) to under 13 (U13) age categories. Nippers graduating from the U13 Age Category will progress to the NCSLSC Cadets Program.

    U8 to U13 Nippers will focus on surf education, flag races, beach sprints, surf swim, iron man and board events which will be subject to beach conditions. Nippers is about learning, fun and friendly competition.

KEY NIPPER DATES

2025

7 September - New Nipper Registration Day

26 October - Nipper Proficiency Swim

2 November - Big Nippers start @ 9.20 am

16 November - Little Nippers start @ 8.15 am

14 December - Final Nippers before Break

2026

11 January - Nippers Return

14 March - Nipper Sleepover

15 March - Final Day of Nippers

CARNIVALS & SURF SPORTS

2025

TBC -

Fuel to Go & Play Little Nippers Carnival 1 - Location TBC

TBC -

Fuel to Go & Play Nippers Carnival 1 - Location TBC

2026

TBC -

Fuel to Go & Play Little Nippers Carnival 2 - Location TBC

TBC -

Fuel to Go & Play Nippers Carnival 2 - Location TBC

TBC -

Fuel to Go & Play Nippers Qualifier - Location TBC

TBC -

Little Nipper Championships - Location TBC

TBC

Nipper Championships - Location TBC

Group of children participating in beach running race, wearing sports attire and helmets, with sandy beach, dunes, and trees in the background.

North Cottesloe SLSC is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our club. We follow Surf Life Saving Australia policies and procedures to address risks to child safety and to establish child safe culture and practices in line with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

View our Child Protection Commitment