Nippers

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    WHAT IS A NIPPER & A MICRO NIPPER

    Nippers is a junior programme that introduces children aged 5  to 7 (Micro-Nippers) or 8 to 13 (Nippers) to surf and still water lifesaving. It is a fun outdoors activity that grows a child’s confidence, teaches valuable life skills and knowledge about the aquatic/marine environment. The youth of today are the future of Life Saving, and the Nippers pathway teaches lessons and skills allowing them to continue in lifesaving, and carry over into other sporting codes and life in general as they grow older.
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    AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

    Fitness

    Improve Social Skills and Team Building

    Self Confidence and Self Esteem

    Beach Safety and Sun Sense

    Encourage Confidence in the Water

    Meeting and Making Friends

    Loads of Fun

    Preparation for future lifesaving

    NIPPER ACTIVITIES

    The emphasis is on Participation and Fun. Activities include surf safety and first aid, swimming, body board paddling (U10 and U12), knee board or Malibu paddling (U12 and U14), and beach activities: beach running, relays, sprints and flags. Each Nipper must take their Level Award for safety and competency. Clubs participate in Inter-Club, Provincial Championships, and National Championships and everyone who has passed their Level Award can take part.

    Nipper Training

    Our Nipper programme is designed to build confidence, beach awareness, and lifesaving skills in a structured and supportive environment. Training sessions focus on fitness, surf education, and practical activities that help young members develop both ability and teamwork.

    Nipper Surf Training Session

    Nippers attend their primary training session on Sunday mornings. These sessions form the core of the programme and cover a combination of beach skills, water work, and age-appropriate activities.

    Weekday Sessions

    Additional weekday evening sessions may be scheduled during the season. Details of these sessions are announced in season once conditions, daylight, and coaching availability are confirmed.

    Away Training

    During the season, Nippers may participate in away training sessions. These sessions allow members to experience different surf and beach conditions, which is an important part of developing well-rounded skills and environmental awareness.

    Nipper Stillwater Training

    Nippers Stillwater (pool) training sessions on Saturday afternoons. Times are announced during the season.

    Micro Nippers

    Micro Nippers train on Sunday mornings prior to the main Nipper session. These sessions are tailored for younger participants and place strong emphasis on water confidence, safety, and enjoyment in a controlled setting.

    BEFORE YOU CAN BECOME A NIPPER or MICRO NIPPER
    To join Clifton Surf Lifesaving Club you need to attend an Open Day for a trial session to see what we do. Open Days are held at the beginning of the season and advertised on our Social Media. Then you complete Registration online, completing the LSA Registration & Indemnity Form, pay the season’s fees and supply the Club with a copy of your Birth Certificate. All Nippers (8-13 years) must supply a completed pool swim time to register. The season runs from September until April and fees are due by the end of October every year. For more info contact us.

    Want to join our Nipper community?

    Email info@cliftonsurf.co.za to find out more about our memberships or fill in your details on our contact form.
    Join now

    NIPPER AGE GROUPS

    Your age group is worked out by the age that you are on the 1st October of every year

    Age on 1st October Age Age Group Level Award
    7 or younger Micro Micro N/A
    8 Under 9 U10 Level 1
    9 Under 10 U10 Level 1
    10 Under 11 U12 Level 2
    11 Under 12 U12 Level 2
    12 Under 13 U14 Level 3
    13 Under 14 U14 Level 3

    SOME QUESTIONS WE GET ASKED!

    Nippers is a junior activity program run to educate children about surf safety, develop their beach awareness and teach them the skills to competently swim in the ocean. Children aged 5 to 13 years old gain confidence through our Sunday nipper days in a safe beach environment, while meeting new friends, having fun and working towards becoming a future surf lifesaver.