NIPPERS & YOUTH

Nippers is a program for 5 – 13-year olds encompassing:

  • Surf Education – a series of lessons to develop surf safety, awareness and survival skills

  • Surf Sports – a range of beach & water-based physical activities, races & games

  • Personal and Leadership Development – opportunities to build confidence, teamwork, and responsibility through surf life saving skills and activities

  • Our values of Safety, Inclusion and Respect

  • Fun, fitness and friendships, as we support our nippers to grow in confidence, knowledge and skills in the beach and surrounding environment.

The nippers program is designed to instill a love of surf safety in our young people to create the surf lifesavers of the future!

Our Nippers Handbook provides in depth information about the program.

Two girls are lying on their stomachs on surfboards in the shallow water at the beach, smiling and making peace signs with their hands. The sky is partly cloudy, and the ocean extends into the horizon.
Children sitting on the floor of an indoor room, listening to a woman speaking, with surfboards mounted on the wall behind her.
People on a float in a parade celebrating Christmas, dressed in festive outfits and Santa hats, with a woman in a yellow rescue jersey waving.
Download the Nippers handbook

Nippers Information

  • Saturday activities encompass a blend of surf safety education and surf sports, which include:

    • Team-building games and activities aimed at boosting confidence and social interaction.

    • Beach sprints, relays, and flags.

    • Wade races and relays.

    • Surf swim races and team races.

    • Board races, rescues, and relays.

  • Regular sessions are held every Saturday, gathering at 11:00am on the lawn for an 11:30am start.

    • Under 6 & 7 age groups: session concludes at 12:30 pm (Parents are welcome to supervise their children at the beach post-session).

    • Under 8 - 13 age groups: Ends at 1:30 pm followed by presentations on the club lawns

  • Safety is paramount; hence, a club Nipper cap and a high-visibility rashie are mandatory for all nippers each week.

    Essential Items for Nipper Sessions:

    • High-visibility rashie (worn in water, as per Surf Life Saving Australia directive - available for purchase at the club)

    • Club Skull cap

    • Sun-protective hat

    • Pre-applied sunscreen (with additional for reapplication)

    • Goggles (if required)

    • Appropriate swimwear (Boardshorts are discouraged due to water drag; jammers and bathers are available for purchase at the club).

    • Towel

    • Water bottle

    • Warm change of clothes

    • Toiletries (for those desiring a warm shower post-session)

  • WhatsApp is used to provide up timely communications to parents - you’ll be added to your child’s WhatsApp group for their team at the start of the season.

    Email is used for a monthly update from the Director and to provide information on special events and carnivals. If you are not receiving emails please contact the Director of Junior & Youth to check your details are correct in our system.

  • Our fess are affordable with discounts available for multiple nippers and families. Fees are inclusive of carnival entry fees.

    A social membership for 1 carer/guardian is included as a mandatory requirement.

    View our fees schedule on our memberships page, including SA Sports Voucher details.

    Memberships & Fees

  • North Haven Surf Life Saving Club is committed to the safety and wellbeing of every child and young person who takes part in our activities, programs, events or services. We are committed to providing children and young people with a positive and nurturing experience.
    Our policies and procedures seek to address risks to child safety and to establish child safe culture and practices in line with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.


    You can find out more here:

    Member Protection & Child Safe Policy

Two young children wearing hats and casual clothes, smiling and holding up medals they received from a beach or swimming event.

We take pride in offering Kudlyu, a modified nippers program tailored for young individuals with additional needs and disabilities. Named after the Kaurna word for the Black Swan, Kudlyu aligns with our regular nippers schedule, providing a safe, inclusive beach environment.

Timing: Coincides with the mainstream Nippers program, concluding at 12:30pm. Flexibility allows young people to participate based on their sensory and physical needs, with the option to join the mainstream program whenever ready.

Safety is paramount; hence, a club Nipper cap and a high-visibility rashie are mandatory for all nippers each week.

To register your interest please email, the Director of Junior & Youth jyc@northhavenslsc.com.au

Youth Crew focuses on beach and water training every Saturday from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, alongside additional weekly training sessions in various fitness areas. Check with the Junior and Youth Coordinator for the current schedule.

Additional Opportunities:

  • Community Engagement - Youth are encouraged to buddy with a Kudlyu participant and partake in community service.

  • Social activities throughout the season.

  • SLSSA Development Camp.

  • Youth Employment Program.

  • Surf Rescue Certificate.

A group of five people wearing red surf rescue hats smiling and standing in front of a rescue vehicle with surfboards on top, near the beach with a blue sky and ocean in the background.
Two women standing together in front of a colorful mural. The woman on the left is wearing a patterned shirt and black shorts, smiling with her hand on her hip. The woman on the right is wearing a yellow surf rescue shirt and gray shorts, with a neutral expression.
Two boys standing on a sandy beach, smiling and posing for the camera, with a group of people and event tents in the background, under a clear blue sky.
Group of six people on a red rescue boat in the water at the beach, with a breakwater and navigation markers in the background.

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A group of adults and children posing outdoors after a sporting event, some children wearing medals, in front of a colorful wall, with a bicycle and a table nearby.
Group of children in pink and black wetsuits with skull caps on a sandy beach, getting ready for a board paddling lesson with two instructors, one in a blue shirt and one in a patterned shirt, near boards of red and yellow color.
Group of people sitting and standing on a red rescue boat in the ocean with a breakwater and navigation markers in the background.
Two smiling children wearing surf helmets and casual clothes standing outdoors at a crowded event with many people in the background.
Smiling young boy with missing front teeth, wearing a helmet and colorful sports jacket, standing outdoors with other children and adults in the background.
Group of children in pink swimwear and hats, smiling and embracing, at an outdoor event with many people and tents in the background.
Group of children and adults gathered outdoors on a sunny day, with several colorful surfboards standing upright behind them.
Group of four people standing at the shoreline on a beach with the ocean and a blue sky in the background.
A group of eleven children standing together at the beach with waves in the background, smiling and enjoying the sunny day.
Group of seven people standing together at a beach event, wearing matching patterned shirts, some with sunglasses and hats, smiling, with signs and banners in the background.
Young girl in pink swimsuit and swimming cap falling in sand during beach event, with crowd of spectators in the background.
Group of children playing on a sandcastle at a beach event, smiling and giving thumbs-up signs, with tents and palm trees in the background.
Children and adults gathered on a sandy beach for a rescue instruction demonstration, with tents and rescue vehicles in the background.
A group of children and adults seated around a table in a garage or workshop, with some kids wearing sports gear and nurses in white uniforms. Two men are standing in front of a whiteboard, giving a presentation, with sports and racing memorabilia, b
A young girl in a pink sports top receiving medical care, with others around her, in an indoor setting, possibly a gym or sports facility.
Group of children and young adults outdoors, some in uniform and others in casual clothing, holding dog treats and a dog, in a natural landscape with grass and shrubs, overcast sky.
Group of children and teenagers outdoors with dog, some in surf rescue uniforms, on a grassy field with houses and cloudy sky in the background.
Two smiling women standing outdoors on a cloudy day, holding a baby doll, with bushes and houses in the background.
A young girl in a yellow vest and bathing cap runs barefoot on a sandy beach while carrying a stand-up paddleboard.
Children participating in a color powder festival outdoors, covered in colorful powder, with a woman spraying color on them, under a blue sky.
A young girl in a yellow tank top paddling a red paddleboard on water, wearing pink goggles and a white hat.
Young girls in bright green swimsuits and swimming caps running with colorful surfboards in shallow water at the beach during daytime.
Group of young girls and an instructor preparing for a paddleboarding lesson on the beach, with paddleboards lined up on the sand and the ocean in the background under a clear sky.
View of a sandy beach with a few people, two off-road vehicles, and a body of water with gentle waves under a partly cloudy sky, seen from a balcony with a black metal fence.
Children participating in a beach running race on sand dunes, wearing colorful athletic clothing and hats.
Group of six surf rescue team members on a beach, wearing yellow and red uniforms with DHL logos and red hats, with the ocean and clear sky in the background.
Children wearing swim caps and pink tops are sitting on the sand at the beach, enjoying a sunny day.
Children at the beach wearing helmets and pink and black outfits, making silly faces with tongues out, sitting on sand.
Group of children sitting on sandy beach, wearing pink and black swimwear with 'North Haven' printed on the back, and swim caps with goggles, likely listening to instructions or a story.
A group of people gathered outdoors in a backyard, sitting and standing around tables with food and drinks, enjoying a social gathering or celebration on a sunny day.
Group of people gathered for an outdoor celebration or party in a backyard, with tables, chairs, and trees.
Three people on a sandy beach, two girls wearing pink swimsuits and a man wearing a wetsuit; near the shoreline, several paddleboards are laid on the sand and water.
Group of children sitting on a stone wall at the beach, with some wearing hats and relaxing under the sun.
Two young girls sitting barefoot on a stone ledge outdoors, wearing sun hats and smiling, with a background of trees and parked cars.
A group of young children in colorful swimsuits and swim caps standing together on a sandy beach with a man, likely their coach or instructor, against a background of beachgoers, tents, flags, and trees under a clear blue sky.
A young girl smiling while standing barefoot on a yellow surfboard with red text on a sandy beach. She is wearing a light blue shirt, colorful shorts, a sun hat, and an ankle bracelet. Several people are gathered behind her under a tent, some looking
Young girl smiling at the camera, standing next to a large rainbow flag and a yellow tent with 'North Haven SLSC' written on it, at the beach on a sunny day.
Three children sitting outdoors on a sunny day, holding golf clubs and golf balls, with a playground in the background.
A young girl in a pink sports top and black and white swimming cap is sitting in the sand during a beach event, with a large group of people and several tents in the background, and the ocean visible beyond.
Group of young female surf lifesavers in uniform, standing on a beach with long shadows, at a surf rescue event with tents in the background.
Four young girls standing arm-in-arm on a beach, wearing swimsuits and swim caps, smiling at the camera under a clear blue sky with a few scattered clouds. Beach gear is visible behind them, and the ocean is in the background.
Young girl standing on a winner's podium at a beach surf competition, wearing a yellow sleeveless top, black shorts, a white and black swim cap, and a medal around her neck, smiling after winning first place.
A woman and a young girl at the beach. The girl, wearing a yellow sports shirt, is biting a gold medal at a surfing competition, with other people and tents in the background.
Young girl with a freckled face sitting on sandy ground at a beach or sand sports event, wearing a yellow tank top, black shorts, and a helmet, with other children in the background engaged in activity.
A young girl running on the beach during a race, wearing a blue tank top, a black and brown swimsuit, and a white and black swim cap, with a crowd of people in the background.
Two young kids running on a sandy beach during a sporting event with a crowd and tents in the background.
Two young girls in colorful swimsuits and head coverings playing a game on the sandy beach while a crowd of people and tents are visible in the background.
A young male Nipper wearing a black and white cap and a bright yellow tank top, lying on the sand with a focused expression.
Group of children at the beach with surfboards and paddleboards, some standing in shallow water, others walking on sand carrying equipment, during grey cloudy weather.
Group of young children standing and lying in front of a colorful, abstract mural, wearing swimwear and holding medals, with some children in pink shirts and others in matching brown and white patterned swimwear.
Four young girls in athletic gear and tilted black and white hats holding Boost energy bar coupons, standing in front of a colorful mural.
Young girl in swimming gear holding a certificate outdoors at a sunny location with tables and umbrellas in the background.
A young boy smiling outdoors at a sunny day, holding a certificate with the words "CONGRATS! THE YO-CHIAVER AWARD GOES TO," with a green pen in his right hand, standing among outdoor tables and umbrellas.
A young girl with curly blonde hair, wearing a pink hoodie, holding a certificate and a marshmallow treat, standing on a grassy field on a sunny day. Several people and a blue building are in the background.
A young girl with red hair and a big smile holding an ice pop and a certificate outdoors on a sunny day, with a blue building and bicycles in the background.
Seven children, four girls and three boys, holding blue certificates with the text "Congratulations! The Yo-Chieve Award Goes To" in front of a colorful, abstract mural.
A young girl in a pink tank top holding a certificate and a popsicle outdoors on a sunny day. She is wearing swimming goggles and smiling.
A young girl in a pink outfit holding a certificate and a popsicle, smiling outdoors on a sunny day with picnic tables and umbrellas in the background.
Group of children in life jackets learning to stand and paddle on surfboards on the beach under a clear blue sky.
Two young girls lying on their stomachs on racing surfboards in shallow ocean water, smiling and making peace signs, with a cloudy sky in the background.
Four young girls in swimwear and neon shirts on a sandy beach, smiling and posing with a large surfboard.
A group of children in swimsuits and swim caps listening to an adult coach on a sandy beach near the ocean under a partly cloudy sky.
Group of young women with paddleboards and a coach on a sandy beach with the ocean and a lighthouse in the background.
A woman in a yellow sports top and black shorts running on a sandy beach during a race, with a blue sky and dunes in the background.
Two surf rescue personnel on a sandy beach, with one man holding a yellow rescue board and a woman holding a paddleboard. Several kite surfers are visible in the ocean under a partly cloudy sky.
A group of children and an adult standing on the beach near a North Haven Surf Lifesaving Club flag, with a clear blue sky and some beach flags in the background.
Children on a beach jumping over a sand obstacle course with flags, under a partly cloudy sky.
Two children in pink shirts standing under a red and yellow tent on a sandy beach, giving thumbs up, with other children in the background, and a clear blue sky with some clouds.
Four children lying face down on surfboards on the sand at the beach, with an instructor standing nearby, under a partly cloudy blue sky.
Children and adults at a beach during a Lifesaving Club event, with tents, vehicles, and a clear blue sky in the background.
Children jumping over small hurdles on the beach under a blue sky.
A group of people, including children, gathered under tents on a sandy beach, some wearing running gear and pink shirts, near a rescue vehicle, during a sunny day.
A young girl in a pink long-sleeve shirt, patterned shorts, and a black and white swim cap playing in the shallow water at the beach, holding a toy above her shoulder with waves crashing around her.
Group of children and a woman on a beach, holding medals, near a North Haven Nippers flag from North Haven Surf Life Saving Club. The sky is clear and blue.