The RBSLSC runs a popular Nipper programme during the summer holidays for children aged 5 to 14.

Nippers is an introduction to surf skills and water safety with a focus on fun. Our team of trained nipper coaches and lifeguards develop our nippers’ knowledge, skills and confidence in and around the water, in a safe and supportive environment. Apart from being a great introduction to surf lifesaving, it is a great way for children to meet others and to build skills in beach sprints, flags, swimming and board skills.

Our wonderful team of coaches make learning fun and many of our nippers go on to become qualified lifeguards and nipper instructors themselves!

Details for 2025/2026

We offer two options for our summer Nipper and Cadet Programme - either a full season - 27 December to 16 January, or weekly options. For the 2025/26 season we have three weekly options as follows:

Week 1
- Saturday 27 December
- Monday 29 December
- Tuesday 30 December
- Wednesday 31 December
- Saturday 3 January
Week 2
- Monday 5 January to Friday 9 January
Week 3
- Monday 12 January to Friday 16 January

Meet the team

Our coaching team this year are:

Head Coach
Millie Devine

Team Leaders
Sydney Devine
Charlotte Beetham
Ashton Thompson

Coaches
Poppy Bell
Ruby Devine
Bella Beetham
Lauren Gordon-Crosby
Olivia McCreary
Ike McGuiness
Petra McGuiness
Ruby Ritchie
Mila Townsend
April Wyeth

Nipper Coach Coordinator
Emily Beetham

Programme Details

Nippers are grouped according to age, for 4 sessions which run each morning.

As per Surf Lifesaving NZ requirements, the nipper’s age is defined as at 30 September.

The groups are as follows:

9:00am – 10:00am Age 5 & 6 years

10:00am – 11:00am Age 7 & 8 years

11:30pm – 12:30pm Age 9 & 10 years

12:30pm – 1:30pm Age 11, 12, and 13 (Cadets)

What to bring each session

All nippers must wear a club rash top and swimming cap to each session. (Rash tops can be ordered when you register).

Also recommended:

Beach towel
SPF Sunscreen - 30+ or above
A wetsuit (highly recommended for cold water and weather)
Water bottle
Dry/warm clothes for after session (nipper hoodies available to purchase when you register before 1 December)
Sunhat (RBSLSC Bucket hats will be provided as part of your registration fee).

200m Swim

All nippers who wish to use fibreglass or foam paddleboards and/or swim behond waist depth must pass their 200m swim. This timed swim is a mandatory safety requirement which demonstrates that nippers are confident in the ocean and capable of returning to shore if thewy are separated from their equipment. The 200m swim badge is also a requirement for entry into lifesaving sports events for participants in the U11-U14 age groups including the Surf Carnival held at Riversdale Beach at Wellington Anniversary weekend.

As this can often prove a little difficult if the weather and sea conditions aren't playing ball, we are giving nippers the opportunity to gain their 200m badge ahead of the Christmas break and start of the nipper season. These are being held at:

Wellington
Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre (Kilbirnie Pool)
63 Kilbirnie Crescent, Kilbirnie, Wellington
Wednesday 10 December
6.00pm to 8.00pm

Masterton
Trust House Recreation Centre (Masterton Pool)
2 Dixon Street, Masterton
Wednesday 10 December
6.00pm to 8.00pm

Palmerston North
Lido Aquatic Centre
Park Road, West End, Palmerston North
Wednesday 10 December
7.00pm to 8.00pm

Please advise Emily Beetham if you wish to attend either the Masterton or Palmerston North events on 022 120 8702 or Dave Rose if you wish to attend the Wellington event on 027 486 5454.

Junior Carnival

Our nippers programme ends with an exciting Junior Carnival held at Riversdale Beach on Wellington Anniversary weekend. Nippers get the opportunity to put all the skills and experiences they have learned through the season to the test competing against nippers from visiting clubs. There are other junior competitiuons in the region our nippers may also wish to compete in, more informaiton will be provided about these.

Competition ages will be U8 through to U14 as at 30 September. For our Riversdale carnival we also hold an U5 to U7 carnival for our younger nippers to compete. It is always a fun and exciting day for the whole club and community.