Our beach is your classroom.
The Cooks Hill SLSC Nippers Program is a fun and safe way to introduce children aged 5 to 13 to the ocean environment.
Watch as your child gains confidence with swimming, bodyboarding, beach sprints, learning how to detect and manage a rip, and most importantly, have fun with new friends.
Joining Nippers is also a great pathway to the wide world of Surf Sports and Patrolling.
Our Free Inclusive Nipper Program
Ready to give your child an adventure of a lifetime?
Junior Activities/Nippers
For families with children aged 5-13 years olds who want to join our Nippers program. Organized into age groups based on their age as of 1st October.
It is a club policy that at least one parent is a member alongside the child.
- Nipper child $120
- Primary Nipper Parent $100
- Secondary Nipper Parent $50 (optional)
- Nipper Family $440 (two parents with 3 or more children aged 5-13yrs old)
REGISTRATIONS WILL OPEN AUGUST 3
- Registrations close on the 11th September. Spots fill up fast, so get in quick!
- Late registrations will not be accpeted after the closing date.
- Please note that we have a strict no-refund policy.
Nippers Gear
Essential for our Nippers program.
- Nipper cap: $20 (purchased on the first day of nippers)
Important Dates
Nippers Season: 11th October – 20th December 2026 returning 31st January – 28th February 2027
Information Session: Wednesday 23rd September 5.30pm at the club
We strongly recommend attending this session, as it will cover important information about how Nippers works and what families need to know before the season begins.
Pool Evaluations for U8 and above
Children in U8 and above must complete a pool evaluation before participating in water activities. This helps us place children safely and ensure they are supported appropriately in the surf environment.
No child is excluded based on swimming ability. Children who need more support in the water receive additional supervision and participate in shallow-water activities until they’re ready for more advanced skills.
↓ Pool Evaluation Details
- Will be held at Arnold’s Swim Centre, the Junction
- Take place over 2 weekends after registration closes and prior to school holidays
- Can completed externally at swimming lessons – email Evaluation@cookshillsurfclub.com.au to request the External Pool Swim Times form.
- Dates, times and forms will be sent out closer to the date
| Age group | Requirements | Nippers max swim time | Surf Sports time |
| U8 | 1. Swim 25m 2. Float for 5 seconds, recover to stand 3. Submerge to touch the bottom with hands 4. Swim under water for 2-3 meters | ||
| Times below are considered to be beginner level competency | |||
| U9 | 1. Swim 100m 2. Tread water/sculling for 2 minutes 3. Retrieve object from the bottom of the pool | 3:30 | <2:45 |
| U10 | 1. Swim 100m 2. Tread water/sculling for 3 minutes 3. Retrieve object from the bottom of the pool | 3:30 | <2:45 |
| U11 | 1. Swim 150m 2. Tread water/sculling for 4 minutes 3. Retrieve object from the bottom of the pool | 5:00 | <4:00 |
| U12 | 1. Swim 150m 2. Tread water/sculling for 5 minutes 3. Retrieve object from the bottom of the pool | 5:00 | <4:00 |
| U13 | 1. Swim 200m 2. Tread water/sculling for 6 minutes 3. Retrieve object from the bottom of the pool | 5:00 | <5:00 |
| U14 | 1. Swim 200m in under 5 mins | 5:00 | <5:00 |
Parent Involvement
Cooks Hill Surf Club is proud to facilitate one of the most successful Nipper Programs in our area. This is only possible thanks to our dedicated volunteer nippers committee. Nippers may look simple from the beach, but there is a lot of work that goes into making each week run smoothly. We say it every year because the fact remains that this amazing Nippers program does not happen without the help of amazing parent volunteers.
Supporting your child by becoming an Age Manager or a Water Safety Rep is one of the most valuable contributions you can make to their Nippers experience. It helps keep the program safe, affordable, and community-focused, while giving your child the reassurance of having a trusted parent close by.
Ways you can help
Age Managers (green shirt parents)
Age Managers coordinate activities for your child’s age group on Sunday mornings—leading warm-ups, organizing rotations, and keeping the group engaged and safe. More info here.
Requirements: Age Manager training (provided by the club)
The more Age Managers in a group, the more the work can be shared
Water Safety Representative (orange shirt parents)
Water Safety Reps supervise water-based activities, support swimmers, and ensure safety in and around the surf. More info here.
Requirement: a valid Bronze Medallion or Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC). We can help you achieve this. Course information is available on the Education page.
The more Water Safety in a group, the more the Nippers can be in the water!
Activities Support
If you are not confident in the water or cannot volunteer as an Age Manager or Water Safety Representative, there are other ways to help. Your support with the following activities will still make a significant difference:
- Helping at the tent
- On the BBQ
- Clothing cupboard
Requirement: A friendly smile and can-do attitude!
We will be calling on parents to help with these activities closer to the start of the season.
Your involvement strengthens our program and helps create the safe, positive community we all want for our kids.