With COVID restrictions easing, local Surf Life Saving Clubs are belatedly starting up their Nippers’ season.

Gerringong SLSC is going into the water first, with its Nippers beginning this Sunday, 24 October. Around 280 kids are expected to participate this year.

Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club (KDSLSC) has planned to start its Nippers the week later, on 31 October.

“We think we will have about 250 sign up which is about the same as last year,” says Steve Guy, KDSLSC Junior Activities Coordinator.

“Some of the Illawarra carnivals won’t be held this year due to COVID so will use those dates to do some development with the South Coast kids and hopefully put on the Saddleback Challenge.”

David Griffin, Junior Activities Coordinator for Kiama SLSC, is also looking forward to holding the Challenge during the shortened season.

“The Challenge is a fun exercise for the clubs in the LGA. It gives everyone a chance to get to know each other and also creates a bit of fun competition.”

Kiama SLSC is opening on 7 November and is delighted with the registrations they have already.

Kiama Nippers ready for action

“We already have over half of the number of registrations that we had on the start day last year, so it does suggest we are looking at a really strong Nippers’ season,” says David.

He believes this Nippers season will be especially beneficial for local kids who haven’t been able to stick to their usual water sports due to restrictions.

“There will be lots of kids pouring out into the surf after being in degrees of lockdown and a lot of them haven’t been able to keep up with swimming and water sports during that time. I think the role of Nippers will be more important than ever this year,” he says.

The Club is hoping for more parents to volunteer to help in some way this year.

“The more involved the parents are, the more the kids get out of it as it gives it that family feel,” says David.

Kiama Downs SLSC is already planning for Christmas.

“On 11 December, we’re having Santa Claus and his helpers parachute out of an airplane and land on the beach, just like last year which was unreal for the kids,” says Steve.

For more information on the clubs, visit their websites.

KSLSC: www.kiamaslsc.com.au/

KDSLSC: www.kiamadownssurf.com/

GSLSC: www.gerringongsurfclub.com/