2026/27 NIPPERS REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS
Welcome to the ‘Nippers’ Junior Surf Life Saving Program at Cabarita Beach SLSC for 2026-2027.
The Nippers program is open to children who are at least five years old as at 30th September 2026*.
Every Nipper must have at least one parent or guardian who is also a member of our Surf Club.
ONLINE REGISTRATION:
Registrations for both Nippers and their families are completed online via the SLS NSW Member Hub (see the two links
below for members with or without existing member profiles). The portal steps you through the process. Please ensure you enter all details (names / birthdates / contacts) correctly.
- First step is to set up a login with on the SLS Member Hub. (If you already have a profile but have forgotten details, please contact our office).
- You’ll then join Cabarita Beach SLSC as the primary member of your family group.
- Next add your family as ‘standard members’ within your family group and complete everyone’s details.
- Complete the SLS declaration
- Select the matching fee for each of your memberships and pay the total via credit card
Once completed we’ll reach out via email to confirm and to provide further contact
details here at the Club.
SIGN ON DAY:
We would also love to meet you face-to-face before we hit the sand for the first time on Sunday 11th October.
You are invited to attend our Nippers Sign-on Day at the clubhouse to meet the some of the Juniors Activities
team and families, and take an early look around your Surf Club:
Saturday 19 September. 3pm to 6pm with kids movie night afterwards.
U6s, U7s and new Nippers are especially welcome. We’ll be there to help with any questions you may have
and set you up with any Nippers apparel or compulsory uniform items (eg. hi-vis rashie and coloured cap). If
you need any help with your online SLS NSW registration (or prefer to pay your membership fees with cash) we
can help you out in person on the day. Formal proof of age is no longer a SLSNSW requirement at sign-on.
SWIM SKILLS ASSESSMENT:
Before diving in, a preliminary swim skills assessment must be completed EACH YEAR prior to the first beach
day for all age groups. This is conducted in the safe environment of a swimming pool. You have two options for
ticking off this requirement:
1. Ask your child’s (ASCTA qualified) swim instructor or coach to complete our swim proficiency form. It’s
available for download here or from our Club office.
2. Attend our Nippers swim proficiency session at Kingscliff Pool (Cudgen Rd, Kingscliff):
Saturday 26 September 11am to 1pm
SWIMWEAR:
Purchase swimmers, shorts, caps, rashies etc, at the Sign-On Day and on Sunday mornings throughout the
season.
* Children who turn five after this date may join in after the season starts, but will remain in that U6 age group if re-joining the following summer.
If you need help or have questions, the Junior team will be there for Sign-on day at the Club to assist you.
Registration fees by Age Group
-
- Under 6, Under 7 Fee – $125 per Nipper
- Under 8+ Fee – $150 per Nipper
Nipper Age Structure (2026-2027 Season)
- Under 6: Born between October 1, 2020, and September 30, 2021.
- Under 7: Born between October 1, 2019, and September 30, 2020.
- Under 8: Born between October 1, 2018, and September 30, 2019.
- Under 9: Born between October 1, 2017, and September 30, 2018.
- Under 10: Born between October 1, 2016, and September 30, 2017.
- Under 11: Born between October 1, 2015, and September 30, 2016.
- Under 12: Born between October 1, 2014, and September 30, 2015.
- Under 13: Born between October 1, 2013, and September 30, 2014.
- Under 14: Born between October 1, 2012, and September 30, 2013.
REGISTRATION FAQ
- Online registrations are now open
We hit the beach for the first time on Sunday 11th October, 2026. Season will wrap up on or around Sunday 28th February 2027, TBC. A Nippers Presentation Day will follow in mid-March.
Some form of Nippers activity is conducted each weekend, usually on Sunday mornings. However we may run one or two ‘twilight sessions on a Saturday evening throughout the season. Occasionally older age-groups may be away for carnivals, too. There will a short break over Christmas, dates TBA.
Sunday start time is 8:45am (8:00am if your Age Group is rostered on Beach Set Up & BBQ) & finish approx. 11am
We hit the beach for the first time on Sunday 11th October, 2026. Season will wrap up on or around Sunday 28th February 2027, TBC. A Nippers’ Presentation Day will follow in mid-March.
- No, you must be present on the beach throughout the Nippers session. As much as we have safety precautions and qualified volunteers in place, this is an unpredictable aquatic environment and no one has eyes for your child as much as you do.
- U6 & U7 Fee – $125 per Nipper
- U8+ Fee – $150 per Nipper
- If your child has a medical condition or disability that you would like the club to be aware of, please contact our Junior Activities Coordinator so a plan can be worked out to ensure your child gets the most out of their nippers experience.
• Pool Swim Evaluation
If you are not in swimming lessons, you will need to contact one of the local pools to see if you can book in to get this done.
• Ocean Swim Evaluation
All Nippers: you must have completed your pool evaluation and paid your membership fees before you head to the beach. No exceptions. You also must bring your pink rashie/singlet and nipper cap
- You must liaise with the Junior Activities Coordinator and a special plan can be worked out to ensure the safety of all parties involved.
Yes, this is permitted however, they must complete the Junior Activities Preliminary Evaluation and program for this
age group. They will also receive the certificate of completion for this age group. E.g., a child who is eligible to be in
U9’s, can move down to the U8 age group if they would like to. This child will only complete the U8 Junior Activities
Preliminary Evaluation and program and, they will receive the U8 certificate of completion. Refer to the Surf Sport
Manual – 37th Edition for competition age guides.
- Yes, however, they can only move up by one age level, and this undertaking requires that the child completes the
Junior Activities Preliminary Evaluation for the age group they are entering. e.g., a child who is eligible to be in U9’s
can move up to the U10 age group if they have satisfactorily achieved the Junior Activities Preliminary Evaluation for
the U10‘s age group. Refer to the Surf Sport Manual – 37th Edition for competition age guides.
- No. As long as a responsible caregiver stays on the beach throughout nippers, the member does not have to be present. However, we do encourage families to join together to be part of the club environment.
- High Vis Pink Rashie, Nipper Cap, Swimmers (club swimmers are only required for carnivals but are for sale at our Uniform Shop to any nipper), Towel, Water Bottle, Sunscreen, Goggles (optional)