With the first 2 Woodside Nippers Sundays a resounding success and the season now in full swing, we acknowledge the hard work of all our outstanding volunteers who have worked tirelessly to bring us a well organised and enjoyable event. Thank you!
We now look ahead to some of the exciting events happening before Christmas break, including the fabulous Rainbow Coast Carnival in Bremer Bay, and the excitement of the City of Albany Christmas Pageant.
There is a whiff of festivity in the air as the summer holidays approach!
Points day this Sunday
This Sunday 15 Nov is our first points day of the season.
It is a competition format but run much the same as a training Sunday, with a little more formality.
Woodside Nippers compete against their own age group, where points are earned for placings and
participation.
Points days are run in a low-pressure and fun way, and all Woodside Nippers are encouraged to have a go,
whether they are competitive or not. Our new Woodside Nippers will be supported with guidance and
encouragement.
Nippers Rescue Certificate (NRC) THIS SUNDAY!
Water Safety is a critical part of any Woodside Nippers session. Without our amazing volunteers in the water, there wouldn’t be water activities!
Parents and Guardians are invited to do a short training session (NRC) which enables them to be in the water with our kids, keeping them safe, along with our highly skilled Water Safety and Life Saving teams.
What?
The Nipper Rescue Certificate involves a short ocean swim of approximately 400m, a briefing on surf safety hand and rescue signals, and a brief rescue role play scenario. It takes approximately 40 minutes and is completed immediately after the Sunday morning Woodside Nippers session. Easy!
When and where?
THIS Sunday November 15, immediately after the Woodside Nippers session in front of the clubhouse.
For those who completed their NRC last season, please note that it is valid until Dec 31, 2026. If you wish to volunteer as Water Safety in 2027, you will need to complete your NRC again.
Rainbow Coast Carnival- Bremer Bay
This annual event is a great way to kick off the Surf Life Saving season, held in beautiful Bremer Bay.
Together with Esperance- Goldfields and Denmark Surf Life Saving Clubs, the Rainbow Coast Carnival is a fun and relaxed event offering a small family-friendly introduction to the surf carnival format.
When: Nov 27-29
Where: Bremer Bay (many fellow clubbies stay at the Bremer Bay Caravan park). Carnival events held at Blossoms Beach, conditions permitting.
To find out more, please see the article in this RIP or check out your Stack app, with more details to come.
Canteen and Beach Set-up
Canteen U11
Please add your name to the sign up roster here:
Albany SLSC – Flags Up Kiosk – Sunday 15 November
Beach set up U12
Save the Date- Christmas Pagaent
Dec 5 is the City of Albany’s Christmas Pageant! A fun and festive event for all Woodside Nippers and
families. Help with decorating our floats, join in the parade as it proceeds along York Street, or come along as
a spectator.
Please keep an eye on the RIP or Stack posts for more info to come.
Tuesday Training
Tuesday training offers our Woodside Nippers the opportunity to gather for an extra dose of training fun!
Aimed at all registered Woodside Nippers aged U8’s and up, there will be an emphasis on board paddling skills and fitness (though each session is tailored to conditions) and includes a strong water safety focus.
No need to register.
*Tuesday Water Safety Volunteers needed!
When: Tuesday arvos, 5-6pm.
Where: In front of the Albany Surf Life Saving Clubhouse, Middleton Beach
Bring: Your Woodside Nipper must be wearing their high-vis vest and age group cap. Also bring sunhat, sunscreen, water bottle, bathers or wetsuit, towel, and swimming goggles.
Volunteering
Albany Surf Life Saving Club relies on volunteers!
How can I get involved?
Your Woodside Nipper’s Age Group Manager and Age Group Assistant will need support, and it’s fun!
You can help by carrying gear, doing head counts, mustering, moral support, recording, and supervision.
Other parent volunteer roles include Water Safety (Nippers Rescue Certificate), officiating, canteen, bar, Age Group Managers and Age Group Assistants, set up and pack up, and many more!
Not sure how to help? Just ask! There are so many roles to suit every skill set.
Contact Meg nipperscomms@albanysurfclub.com.au if you would like to find out more about volunteering. You won’t regret it!
We’re new to Woodside Nippers. What can we expect?
Your Woodside Nipper will be asked to meet their Age Group Manager, Age Group Assistant and fellow Woodside Nippers at their age group flag, directly in front of the clubhouse.
Once the roll has been taken, there will be introductions and a briefing that will include water safety guidelines and expectations.
Each group will have a warmup followed by a rotation of activities. These may include beach sprint races, flag races, an ocean swim, a board paddle, surf entries and exits, communication signals, and surf awareness.
Parents are encouraged to be involved.
Some or all of these activities might be new to your Woodside Nipper. Their Age Group Manager, Assistant and parent helpers will make sure they feel at ease and supported while they build their skills. As their skills develop and their experience grows, so will their confidence.
Woodside Nippers isn’t always easy but is always rewarding! There is plenty of support if any child or parent needs it, so please reach out- our community is inclusive, positive, and supportive.
Registrations
Albany Surf Life Saving Club invites new members and returning clubbies to join us every Sunday morning at Middleton Beach for a ripper Woodside Nippers summer season!
With a strong emphasis on water safety, inclusion and community, there is something for everyone. No beach experience is necessary, but a minimum level of swimming ability is required.
Registrations are open for the 2026/27 season, for kids aged 5-13yrs.
Register – Albany Surf Life Saving Club
Woodside Nippers curious?
Not sure if Woodside Nippers is for you? Why not come down one Sunday morning to watch and find out more.
Contact Meg at nipperscomms@albanysurfclub.com.au
*Due to insurance and swimming proficiency requirements, Albany Surf Life Saving Club is unable to offer a try-for-a-day option. To participate, all Nippers must be registered.
Have a question?
Please direct any enquiries to Meg at nipperscomms@albanysurfclub.com.au