The Woodside Nippers program is held on Sunday mornings (between October and March) at local beaches throughout Western Australia. Most age groups run for 2 hours, from 9am – 11am, although at some clubs some of our younger age groups may start a little later!

The program is delivered by the local surf life saving club.

Costs for Woodside Nippers varies between clubs. To participate in the program, each nipper must have a parent member join the club also. Further information can be found here.

KidSport enables eligible Western Australian children aged 5 to 18 years to participate in community sport by offering them financial assistance of up to $150 per calendar year towards club fees.

The KidSport program is administered through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries. Find out more here.

Our Woodside Nippers program caters to children aged 5 – 12 years old (sessions are U6-U13). Your child must be 5 years old as at 1 October of the current year to be eligible.

There are a variety of ways to register and clubs do differ. Most clubs accept online registrations, and nearly all of them will take in-person payments at the club. Alternatively you can contact any club directly to find out further information, especially if you are looking to join a club for the first time.

Most clubs will host a Registration Day in the lead up to the season - a great opportunity to get along and learn more about the club, and you can usually register on the day as well!

To find out more information about individual clubs, including when their registration day is, visit our “Find my nearest club" page.

Different clubs vary, although generally existing/past members can re-register from July for the coming season; and new members from around August. But don't leave it too long, as often certain age groups will fill up very quickly!

Every child who registers with Woodside Nippers will receive their FREE Woodside Nippers uniform which includes a high-vis coloured vest; coloured skull cap (based on age group); and a wide brim hat. The high-vis vest and skull cap are compulsory wear for our nippers, to ensure they are visible while on the beach and in the water.

The high-vis vest may be worn over their bathers and/or a rash vest. Given our nippers can be out on the beach in the sun for a period of time, we encourage parents to be SunSmart and put their nipper in a long sleeve rash vest underneath their high-vis vest.

As a parent or guardian you are REQUIRED to be at the beach at all times during Sunday activities. We love all parents/guardians to assist at their local club, and there is a variety of ways in which you can get involved and help out. Find out more here.

Once you register online, the club you have registered with will be in contact with you with further details around your child’s participation. Not all clubs accept online registrations. Feel free to contact the club directly to register, or attend one of their Registration Days.

Most clubs will hold a registration day during August or September and it's a great opportunity to meet people at the club and to learn more.

Please send us an email to nippers@slswa.com.au including details of the club you registered with, and your child’s name, and we will follow up for you.

Children will receive their FREE uniform pack on the first day of the program (unless coordinated by the clubs beforehand), which will consist of:
  • Mesh sling bag
  • High-vis coloured vest
  • Coloured skull cap
  • Wide-brim hat
As a member of your local surf life saving club, and Surf Life Saving WA, you become part of a community of more than 24,800 members in WA, and more than 173,000 across Australia. This means there are a number of other benefits available to you such as access to FREE first aid training courses through Surf Life Saving WA.