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The Nippers Way of LifePaddleboard RacerThe Anti-Nipper Nippers for the ‘Old-Fellas’Salt Water Flows in Our VeinsWho Needs a Beach?Like Just-Hatched Baby Turtles The Nippers Way of Life
(25 days later)
Last week’s Australia Letter asked for Nippers stories, yielding the selection below. Thank you to all who contributed.Last week’s Australia Letter asked for Nippers stories, yielding the selection below. Thank you to all who contributed.
Sunshine CoastSunshine Coast
By Trevor LansdownBy Trevor Lansdown
We moved to a beach community from a small country town in Victoria to Sunshine Coast in Queensland.We moved to a beach community from a small country town in Victoria to Sunshine Coast in Queensland.
My son Lachie started Nippers surrounded by kids who where born into the ocean. He could just swim the required distance to be a Nipper.My son Lachie started Nippers surrounded by kids who where born into the ocean. He could just swim the required distance to be a Nipper.
In every activity he struggled to make it, one of the last ones out of the water each time. His age managers and coaches took the time to educate him, work with him, to build him up.In every activity he struggled to make it, one of the last ones out of the water each time. His age managers and coaches took the time to educate him, work with him, to build him up.
Slowly he improved.Slowly he improved.
He discovered a talent and love for long distance paddling, so much so that his life was slowly taken over by it.He discovered a talent and love for long distance paddling, so much so that his life was slowly taken over by it.
A friend’s father introduced him to the Molokai 2 Oahu race, a 32-mile open ocean crossing between the two Hawaiian Islands. That then grew into him racing the Catalina Classic, a 32-mile ocean race from Catalina Island to Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles.A friend’s father introduced him to the Molokai 2 Oahu race, a 32-mile open ocean crossing between the two Hawaiian Islands. That then grew into him racing the Catalina Classic, a 32-mile ocean race from Catalina Island to Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles.
He had to find a way to pay for these races, so he took a job as a lifeguard. On the weekends he still did volunteer patrols with a surf life saving club.He had to find a way to pay for these races, so he took a job as a lifeguard. On the weekends he still did volunteer patrols with a surf life saving club.
He is now a grown man of 22 years.He is now a grown man of 22 years.
Over the years he has completed the Molokai race five times. He has to his name one team win, three second individual outright places and owns two of the top five fastest times.Over the years he has completed the Molokai race five times. He has to his name one team win, three second individual outright places and owns two of the top five fastest times.
At the Catalina Classic, he has won the three times he has raced, and holds the record time. In the ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championships (which runs on the lines of an Olympic event) he holds six gold medals, over three championships, and has been selected for the 2018 Australian team to race later this year.At the Catalina Classic, he has won the three times he has raced, and holds the record time. In the ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championships (which runs on the lines of an Olympic event) he holds six gold medals, over three championships, and has been selected for the 2018 Australian team to race later this year.
What is even better is the fact that everything that Nippers taught him all came into play on Christmas Eve last year. He was on a volunteer patrol when on a rove to a remote spot he found four people caught in a rip, one face down and not responsive.What is even better is the fact that everything that Nippers taught him all came into play on Christmas Eve last year. He was on a volunteer patrol when on a rove to a remote spot he found four people caught in a rip, one face down and not responsive.
He and his follow lifesaver managed to rescue all 4 and to revive the unresponsive person.He and his follow lifesaver managed to rescue all 4 and to revive the unresponsive person.
That my friend is what Nippers is all about — building kids to be surf smart, confidant, and ultimately lifesavers.That my friend is what Nippers is all about — building kids to be surf smart, confidant, and ultimately lifesavers.
SydneySydney
By Jordan GranthamBy Jordan Grantham
Most people think of Australian beaches as golden warm, sun-kissed places. For me they are icily cold, windy and dark.Most people think of Australian beaches as golden warm, sun-kissed places. For me they are icily cold, windy and dark.
My greatest fear as a boy in primary school was the open sea, so Dad decided it would become the family’s default recreation, each dreaded Sunday morning at Freshwater Beach’s Nippers Club.My greatest fear as a boy in primary school was the open sea, so Dad decided it would become the family’s default recreation, each dreaded Sunday morning at Freshwater Beach’s Nippers Club.
The following year of fear and humiliation was the most misery I have experienced.The following year of fear and humiliation was the most misery I have experienced.
If you have a crippling phobia, how about you add spectators and strenuous physical trials?If you have a crippling phobia, how about you add spectators and strenuous physical trials?
After a predictably unsuccessful season of Summer Nippers, the decision was made to intensify and do Winter Nippers.After a predictably unsuccessful season of Summer Nippers, the decision was made to intensify and do Winter Nippers.
The 40 minute drive to Freshwater Beach allowed plenty of time for anxiety to build and sap what would be much needed energy.The 40 minute drive to Freshwater Beach allowed plenty of time for anxiety to build and sap what would be much needed energy.
The image I most remember is struggling to run in the water, while my brothers and parents watched, ashamed, I thought, to see me pushing as hard as I could, only to be crushed by perpetual defeat, dead last, even after more junior girls.The image I most remember is struggling to run in the water, while my brothers and parents watched, ashamed, I thought, to see me pushing as hard as I could, only to be crushed by perpetual defeat, dead last, even after more junior girls.
I could swim, why did I have to be forced to enjoy the beach, during winter?I could swim, why did I have to be forced to enjoy the beach, during winter?
Dad would earnestly and somewhat sadly tell me I should be grateful for these days because he didn’t have anyone to take him to the beach as a boy.Dad would earnestly and somewhat sadly tell me I should be grateful for these days because he didn’t have anyone to take him to the beach as a boy.
I experienced getting winded and struggling to breathe under other kids in races for pieces of hose tubing, stranded in open sea swims, swimming tests with a numb face and throbbing migraine from hours in the bitterly cold water.I experienced getting winded and struggling to breathe under other kids in races for pieces of hose tubing, stranded in open sea swims, swimming tests with a numb face and throbbing migraine from hours in the bitterly cold water.
The best day was when Dad was away and I lied that he’d said I didn’t have to go into the water that day.The best day was when Dad was away and I lied that he’d said I didn’t have to go into the water that day.
It was the greatest relief just to stare at the blue sky.It was the greatest relief just to stare at the blue sky.
I recused myself from the optional athletic carnival for Nipper Clubs that year.I recused myself from the optional athletic carnival for Nipper Clubs that year.
At the end of the season they wanted to give me a participation medal. It was the end of the presentation and I realized I was the only Nipper to not receive something for an actual competition.At the end of the season they wanted to give me a participation medal. It was the end of the presentation and I realized I was the only Nipper to not receive something for an actual competition.
I didn’t get up. They persisted, repeating my name and looking around the small hall for me. My parents saw me and began encouraging me to get up as well. I wished I could just disappear sitting on that Surf Club floor.I didn’t get up. They persisted, repeating my name and looking around the small hall for me. My parents saw me and began encouraging me to get up as well. I wished I could just disappear sitting on that Surf Club floor.
Note, I never lacked social confidence as a child, I just hated and continue to hate Nippers.Note, I never lacked social confidence as a child, I just hated and continue to hate Nippers.
So teach your children to swim, teach them to survive a rip. Don’t take them to Nippers.So teach your children to swim, teach them to survive a rip. Don’t take them to Nippers.
EloueraElouera
By Peter MetroBy Peter Metro
My boy Max no longer does Nippers, he’s 18 years old now, but Nippers taught him to be safe in, and to love the surf.My boy Max no longer does Nippers, he’s 18 years old now, but Nippers taught him to be safe in, and to love the surf.
When he was a little Nipper (11 or so) Max used to be frightened of the waves, we was a ‘flat-water’ swimmer, confident in the pool… but terrified of waves.When he was a little Nipper (11 or so) Max used to be frightened of the waves, we was a ‘flat-water’ swimmer, confident in the pool… but terrified of waves.
I grew up around the beaches, so the waves to me represented fun… with a little thrill and danger thrown in.I grew up around the beaches, so the waves to me represented fun… with a little thrill and danger thrown in.
I wanted to be able to share that with my boy Max.I wanted to be able to share that with my boy Max.
Slowly slowly, and sometimes with tears, Max became not only confident in, but a huge fan of the surf — and the bigger the better. Soon he was swimming around the cans, and paddling his Nipper board out through (and over) the waves. I watched proudly on as Max completed his first Ironman even — aged around 13 years.Slowly slowly, and sometimes with tears, Max became not only confident in, but a huge fan of the surf — and the bigger the better. Soon he was swimming around the cans, and paddling his Nipper board out through (and over) the waves. I watched proudly on as Max completed his first Ironman even — aged around 13 years.
We owe all of that to Nippers.We owe all of that to Nippers.
I too owe a lot to Nippers. Nippers (and my son’s involvement) gave me an excuse to get active, to get involved and to give back to our community.I too owe a lot to Nippers. Nippers (and my son’s involvement) gave me an excuse to get active, to get involved and to give back to our community.
At 46-years-old, I started swimming lessons again (to correct my stroke and get stronger) and I completed my Bronze Medallion, the prerequisite for getting involved in Water-Safety and helping the kids in the water.At 46-years-old, I started swimming lessons again (to correct my stroke and get stronger) and I completed my Bronze Medallion, the prerequisite for getting involved in Water-Safety and helping the kids in the water.
I got fit, I got healthy… and I got happy.I got fit, I got healthy… and I got happy.
Nippers is much more than a sport. It is sporty. It is challenging. But most of all it builds confidence and teamwork. It encourages kids to stand forward, to volunteer, to challenge their fears and to help their community.Nippers is much more than a sport. It is sporty. It is challenging. But most of all it builds confidence and teamwork. It encourages kids to stand forward, to volunteer, to challenge their fears and to help their community.
It’s not even bad for us “old-fellas.”It’s not even bad for us “old-fellas.”
Coffs HarbourCoffs Harbour
By Grant LawlerBy Grant Lawler
My daughters love the ocean though not nearly as much as their 90-year-old surf coach, Mr. John Mills, OAM.My daughters love the ocean though not nearly as much as their 90-year-old surf coach, Mr. John Mills, OAM.
They train with John every day after school. His dedication to them and theirs to him is a bond rare and genuine. On the occasion where John goes for a swim he is usually flanked by his many life saving protégés who hang off every tip he gives them.They train with John every day after school. His dedication to them and theirs to him is a bond rare and genuine. On the occasion where John goes for a swim he is usually flanked by his many life saving protégés who hang off every tip he gives them.
We’re a small family but part of a bigger family that gets together at the beach and enjoys each other’s company between bouts of vigorous paddling, swimming and running.We’re a small family but part of a bigger family that gets together at the beach and enjoys each other’s company between bouts of vigorous paddling, swimming and running.
The training is all invested to produce future life savers who can preserve life and pass on the iconic surf tradition to their future families.The training is all invested to produce future life savers who can preserve life and pass on the iconic surf tradition to their future families.
Salt water flows within the veins of many.Salt water flows within the veins of many.
Nippers is often the catalyst for a life spent serving the community adorned in the salient red and yellow attire synonymous with Australian surf culture.Nippers is often the catalyst for a life spent serving the community adorned in the salient red and yellow attire synonymous with Australian surf culture.
However, it’s the people who are part of the movement, such as John, who solicit so much dedication and passion from its youngest members.However, it’s the people who are part of the movement, such as John, who solicit so much dedication and passion from its youngest members.
Without these people the community would be at an almighty loss.Without these people the community would be at an almighty loss.
CanberraCanberra
By Bethany WilliamsBy Bethany Williams
There were no Surf Life Saving programs available for children in the ACT, which is pretty crazy when you know how obsessed Canberrans are with the coast.There were no Surf Life Saving programs available for children in the ACT, which is pretty crazy when you know how obsessed Canberrans are with the coast.
So in 2016, I decided to do something about this surf life saving vacuum in Canberra. I left my cozy job in the Australian Public Service and set about setting up a Nippers program — the Canberra/Broulee Nippers.So in 2016, I decided to do something about this surf life saving vacuum in Canberra. I left my cozy job in the Australian Public Service and set about setting up a Nippers program — the Canberra/Broulee Nippers.
Broulee Surfers Surf Life Saving Club were our ‘sponsor’ club, and with their backing, we were able to get season one up and running with 80 kids. In our second season this year, we had to cap numbers at 130 kids.Broulee Surfers Surf Life Saving Club were our ‘sponsor’ club, and with their backing, we were able to get season one up and running with 80 kids. In our second season this year, we had to cap numbers at 130 kids.
And with the demand being so strong, I am now about to embark on setting up another Canberra Nippers club with another South Coast Surf Club for next season, and hopefully, we’ll get more clubs set up in Canberra over the next five years.And with the demand being so strong, I am now about to embark on setting up another Canberra Nippers club with another South Coast Surf Club for next season, and hopefully, we’ll get more clubs set up in Canberra over the next five years.
We are not the first inland city to create a Nippers-style program, but we are breaking new ground by influencing how government and Surf Life Saving approach surf life saving education for kids. It’s not something that only kids living on the coast can access.We are not the first inland city to create a Nippers-style program, but we are breaking new ground by influencing how government and Surf Life Saving approach surf life saving education for kids. It’s not something that only kids living on the coast can access.
We train once a month at Broulee Beach, and the rest of the time we train at the Canberra Olympic Pool.We train once a month at Broulee Beach, and the rest of the time we train at the Canberra Olympic Pool.
The pool has a big beach volleyball court where we can practice the iconic flag races and beach sprints, the kids can paddle on Nippers boards in the pool, and we also offer pool rescue training and first aid and resuscitation training.The pool has a big beach volleyball court where we can practice the iconic flag races and beach sprints, the kids can paddle on Nippers boards in the pool, and we also offer pool rescue training and first aid and resuscitation training.
We do everything our coastal Nippers groups do, just not with the big waves!We do everything our coastal Nippers groups do, just not with the big waves!
We are also trying to get the government and Surf Life Saving NSW on board to invest in school education programs in the ACT, as well as look at training for other high risk groups, such as migrants, kids with autism and kids with disability.We are also trying to get the government and Surf Life Saving NSW on board to invest in school education programs in the ACT, as well as look at training for other high risk groups, such as migrants, kids with autism and kids with disability.
In a country where beach life is so integral to our culture, we need to look outside the square and get creative. We need to give everyone the opportunity to have some access to surf life saving education in whatever way we can, and inland areas are not exempt.In a country where beach life is so integral to our culture, we need to look outside the square and get creative. We need to give everyone the opportunity to have some access to surf life saving education in whatever way we can, and inland areas are not exempt.
CronullaCronulla
By Isabel WorkmanBy Isabel Workman
We came to Nippers through an unconventional route: in our twenties, my husband and I lived for several years as caretakers in a surf club in Cronulla, in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire.We came to Nippers through an unconventional route: in our twenties, my husband and I lived for several years as caretakers in a surf club in Cronulla, in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire.
We were childless then, apart from on Sunday mornings, when the view under our beach-facing windows would be completely filled with 300 kids in brightly colored caps, tied under the chin just like the red and yellow quartered caps of the Aussie lifesavers they would become.We were childless then, apart from on Sunday mornings, when the view under our beach-facing windows would be completely filled with 300 kids in brightly colored caps, tied under the chin just like the red and yellow quartered caps of the Aussie lifesavers they would become.
From our privileged vantage point we would watch this surging mass of kids organize itself into age groups and activities, with the help of a huge army of volunteer parents and friends.From our privileged vantage point we would watch this surging mass of kids organize itself into age groups and activities, with the help of a huge army of volunteer parents and friends.
The little ones, when they first ventured into the surf, always reminded me of those documentaries about just-hatched baby turtles heading out to sea, and being washed back in by several waves before finally striking out for the green water.The little ones, when they first ventured into the surf, always reminded me of those documentaries about just-hatched baby turtles heading out to sea, and being washed back in by several waves before finally striking out for the green water.
We watched those kids — other people’s kids — grow from tentative 6-year-olds to strapping 14-year-olds, and then into cadet life savers.We watched those kids — other people’s kids — grow from tentative 6-year-olds to strapping 14-year-olds, and then into cadet life savers.
We watched as some of them, late one Christmas Day and after their patrol shift had ended, pulled grown men from the water and performed CPR on the beach. We watched as those kids learned that sometimes people can’t be saved.We watched as some of them, late one Christmas Day and after their patrol shift had ended, pulled grown men from the water and performed CPR on the beach. We watched as those kids learned that sometimes people can’t be saved.
Now we’re parents of our own Nippers, and my happy place is on the beach every Sunday morning of the season. I ‘manage’ (to use the term in its broadest sense) a group of boys that includes my son. I count heads a lot — into the water and out again, at the start and the end of each session, and plenty of times in between. This merry band is chaotic, brave, fun and fit — and they’re all mates.Now we’re parents of our own Nippers, and my happy place is on the beach every Sunday morning of the season. I ‘manage’ (to use the term in its broadest sense) a group of boys that includes my son. I count heads a lot — into the water and out again, at the start and the end of each session, and plenty of times in between. This merry band is chaotic, brave, fun and fit — and they’re all mates.
Nippers gives kids (and their parents) another ‘tribe’ — beyond school groups and footy teams — and importantly, a sense that they are part of something that is respected and valued. It teaches them about the value of community, and the importance of giving back. It creates confident, responsible and resilient young people.Nippers gives kids (and their parents) another ‘tribe’ — beyond school groups and footy teams — and importantly, a sense that they are part of something that is respected and valued. It teaches them about the value of community, and the importance of giving back. It creates confident, responsible and resilient young people.
Nippers also teaches kids that everyone has a place, regardless of ability. One of my proudest moments each season is when the State competition team assembles to hear from the surf club’s senior ranks. Put 120 wet, sandy kids in a stuffy hall, and you could forgive a bit of restlessness. There’s one club member who speaks each season: he has a physical disability that makes his speech slow, but his words are always heartfelt and inspirational. And that hall is completely silent while Neil speaks.Nippers also teaches kids that everyone has a place, regardless of ability. One of my proudest moments each season is when the State competition team assembles to hear from the surf club’s senior ranks. Put 120 wet, sandy kids in a stuffy hall, and you could forgive a bit of restlessness. There’s one club member who speaks each season: he has a physical disability that makes his speech slow, but his words are always heartfelt and inspirational. And that hall is completely silent while Neil speaks.
I love the ethos that pervades this group: everyone has a go, and no one gets left behind.I love the ethos that pervades this group: everyone has a go, and no one gets left behind.
I’ve watched our fastest sprinters get down in the sand to show another boy how he might improve his start technique.I’ve watched our fastest sprinters get down in the sand to show another boy how he might improve his start technique.
I’ve watched the strongest swimmers finish their surf swim, and then head back out to coax the last ones around the cans.I’ve watched the strongest swimmers finish their surf swim, and then head back out to coax the last ones around the cans.
Together, we’ve endured hours of waiting on baking beaches for big races, only to have the result not go our way. And yes, there are tears on those occasions — but they bounce back fast.Together, we’ve endured hours of waiting on baking beaches for big races, only to have the result not go our way. And yes, there are tears on those occasions — but they bounce back fast.
There’s always another race, another wave, another mate to cheer on. They make me achingly proud.There’s always another race, another wave, another mate to cheer on. They make me achingly proud.
Are there other Australian experiences we should be asking about for Australia Diary, our collection of reader stories reflecting Australia’s unique character? Send us your story.Are there other Australian experiences we should be asking about for Australia Diary, our collection of reader stories reflecting Australia’s unique character? Send us your story.
For guidance and inspiration, here are few recent entries: tales of growing up on the creek, generational angst, paying with pineapples, magical mermaid pools, lizard friends, nude beaches, music and road trips, curious lifeguards, death and kindness, plus poetry and #metoo on the work site.For guidance and inspiration, here are few recent entries: tales of growing up on the creek, generational angst, paying with pineapples, magical mermaid pools, lizard friends, nude beaches, music and road trips, curious lifeguards, death and kindness, plus poetry and #metoo on the work site.