Surf Sports Information
There are a variety of events for nippers to try, including:
- Wade (U/8 competitors only)
- Beach Sprints
- Flags
- Board paddling
- Surf Swim
- Iron person
- Team events (Board race, relays and march past)
Surf Sports Training
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Board training runs every Thursday at 4-5pm at Thirroul beach through the season. All ages and experience levels welcome
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Parents are required to stay at the beach during these sessions and have a visual on their child at all times
How do I get information about training and carnivals?
RSVPs to carnivals are through Thirroul Surf Sports Academy on the Stack Team App.
For training, join the WhatsApp Group (ask Coach Ben to add you to the group at one of the sessions), as all updates, including any change in beach location for training, will be communicated there.
Please contact surfsports@thirroulsurfclub.com.au if you have any questions
Carnivals
Thirroul SLSC Nippers can compete at any carnival, but we highly recommend the following:
- Sydney Water series: U8 (sprints, flags and wade); U9 - Masters, all surf, craft and beach individual events
- Illawarra Branch Age Championship
- SLSNSW State Age Championship
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Sydney Water Series’ main form of communication is via the Stack Team App. Download the Stack Team App onto your phone, then search for Sydney Water Surf Series and request to join to keep up with all updates and events
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Please contact surfsports@thirroulsurfclub.com.au for any questions or if you would like to be included in future Surf Sports communication.
Competition Proficiency
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Competitors must complete their open water swim proficiency before being entered. You can do this at any Thursday afternoon (4 - 5 pm) or Sunday morning (8 am) training sessions with Head Coach Ben, who will sign you off. If Nippers wish to compete in any other carnivals/events later in the season, they can complete their ocean swim proficiency during Nippers sessions with our amazing specialist swim coaches!
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Please inform Ben at the session that you intend to do the proficiency swim. You only need to do the proficiency once to be signed off for the season. If a Nipper requires any assistance during the swim, the proficiency is deemed unsuccessful and will need to be undertaken again.
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All of our coaches are Bronze Medallion holders and are competent to assist your child in the ocean, but parents need to communicate any concerns prior to entering the ocean. It can be very daunting for children to do this swim, especially if they have not been swimming over the winter months.
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For U9 and U10 competitors, the ocean swim proficiency is 150m. For U11 and above, it is a 200m ocean swim. Any stroke is permissible. Come prepared with goggles and a swim cap!
2026/27 Surf Sports Calendars
Everything you need to know about carnival dates and locations
Includes dates and locations for all major carnivals, such as the NSW Age Championship
2026/27 SLSNSW Branch & Club Calendar
Includes dates and locations for Illawarra Branch carnivals, such as the Sydney Water Surf Series
Further Information
"Links to more information"
Water Safety Requirements that are managed by our Water Safety Personal are taken very seriously for Nippers.
An overview of games and activities played to promote movement skills, team work and participation.
An outline of how we use and allocate our boards for Nippers, training and competition
There is a wealth of information on the SLS NSW website here, however we have picked out some key points below.