Training on today!
The Nipper section started over 10 years ago and is the youngest section of the club.
Nippers are aged between 7 and 13 years plus we have a Limpet section for under 7’s. There are currently over 100 members. They learn about staying safe on the beach and in the sea through training in surf safety and awareness, basic lifesaving skills and rescue techniques. There is a programme of progressive awards that allow the children to learn about and understand the beach and sea environment and what to do if they or anybody else is in trouble. The sessions are fun and enjoyable and we aim to promote team spirit and a family atmosphere.
Our training includes a variety of sea and beach activities designed to develop the children’s stamina, speed and general fitness including board paddling, swimming through surf, beach sprints and beach flags.
In the summer the Nippers train twice a week on the beach at Woolacombe, weather permitting. During the winter we train in Ilfracombe swimming pool.
Everyone is encouraged to take part in all the local and national competitions, in which we are extremely successful, although entry is purely voluntary. Participation helps to build confidence and self-esteem, gives an opportunity to improve new learned skills and promotes friendships and team spirit.
Woolacombe Nippers are the 2007 Devon & UK Champions in both Stillwater and Ocean competitions, successfully defending these tiltles won in 2006. Since 1999, Nippers have never finished lower than third place and have been crowned national champions no less than eleven times in the two disciplines.
All members & representatives are encouraged to demonstrate exemplary behavior in order to promote children’s welfare. Woolacombe SLSC follows the governing body Child Protection policy and all coaches/instructors are CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checked.
Suppliers of Nipper Boards to UK National Champions – Woolacombe SLSC’ 
