Hello Nippers & friends, Can you believe it? We are nearly at the end of February. The first couple of weeks of Nippers this year have been a sun-soaked blur. I do hope everyone is still enjoying themselves as much as we are.

The State team have just spent an action packed weekend at Harvey Bay. Paddy was back giving some surfing lessons after Nippers on Sunday. Mick, Andrew and Chris are kicking it with the mid-week training sessions and the Sunday crew are still rockin’. We are certainly not slowing down just yet.

Nipper of the Week

Nippers of the week for Sunday 12 February are:

• Under 6&7: Levi & Clarice
• Under 8: Jyrah & Ozinga
• Under 9: Tessa & Cooper
• Under 10: Flyn & Pauline
• Under 11: Lachie & Jada
• Under 12: Inez & Nye
• Under 13: Jack & Rafferty

Remember – Nipper of the week is not a fastest on the beach award. It is an award for the nipper who shows the true spirit of a lifesaver. Courage, Commitment, Teamwork and care for their fellow nippers. We see a lot of nippers demonstrating these characteristics each and every week.

Stellar State Team

Last Weekend Coolum Beach Nippers put their skills to the test at the State Youth Titles in Hervey Bay. Around 1600 competitors battled it out in both water and beach areas over 3 days.

Our team demonstrated tremendous team spirit and skills and brought home two medals. Joshua Webber placed second for a silver medal in U12 Male flags and Mackenzie Jackson placed third for a bronze medal in U13 Female flags.

Mackenzie Jackson also scored a 4th place in U13 Female 1km race narrowly missing out on another medal. There were many personal bests across the weekend with a bucket load of semi-final positions for Boards, Surf Races, and Board Rescues.

Other honourable mentions were our U12 Male Board Relay team, Josh Webber with 8th place in the U12 Male 1km race and Charlie Jackson 9th place in the U11 Female 1km race.

A big thank you to all of our Age Managers, Officials, Water Safety and parents for your continued support of our nippers. Without you, we would not have been able to compete.

Nippers on Sunday 26 February

This is a normal nippers Sunday.

• U8 Parents: You are on set up & BBQ. Please be there to help out by 7.30. With many hands it only takes 15 minutes to set up. We'd love to be hitting the beach bang on time to give the kids a full morning of fun.

Carnival Update

Sunshine Coast Branch Championships for U8 – 10 are on Sunday 5 March. Nominations to attend need to be in this Sunday. Please see your age manager to nominate.

Next Season

We are already thinking now about how Nippers next summer will be even better than this summer. We want your feedback and we need you to be involved. Start thinking now about volunteering and joining the amazing bunch of people who give up their time for their kids and yours every Sunday (and then some). You might want to be an age manager, water safety, coach, BBQ guru, join the committee and have a say in the direction of the club. All are welcome, very welcome.

If you have any questions about the roles or responsibilities of any of the volunteer positions for next year or you would like to put your name forward for a position please feel free to speak to any of our committee on the beach or shoot me an email at nippers@coolumsurfclub.com.au.

BBQ

Ask Chrissie for a Nipper Burger. You will not be disappointed.

Mid Week Nipper Skills Training

• Board - Wed Morning at 6 am and Friday Afternoon at 4 pm – board training at the club
• Swim - Tuesday Morning at 6 am – swimming training at Coolum Pool
• Beach - Beach Training Wed afternoon at 4.30 pm - at the club

Watch out for the SMS reminders.

Surfboard Riding Coaching

Paddy will be back on Sunday, surf conditions permitting. Keep an eye out for a text to alert you to his appearance.

End of Season

The last day of nippers is coming up fast. Our last day on the beach will be Sunday 19 March. The Sunday after that we will have the end of season awards and break up party – at the Twin Waters Aqua Park. Make sure you save the date and watch the blog for more information.

Feedback Welcome

If you have suggestions on how we can improve, or you noticed a nipper, age manager or water safety do something awesome we would love to hear from you. Please reach out to me or any of the Nippers committee (Tracey Jackson, Emma Rahui, Erica Skuja, Sheri Ambler & James Blackmore) or send me an email at Nippers@coolumsurfclub.com.au.

See you on the beach.

Bryn Kirk
Junior Activities Chairman