Nippers
Uniformed nippers of the age group under-12 in starting position before their water competition surf race in Stanwell Park .
Nippers during their Surf Race water competition in Stanwell Park .
The Nippers are a sport in Australia and as training for children from the rescue sports clubs lifesaver on many beaches of Australia held. They are individual and team competitions in the age groups under-6 to under-14. The points of the under 8 to under 14 year olds are noted and allow admission to the regional and national competitions, the so-called Surf Carnevals . In addition to a seasonal swimming test in the pool, training and competition always take place as a beach or open water discipline in the open sea.
Individual disciplines
- Board Race :
- The competitors start with the rescue board at the water's edge of the open sea. You move with your arms lying down or kneeling on the board. A round course of 500 m has to be completed.
- Surf Race :
- There is a 300 m circuit to swim. Start and finish are at the water's edge.
- Beach sprint :
- In this discipline you have to sprint 90 m in the sand.
- Beach flags :
- At the start of this event, all competitors lie on their stomachs with their feet on the starting line in the sand. In response to the start signal, one of the bars 20 meters away is taken. Since there is one less staff than participants, one athlete is eliminated after each round. This discipline, which focuses on the ability to concentrate, react and sprint, is similar to the children's game “ Journey to Jerusalem ”.
Team disciplines
- Rescue Board Rescue Race :
- This discipline is completed by two competitors. After the start signal, the first one swims to his buoy. The second starts after the swimmer's arrival and a hand signal at the buoy with the rescue board and picks up the swimmer. Both paddle back to the goal on the board.
- Beach Rally :
- 4 competitors sprint each 90 m in the sand.
The very youngest
Children under-5 to under-7 are accustomed to the water and nature in groups. In addition to the first individual disciplines on the beach (flags, sprint) there are:
- Water running:
- The group has to walk a section in the surf while walking around marks (people).
- Get water:
- The participants of the teams run in relay with a small bucket to the sea and back to the beach, where they have to fill a large bucket to the brim.