Ripper Nipper Carnival
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
TWO hundred and eighty five Nippers competed in the first branch carnival of the season, which was hosted by Narooma SLSC last Sunday and what an absolute ripper of a day. Narooma had 45 of its own Nippers represent the club, our town, doing us all proud with their sportsmanship, leadership and teamwork. Well done to all the kids who participated and congratulations to all those who competed at a carnival for the first time; that is, all our newcomers and each of the under 8’s.
Not only did we have a lot of fun, some great wins and placing’s on the day, we also had a large number of children competing and completing multiple events. Due to the increased number of Narooma Nippers participating, the children were able to enter many team-based events as well as individual events. It was great to see the red, white and black team spirit on our home beach, while packed full of Nippers from across the branch. The official results of the day are being tallied up and will be published on the website as soon as they are released.
With a huge southerly ground swell right up the south coast, the conditions were far too unsafe to conduct any events in the surf. Hats off to the organisers who made the call to devise a suitable and safe alternative program. Carnival referee Steve Dobson and the Far South Coast branch officials quickly reorganized the day’s events, logistics and water safety personnel so that all beach events proceeded water, with board and wade races held in Little Lake. The under 9 to 14 Nippers competing in the remaining swim, ironman and diamond woman events then travelled to the net at Bar Beach.
Well done to everyone across all clubs, Nippers, parents, age managers and officials who adapted without fuss to the revised schedule. It was obvious to all that safety was paramount however the flexibility of all involved allowed the day to run smoothly nonetheless. We suspect that it actually increased participation in the water events, from kids who would not have been confident to compete in the surf.
Thank you to the massive effort made by so many of the helpers, who made the day possible and such an amazing success. There are too many people to name, all volunteers, many without kids participating in the day. From the early risers who raked the beach, setup the roped areas, markers, tables, tents, boards, barbecue, officials, water safety bronze members, IRB crew, age managers, kitchen-hands, cake-makers, runners, barbecue cooks and servers, the parents and of course the kids. You know who you are; it was a great day – thanks to you.
Christmas drinks at O’Brien’s Hotel
All members are invited to join in the Christmas spirit, gathering together at O’Brien’s Hotel, Narooma Surf Club’s major sponsor, this Saturday from 4pm. Lifemembers, patrolling members, associates and Nipper families are all encouraged to come together, away from the beach. If all goes to plan, we will enjoy some afternoon sun on the deck.
Junior Lifesavers – Cadets 13-15 years
Anyone interested in gaining the Surf Rescue Certificate, sign up to be a member before the training begins in February. All cadets are more than welcome to join Nippers activities on Sundays – a great opportunity to improve your beach and water skills. After the Christmas/New Year break, Nippers will restart and surf rescue education lessons will begin.
The Week Ahead
Friday 4.30pm Board Training in the net – and it’s predicted to be flat.
6pm Fundraising Raffles at O’Brien’s Hotel
Saturday 9am Patrol A with Brendan Constable.
4pm Christmas Drinks at O’Brien’s Hotel.
Sunday 9am Patrol B with Chris Read.
9am Nippers and Cadets.