Nippers take on championships

THE Cape Invy championships were underway for the inaugural annual event on Saturday morning with more than 300 patrons congregating at the local surf beach in Cape Paterson to participate in competition and assist with water safety. 

Events kicked off at 9am with under 8s competing in beach relay, flags, wade, wade relay, swim game, and sprint and under 9s to 14s also taking on a Cameron event, as well as a board race and board relay. 

Inverloch SLSC competition director David Morris and Cape Paterson SLSC junior coordinator Charlie Crawford said for quite a while, they’ve looked at running a local friendly competition for all the nippers, so they can develop connection between the two clubs. 

“This is our first competition event in nearly ten years and the turnout has been incredible, we’ve got huge participation from volunteers who are directing the juniors through each event and our water safety volunteers who are assisting the kids out in the ocean,” said David.

“There are different competitive events at different nippers’ sessions, but this experience is about competing for your club against other clubs, and we hope to continue this championship as an annual event.” 

Medals were awarded to each age group for those competitors who showed resilience and good sportsmanship throughout the afternoon.

The nippers’ schedule runs as a two-week program welcoming registration from under 6s to under 14s across Melbourne, but each club is looking at attracting more local participation. 

The water safety team consisted of SRC (Surf Rescue Certificate) and bronze medallion volunteers – young representatives that put their hands up to assist in the nippers’ program and participate in this new community event. 

Registration for SRC (13+ years) and bronze medallion (15+ years) is available online at www.lsv.com.au so contact your local club today to get involved.