Epic Nippers

Children can join Nippers from the year they turn 6 years old up until 13, at which point they become Juniors. We run fun, safe sessions teaching the kids how to be safe in the water and how to help others be safe too.

Nippers can start the year they turn 6, and ideally they need to be able to swim at least 50m with a recognised stroke (ie. not doggy paddle) for their own safety, although we appreciate the last few years have made swim lessons very hard to come by so we bear this in mind.

Because we aren’t a swim club, we recommend that children continue to go to swimming lessons separately to help them develop their technique.

We coach a whole range of skills in Nippers: from how to swim through a breaking wave to how to spot a rip tide. From how to tow a casualty to how to catch a wave on their paddle boards and surf it back in.

The year is split into two: from October to the end of April we’re in the warmth of Ilfracombe pool. From May through the summer we’re on the sand and surf of Croyde Bay, as well as the beautiful surroundings of Putsborough beach for a weekly session for our youngest nippers.

What we need from you

If your child has joined the club and is young - ie will not reach 8 years old until after 31st December in the year - then we ask that you take responsibility for them by popping on a wetsuit and accompanying them into the sea during beach sessions, and be on hand on the poolside, as these very young children need more attention, may get cold quickly or simply need their parent for extra reassurance.

When do we train? 

Winter pool sessions

Pool sessions at Ilfracombe Pool

Sunday afternoon:

12.30pm - 1.45pm: Nippers born 2016, 2015, 2014

1.45pm - 3pm: Nippers born 2013, 2012, 2011

Summer beach sessions

Croyde can obviously be a challenging beach for any of us, and we find that younger nippers can find it particularly tough when they are starting out. So in 2021 we ran our first sessions on the slightly gentler conditions at Putsborough Sands, thanks to a new container facility on loan to us. We run a brand new session for these young nippers this season on the beach at Putsborough Sands on Thursday evenings at 5.30pm. This is a dedicated session for younger nippers only and it’s instead of the Wednesday night session on Croyde.

Times

Beach sessions on Croyde Beach: Meeting at the club hut by the National Trust car park

Beach sessions on Puts Beach: Meeting at the green container at the Vention side of the car park

All members are expected to attend our Club Safety Night which is held before we go back onto the beach in the late Spring – usually in May.

Summer 2024

6.30 – 8.15pm on Croyde beach, Weds evenings for children born 2017 and older
9.30 - 11.15am on Croyde beach, Sunday mornings for children born 2017 and older

5.30pm - 6.45pm on Putsborough beach, Thursday evenings for children born 2018

What kit will you need?

For the pool

Club swim hat

This is compulsory for safety reasons: without it you will not be allowed to join in with the session. On poolside we usually have new hats for sale.

Club costumes

We sell club swimsuits and jammers. NB. no Baggy shorts or 2-piece swimsuits as they are not suitable for training, diving etc.    

Swimming goggles

You’ll need a good quality, durable, and well-fitting pair. There are so many types and styles available through the internet or sports shops, and it is a very personal choice, but TRY THEM ON before you buy, as they should stay pressed in place on the face for 5-10 seconds (without the use of the strap).

To avoid ‘fogging’ use a tiny bit of shampoo or liquid soap, then wipe it off well with a tissue to create a barrier. To mark them use a waterproof plaster wrapped around the back strap with your name marked on in permanent marker. Parents - please adjust goggles and make sure they fit well on your child before they come on poolside.

Swim fins

Take time to look around, but for most nippers try the longer blade, soft rubber fins for swim training, e.g. JPL or Keifer rubber long swim fins. This type helps to lessen the chance of leg cramps. Ask a coach for advice.

For older, more experienced teenage youth the short–blade training fins are more suitable, and be aware that the fibreglass, stiff-bladed fins are used mainly for contests and only after carefully graded training. (We use our own club fibreglass fins in youth sessions as a build-up to competitions.) Using a permanent marker put your name on both blades so you don’t lose them.

For the beach

You'll need a club swim hat as above, this is so we can keep an eye on you in the water and while nippers don't *have* to wear goggles in the sea, we'd recommend a good pair to help them see in the water.

A full-length wetsuit (recommended autumn/winter quality 4/3mm). This is for when we return to the beach. No shorties - as these do not keep youngsters warm.  Plenty of local suppliers will give 5-10% discount to club members and we have ‘try and buy’ nights with suppliers where you can get good deals - but speak to other members for recommendations, etc. The club can help you to choose too if you have never owned a suit. A special shout to Tiki who give club members a brilliant 25% discount on all Tiki own-brand suits, boots and gloves.

Nippers will also want a rash vest and boots and gloves for early season (adults too!), which also protect your feet when walking over rocks!