Registration for the 2026/27 Nipper Season is NOW OPEN
Mermaid’s junior program (U6-U14) teaches surf safety and awareness in a fun, family-focused environment. Children must turn 5 by midnight September 30, 2025, to join the 2025/2026 season. Members learn rip identification, surf skills like body surfing and board work, plus beach disciplines (flags, sprints). Our focus is enjoyment for participants and families alike. We aim to build leadership, confidence, and personal growth through achievable goals—balancing healthy competition with a welcoming space for less competitive members.
Nippers relies entirely on volunteers. Parents can get involved as age manager assistants, water safety, BBQ duty, or officials—we’d love your help!
Here are a few things you’ll need to know about joining. If you have any questions, please call, drop into the office, or email us on [email protected]
SEASON DATES
Our 2026/27 season kicks off on Sunday 27 September, which is also our Season Launch — think sun, sand, waves and a whole lot of fun to start the season the right way. The season runs through to Sunday 7 March, with a short break over the Christmas period.
On Nipper Sundays, families start meeting at 8.15am at the park opposite the club and finish around 10–10.30am, when lots of families stay for a BBQ run by the Nippers in the park. All money raised goes straight back into the Nipper program.
COME AND TRY DAYS
If you’re not quite ready to commit, we have three Come and Try days: Sunday 4, 11 and 18 October. If you’d like to attend, email [email protected] so we can book you in
NIPPER SIGN-ON DAYS
Our Sign-On Days are a great chance to meet a few of our Age Managers and see the club up close.
• Saturday 5 September, 9am – 12 noon
• Sunday 20 September, 8am – 11am
MEMBERSHIP
Our membership fees for the 2026/27 season are attached. We ask that every parent who will be on the beach with their Nipper joins the club as part of the family membership.
You can put your Play On! voucher/s towards the cost of your family membership, and Under 6s and Under 7s receive a $50 discount off their family membership.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• A free cap for all Under 6s, 7s and 8s
• Additional training for Under 9s through to Under 14s, at both the beach and flat water
• Complimentary membership to our Supporters Club for anyone over 18 — a great place to enjoy dinner or a drink
Before we hit the sand, here are your three must-dos:
STEP 1: APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP
Please follow these steps to create your own SLS Hub account to join our Mermaid Beach Surf Club.
Before membership can be accepted, the office needs to sight a birth certificate, passport, or other government-issued identification showing full name and date of birth for every Nipper joining.
GREAT NEWS: PLAY ON! VOUCHERS ARE LIVE
Apply for your $200 Play On! voucher and put it straight towards your membership. It’s an easy way to save — don’t miss it.
Apply here: https://www.qld.gov.au/
STEP 2: BOOK YOUR CHILD’S POOL PROFICIENCY
Two easy ways to do it:
• Complete the attached Junior Preliminary Evaluation with your child’s swim teacher, then upload your child’s form here.
• Or book into ONE of our club pool swim dates:
– Saturday 5 September, 12.30 – 1.30pm
– Sunday 20 September, 10.30 – 11.30am
Venue: Surfers Paradise State School, 42 St Andrews Ave, Isle of Capri
STEP 3: GRAB YOUR GEAR
Every Nipper needs one of our pink rashies — these are compulsory and cost $25. Nippers from Under 9s up will also need a Mermaid cap, which is $20. We also sell bathers, racers and jammers, all available from the office now. Come and see us before Nippers starts! We’re currently open 9am – 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
We can’t wait to welcome you, Elliot and dad to the Mermaid family!
