U14 Nippers
Age Group Manager: Peter Ferguson, Tania De Abreu, Neil Bartorelli and Stuart Cowie
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Under 14 SRC Trainer: Adam Grootveld
The Under 14 Age Group is a key focus at Cottesloe, partly because it is this Age Group that sits for the Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC). The SRC is the gateway to an exciting future in Surf. It prepares young people to become fully involved in the Surf Family at Cottesloe, from participating in patrols, gaining further qualifications including their Bronze Medallion at age 15, to competing in a range of events and competitions in Surf Carnivals. A full description of the great range of opportunities in Surf for juniors can be found at the following link: Opportunities in Surf for Juniors.
Our overall aim is to assist our young people to develop the skills and confidence required to participate in the areas of Surf that best fits their interests. This can be from learning to paddle a long board, competing in local, state and national carnivals, having the ability and confidence to move through the wave zone safely when swimming or using a board (and knowing when not to attempt this); to becoming proficient in first aid and rescues. The other focus for the Under 14’s is to develop a fun, friendly and family oriented environment.
The Under 14 Age Group Managers for the season will be Pete Ferguson, Tania De Abreu, Neil Bartorelli and Stuart Cowie.
Our Managers bring a range of skills and experience to their roles. These include being active patrol members, trained Medic, Age Group Managers for a number of years, and skilled and experienced board and ski paddlers. All of the Age Group Managers also have children involved in other age groups, hence the need for four of us! This enables us to spend some weeks being involved in other Age Group activities.
We do need one or two more people to volunteer to join our Manager Group, particularly those with kids who are interested in participating in Carnivals.
Prior to the Xmas break we plan to have a strong focus on the Under 14’s preparing for and successfully sitting their SRC. A number of parents have indicated they would like to go through the SRC program with their child during the season and we encourage this as it’s a great way for parents to share the experience with their teenage children and to gain valuable surf skills. We will also be encouraging all of the Under 14’s to participate in Sunday morning events, including the club swim and as a minimum have a go at one of the Local Area Carnivals. For those who are keen to compete and test their skills in competition, we will look to fully support anyone who wants to compete in the other carnivals during the season.
To do this effectively we will need the commitment of one or more parents to coordinate the participation of U14’s in carnivals.
We look forward to you joining us in the Under 14’s this season.
- Peter Ferguson