Competition and Carnivals

Sydney Northern Beaches (SNB) branch conduct junior carnivals during the season for nippers in age groups of U8 and up. There are 4 local carnivals during the season followed by the State Carnival which will be held at Swansea Belmont Beach in March 2020. The carnivals are held as a competition between nippers of different clubs.

• Carnivals begin at 7:30am unless otherwise noted
• Carnivals are an important part of the Junior Activities section of Surf Life Saving promoting friendly competitive and social inter-club relations 
• Children of all skill levels can be involved and are encouraged to compete at Carnivals as long as they have met the minimum proficiency levels (see below) 
• Carnival events provide new levels of competition and challenges from our weekly Sunday events and help develop a great sense of Club spirit and unity.

Carnivals include events which are not regularly conducted as part of our Sunday competition.  Events are either Open (Boys and Girls competing), Boys Only or Girls Only.  Wade and water events will be decided on the day according to water conditions.  All swim distances are 80m from waist deep water.  Board distances for most events are 120m from the water's edge.

What to do at Carnivals

• Carnival participation begins the week before the carnival.  To enter the carnival you MUST register via TeamApp and submit to the Competition Secretary at least one (1) week prior to confirm your intention to compete.
• When you arrive at the carnival you MUST physically register at the registration desk usually located near the Surf Club.  Upon registration you will receive an wrist/ankle band relevant to your age group.  You MUST wear this to be eligible to compete at the carnival.
• Once you are registered find your Age Manager and/or the Club's tent.
• The Club will cover your entry fee of $25 ($35 for Branch Carnival) per child.  However, non-attendance costs the Club money and as a result you will incur the cost of the registration.
• If you are unable to attend ie; sickness or injury, please notify your Age Manager ASAP.
• THERE ARE NO REGISTRATIONS TAKEN ON THE DAY OF THE CARNIVAL

Carnival Proficiency Requirements

To maintain safety in the surf, the minimum requirements for children in age groups U9 and above who are wishing to compete in Junior Activities at recognised carnivals, will be an Open Water swim.  SLSA requires all competitors to complete an Open Water swim. These requirements are:

• U8 – nil
• U9 and 10 – 150m Open Water Swim
• U11, U12, U13 and U14 – 288m Open Water Swim

This Open Water swim must be witnessed by one of the following officials – Chief Instructor, Level One Official, or Level One Coach.

Carnival Events

Beach events
Sprint - 70 metres
Relay - 70 metres
All-Age Relay - 70 metres
Beach Flags - 15 metres
March Past
2-person R&R
5-person R&R

Water events
Wade
Wade Relay
Surf Swim
Surf Team Race
Board Race
Board Relay
Board Rescue
Cameron Relay
Iron Man
Iron Woman
​Board Riding