Surf club reflects on formation of Nippers
The Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club has reflected on its history as it prepared for the Summer 2017-18 season to begin in September.
In the 2017-18 Nipper Handbook, current club members have reiterated how the club was formed and how it came to be what it is today.
"Following their return from active service in the Great War a group of residents who commuted by steam train from Sydney decided that, due to its popularity, it was necessary to have a surf club operational at Ocean Beach," the handbook said.
"While the club had been operating informally for a couple of years, on Sunday, January 29, 1922, a meeting was convened at Mr Wal Dawson's residence to officially establish Ocean Beach Woy Woy Surf Life Saving Club.
"In October 1921, amenities blocks were erected at Trafalgar and Sydney Avenues.
"In 1956, the required block of land was allocated but it wasn't until 1961 that the first clubhouse was built.
"In1968, with much support from Rotary, the Club was able to complete the 30-foot extension applied for in 1962-63.
"On January 23, 1966, a meeting was convened to form a Juvenile (or Nipper) Club.
"The women in the club then formed the Ocean Beach Mermaids for all the girls.
"The two bodies joined together and became the Junior Activities.
"Many a fine competitor and club member has come through the ranks of the Nippers and Nipperettes, or what are now known as Junior Activities.
"On a competitive level, there have been many Branch Titles, State, Australian and World Titles coming back to the Ocean Beach Surf Club, with Ocean Beach SLSC the first ever Club to host a surf carnival on the Central Coast in 1923.
"From a community service perspective, Ocean Beach SLSC boasts 94 years of no lives lost between the flags, an impressive result considering the beach had in excess of 71,000 visitors last year alone," the handbook stated.
Nipper registrations for Ocean Beach SLSC commence from September 10 at the Clubhouse.
Other registration dates and venues include: September 17, Umina Beach Markets; September 23/24, Deepwater Plaza; and October 1 and 8, at Ocean Beach SLSC Clubhouse.
SOURCE:
Website, 14 Aug 2017
Scott Hannell, Ocean Beach SLSC