Competition
Competition is quite possibly the most successful recruiting tool for the Surf Life Saving Movement. The Surf Sports program offers a wide range of competition events for all ages culminating in the Junior Queensland Championship each year. At the 2009/10 Junior Queensland Titles, BMD Northcliffe Surf Club finished 3rd.
Who can compete?
U8 - U14s are the only age groups allowed to compete at carnivals. There are no competitions for U6 & U7 age groups. Anyone who has completed their run-swim-run can compete and nippers need to obtain their age award before competing at Branch or State.
Where are carnivals held?
Carnivals are mainly held on the Gold Coast although some U11-14 carnivals occasionally compete on the Sunshine Coast.
How long do the carnivals go for?
U8-U10 Carnivals are usually held over one day whereas the U11-U14 carnivals can be held over two days (Sat & Sun). Most carnivals marshal approx 7.45am, with a club warm up being held at 7am. Most carnivals involve long hours so be prepared to be at the beach most of the day.
How to enter?
Advise your Age Manager or Tiarne Smith before the carnival closing date (normally about 10 days before the carnival). It costs $11 per nipper to enter into a carnival and we do not get a refund if you don't compete. One carnival last season cost us nearly $2000.
What to Bring?
There are BMD Northcliffe tents that we provide for our members and we ask parents to bring their own umbrella/tent/chair and sit nearby. You will require plenty of water and food to last the day, suncream, nipper cap, club costume and warm clothes if the weather/wind turns.
Club Craft
BMD Northcliffe has a variety of fiberglass and foamie boards that members can use at carnivals. This craft will be transported to the carnival via our board trailer, and the boards will be taken to the beach near the tent. You are required to bring back any craft used to the tent immediately after your race.
How can parents help?
Without the help of parents, nipper days and carnivals would not be able to be held. The club needs to supply one official and one water safety officer for every nipper entered. Eg 70 nippers entered, 7 officials and 7 water safety officers.
Click here for more information on helping at carnivals (pdf)
Team Selections?
BMD Northcliffe also compete in a number of team events at carnivals during the season. Selection into these teams is made by the Age Group Managers, Club Coaches and Team Managers of each age group and are based on performance with the ultimate decision lying with Gavin Hill, Head Junior Coach.