Nippers Registrations close 3rd October 2025
Training Opportunities at NWSLSC
Are you looking to improve your competitive performances and results within a structured, high-performance training environment? Or perhaps you are a patrolling member looking to build fitness and improve your lifesaving skills?
North Wollongong SLSC has training opportunities to cater for all members. This ranges from the newly-formed North Gong Surf Academy, our water-based training squad under the expert professional guidance of high-performance coach David Briggs, through to specialised flags and sprint coaching for our sand athletes. And not forgetting our Nippers, who will have access to high-quality and dedicated training and development opportunities in both the water and on the sand.
North Gong Surf Academy
The North Gong Surf Academy is our brand new water-based training squad, headed by highly credentialed and experienced surf coach David Briggs.
This exciting initiative, which targets both skill and competition development in the water disciplines of Board paddling and Ironperson, is open to registered NWSLSC Patrolling Members and Cadets through to Under 14s (elite Under 13s may also be included at coach’s discretion.
The Surf Academy is an important initiative in developing our emerging Surf talent, providing a strong established pathway from our Junior to Senior ranks. We recognise that our club members have their individual goals and motivation, which will be catered for within the Academy vision.
Meet the Coaches
Surf Academy Head Coach – David Briggs
Senior Water Coaches – Adam Meredith, Ben Allen, Rhett Russell
Nippers Water Coaches – Blake Mackay, Kristy Schulze
Sand Coach – Marty Ward
NWSLSC is thrilled to welcome David Briggs as our new High Performance Surf Sports Coach!
David brings extensive coaching and leadership experience, having previously guided Juniors, Opens, and Masters athletes to medal-winning performances at Branch, State, and Australian titles. He has also coached athletes into the Professional Iron Series and led The Next Wave paddling squad – a recognised pathway into Australia’s elite canoeing program.
David’s philosophy: Treat every athlete equally and help them achieve their goals.
We’re extremely fortunate to have David on board and look forward to the energy and expertise he’ll bring to North Gong this season and beyond!
Training Sessions
Surf Academy
Sessions will typically run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays starting at 4pm (this will move to 5pm once daylight savings permits, providing greater flexibility for working patrolling members to participate)
Sessions will generally run from the beach at North Gong, but with some flexibility to move between other local beaches based on surf and beach conditions (please note, any changes in location will be communicated via the Surf Academy Messenger group)
Sand Training
Beach sprints and flags (watch socials for more details)
Nippers Training
Our next generation of Lifesavers at North Wollongong will have access to multiple training opportunities, both in the water and on the sand.
Competition Development (Board) – for registered competition Nippers only, Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 4.30pm
Club Training (Board) – Sundays @ 10am
Sand (Flags with Marty) – all ages, Wednesdays @ 4.15pm