The Shellharbour Surf Life Saving Club wrapped up 2025 with a splash, hosting its much-loved annual Nippers Christmas party last weekend. The festive gathering brought together hundreds of young club members for a day of sun, surf, and seasonal cheer at Shellharbour North Beach.
A Day of Fun and Festive Spirit
More than 300 nippers and cadets, ranging from under-6 to 18 years old, flocked to the beach for the end-of-year celebration. Club activities coordinator Mark Dabros declared the event a major success, noting the cooperative conditions. "The ocean was behaving itself for us which was good," Dabros said. "There would have been about 300 or 350 there, and it was a good way to end the year."
The day was packed with activities designed for fun rather than competition. Children enjoyed various games and took to the water with surf mats, while different age groups participated in a range of engaging activities. The festive atmosphere was palpable, culminating in a special visit from the main man in red.
Santa Makes a Spectacular Entrance
True to the club's tradition of creative arrivals, Santa Claus made a memorable appearance. In previous years, he has skydived into the celebrations. This year, he switched up his transport, foil surfing in from the other side of Shellharbour to the delight of the waiting crowd.
"That was cool," remarked Dabros. "The atmosphere was good and everyone was excited." After his aquatic arrival, Santa spent time with the children, spreading Christmas joy and adding a magical touch to the community event.
A Community Tradition Continues
The annual party serves as a key social event for the Surf Life Saving Club, marking both the end of the Nippers season and the start of the summer holidays. It reinforces the strong community bonds within the club, which plays a vital role in beach safety and youth development along the Illawarra coastline.
Families like the Wells and Gilmours, pictured enjoying the day, represent the multi-generational involvement that characterises many Australian surf clubs. The event successfully blended casual water fun with festive tradition, providing a perfect send-off for 2025. As Dabros simply put it, reflecting on the day's success: "It was good."
