Sorrento Beach was buzzing today as over 700 eager young surf lifesavers joined Australia's largest-ever Nipper Clinic. Coached by surf lifesaving legends from across the country, the event showcased grassroots surf culture as a highlight of the Shaw and Partners WA Race Week 2024, blending fun, inspiration, and community spirit with the excitement of a premier ocean racing festival.
The Nipper Clinic provided junior participants from all over the state with hands-on training alongside Australia's elite surf sports athletes, including:
- Ali Day – 10-time Coolangatta Gold Ironman Champion
- Lana Rogers – Three-time Australian Ironwoman Champion
- Matt Bevilacqua – Ironman Champion and endurance specialist
- Jemma Smith – 2024 Coolangatta Gold winner
- Georgia Miller, Kendrick Louis, Cory Hill, Riley Fitzsimmons, and more.
Commenting on the event's significance, Lana Rogers emphasised the importance of grassroots programs:
"Seeing hundreds of kids on the beach today, learning from some of the best athletes in the world, is incredible. Nippers is where it all starts—it's about building confidence, fostering resilience, and inspiring a lifelong love for the ocean. Today's event was a powerful reminder of how these programs not only shape the future of surf lifesaving but also instil important life skills in young Australians."
Matt Bevilacqua highlighted the unique scale and passion of WA's surf lifesaving community:
"The sheer number of kids who came out today shows just how massive and vibrant the surf lifesaving culture is in Western Australia. These young Nippers are the future of our sport and our beaches. Watching their excitement and eagerness to learn makes all the effort worthwhile. It's a privilege to be part of something this big and to give back to a community that supports surf lifesaving so strongly."
The Shaw and Partners WA Race Week 2024, running from 23 to 30 November, features a series of high-profile ocean racing events, including:
- Fenn West Coast Downwinder: A 24km race from Port Beach, Fremantle to Sorrento Beach, kicking off the week on Saturday, 23 November.
- Dr Benjamin Hewitt Sunset Surfski Series: Two 11km downwind races from Port Beach, Fremantle to City Beach, held on Tuesday, 26 November, and Thursday, 28 November.
- Race One Twilight Paddleboard Dash: A 2km downwind dash from Waterman's Cove to Sorrento Beach on Wednesday, 27 November.
- Shaw and Partners Dash for Cash: A surf ski sprint race at Sorrento Beach on Friday, 29 November.
- Shaw and Partners Doctor: The grand finale, a 27km race from Rottnest Island to Sorrento Beach, taking place on Saturday, 30 November.
With a total prize pool exceeding $240,000, the Shaw and Partners WA Race Week has solidified its status as Australia's premier ocean racing event, attracting over 1,000 competitors, including Olympians, world champions, and top surf lifesaving athletes.
Event Details & Registration:
