STOCKTON Surf Life Saving Club is experiencing a new bronze age with an increase in Nippers.
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This season's bunch of future life savers and volunteers represents a new high-tide mark for one of the Hunter's oldest and smallest surf clubs.
While many seasons start out well, the club traditionally experiences a "drop off" in participants after the Christmas holidays.
But the club's junior ranks are experiencing a popularity surge with 154 children donning the red and blue cap this year.
Club president Callan Nickerson said there was a strong emphasis on development, not just competition.
It's a move that has proved popular among parents eager to include beach and surf awareness in their children's education.
"For those who live on Stockton, surrounded by water, there is no choice but to learn water safety skills," Mr Nickerson said.
"It's essential and really encouraging that we have so many young children and their families from Stockton and surrounds getting involved."
The biggest growth is in the Nippers age rank of under 6. Another promising trend is that girls outnumber the boys in several age groups.
Stockton is the second oldest surf club in the Hunter Branch, forming five days after Newcastle in January 1908.
It costs about $100,000 to run the club each year. It was assisted this season by an $8000 grant from Orica and a $2500 donation from the Moles coffee club.