"Best start to the season" is the only way Kempsey Crescent Head Surf Club Nippers president Steve Pellen could describe the first day of nippers.
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A record of more than 90 nippers took the beach at Crescent Head on Sunday, October 18, where they competed in flag, sprint and water events.
Before they marched onto the beach, the club held last season's Nipper award presentation that was postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Amber Pellen took out the club's major award Nipper of the Year, Taylah Moffitt was awarded Club Points Champion and Carnival Champion while the most improved trophy went to Mia Tennyson.
"What an amazing start to the Nipper season, it would have to be the best start to the season in five years," Mr Pellen said.
"There was so much energy and enthusiasm from the kids and we had a great turn up of parents to pitch in and help with water safety and age managers."
Mr Pellen said a combination of new families moving to the area and COVID-19 restrictions had boosted numbers this year.
"COVID-19 has made people want to get out and do activities as a family and where better than to enjoy our region's greatest asset - our beach," Mr Pellen said.
He added there was a great turn out for the inaugural Sunday Surf Sports with 10 competitors for the ocean swim and board course.
Sunday Sports is open to all members of the community and kicks off at 8.30am with Wayne Castro.