Surf meets Superdad with ANZA Nippers leader David Howard

If there’s one man on the beach every Sunday who keeps the “show on the road” – so to say – it’s David Howard, current leader of the ANZA Nippers surf lifesaving programme in Singapore.

No one brings the tireless energy and organisational brilliance to Nippers quite like David does. So, what makes him tick, and why does he do it? We spoke to David to find out and hear a bit more about what motivates and excites him about our group.

“Maybe it helps that I work in events and sports sponsorship,” says David, whose day job is at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands.

“Actually, while I’m not one of the founders of ANZA Nippers in Singapore, I’ve loved it since I first got involved in 2018, when I sent my then eight-year-old daughter to join.”Like many people who join ANZA Nippers, David heard about the group through word of mouth. “A friend had enrolled their son and was constantly enthused about the opportunity to instil a little Aussie beach culture in him,” he says.

David, with daughter Maya

Lifesaving experience

David headed straight to Sentosa where his own surf lifesaving experience was immediately called into action. “It wasn’t long before I was helping out,” he says. “First as an Assistant Age Manager, providing Nippers with knowledge I’ve gained over my lifesaving journey, including key elements of water safety and techniques for Nipper events.”

It hasn’t always been easy for the ANZA Nippers programme under David’s tenure, with the constantly changing development landscape at Sentosa, Covid, an oil spill, and even dangerous marine creatures all contributing to a packed list of challenges. “Our original location at Tanjong Beach Club (TCB) was great, with access to our own BBQ’s and our own space, creating a great ANZA Nipper’s community,” he says, adding that it wasn’t really until 2022 – post-Covid – that things got back into full swing.

In 2024, Nippers was forced to move again to the current home of Ola Beach Club at Palawan. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise, says David. “Ola have been awesome, and provide all the things we had at the original location at TBC, plus the rest. A convenient, accessible location, quality F&B offerings, toilet and shower facilities, and a pool for the kids. It ticks all the boxes.”

As we look to the future, David is optimistic: “ANZA Nippers is a community, and it’s built on the dedication of many parents who volunteer their time and expertise to direct, plan, and manage all aspects of our annual programme. Without them, Nippers wouldn’t function.”

But of course, like so many things, ANZA Nippers in Singapore is faced with the constant churn of expats coming and going from what is often a very transient place. “One issue we face each year is the loss of willing helpers who transition off the red dot, that then need to be replaced.”

He continues, “We’re always looking for new families to join, and for new volunteers – either with or without surf lifesaving experience – to get involved. If it’s of interest, get in touch and we’ll see you on the beach!”