Battling anxiety and the surf

Jett Croll is only seven years old and already, after a few months in nippers, he’s winning the fight. A ball of energy, Jett struggled with anxiety issues, lacking the self-confidence to try new things, worried he might fail.

What makes his story so remarkable is the dedication of his parents, Andrew and Amy, and little sister Aria, five, who hit the road every Sunday morning during the nippers season from their home on Brisbane’s eastside, and drive the 160km round trip to hook up with Jett’s under-eights squad at the Burleigh Heads club.

“In 2017, he tried one session, but his fears got the better of him,” Amy, 35, a high school PE teacher explains. “This current season, he’s giving it his everything. He’s more confident, and every week he improves that little bit more. It provides the tools to positively channel all that energy – it’s worth the drive just to see his progress. It also guarantees Andrew and I chilled Sunday afternoons – they’re exhausted by the time we get home,” she says with a grin.

Dad is Andrew Croll, the much admired Strength and Conditioning Coach at the Brisbane Broncos rugby league club. He’s also one of the many dads who step in as a volunteer when needed.

“Jett goes into Grade 3 this year a different kid. He’s found his strengths – he loves wading and running – and recognises his weaknesses, like swimming. We’re so proud of our little man – he’s come so far thanks to nippers.”