Training the next generation of wavemasters

The newly formed Ilembe Surf Riders Association plans to expand local surfing talent and train the next generation of Ballito and the greater Ilembe’s top surfers.

Chairman Darren Sykes told The Courier that they are putting together a team to take part in the SA Grom Games.

A grommet (grom) is a young participant in extreme sports.

Originally, a grommet was a surfer under the age of 16 but in recent years, this has expanded to include other extreme sports.

“Our goal is to develop the untapped surfing talent hidden in Ilembe’s youth,” said Sykes.

With all local coaches, including some of Ballito’s best surfers, Ilembe Surf Riders offers some of the best – not to mention most fun – surfing instruction available on the Dolphin Coast.

Coaches that were there on Thursday last week included Justin Sykes, Richard Kidd, Sophie Bell, Quinton Jones and Linda Hlophe.

For now most of their training takes place in the tidal pool at Thompson’s Bay, with one or two excursions to some of the easier breaks in the area for some hands-on surfing practice. One of their coaches, Justin Sykes said he really enjoys coaching the kids.

“It is just so much fun, and when they catch their first ever wave they are so stoked – it’s contagious.”

The Ilembe Surf Riders plan to have their first trials in about two weeks to pick their grom team.

For more information about the Ilembe Surf Riders Association and their lessons, contact Darren Sykes at 082 778 9989 or visit their Facebook page.

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