Bodyboarding grannies embrace the waves

Seaside seniors in Scottburgh are bodyboarding and look happy while doing it.

Yvonne Klopper (78) started the Scottburgh-based Granny Grommets after caravanning near East London with her friend Jewels Blackbeard.

This is where they were inducted into the Nahoon Granny Grommets, a group of retirees who bodyboard together.

Yvonne said her lifelong love of the ocean motivated her to encourage other grannies to embrace the waves.

She explained that the idea was started in Australia by a retired teacher and has since spread to South Africa’s coastal towns.

“In October, I started Scottie’s Granny Grommets with me as the lone grommet and six potentials cheering me from the shore. The following week, I saw 16 enthusiastic Granny Grommets participating, and there has been an increase in numbers every week,” she said.

Lending support to this healthy initiative, the Scottburgh lifesavers hire out bodyboards for R20 a session.

Yvonne said safety awareness talks are also given to ensure everyone knows what to do in the water.

She added that the ladies only catch waves in the bathing area at Scottburgh main beach, monitored by the Scottburgh lifesavers.

She described Granny Grommets as not just a club but a group of ladies who get together each week to catch waves in the surf.

“There are a few who have never used a bodyboard. Some of us surfed when we were much younger, so we assist those who are new. This is a great way to enjoy the ocean, experience the outdoors, and make new friends who enjoy the same sport,” she said.

The Scottie’s Granny Grommets meet at Scottburgh main beach every Thursday at 09:00.

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