One day it feels like summer, the next it feels like winter's hanging in there with one last dying stab of southerly. But from a wave perspective it has been a run of swell energy perfectly in tune with that of the many grommets taking over the lineups. Small, high-frequency and clean.
The South Coast Boardriders held its second ladder for the season at the weekend and there were more grommets than adults. And among those grommets there were more females. Aged from six and seven through to a heap of 10 and 12-year-olds, the vibe in the water is pretty cool these days. Squealing children talking up their skills, laughing and doing whatever it takes to keep each other amused ... with the odd wave thrown into the mix.
That's a positive sign for the surf community down here in the south, but it seems its echoed around the country. During my recent travels for an upcoming book project, I've noticed nearly every surf community around New Zealand's coastline has a strong cluster of groms emerging. Some are second-generation surfers, others are new to surfing, attracted by their friends and the great work that the boardriders clubs throughout New Zealand do to help newcomers embrace surfing.
Surfing is in a good place and only stands to grow further still with the Olympics looming in 2020.
As a father of a handful of these grommets, I feel very fortunate to see the ocean teaching my children lessons that will last them a lifetime and helping to build them into great people. The learning curve for surfing is a long one – a lifetime of learning. Accept that fact and it takes on a whole new level of greatness.
See you at the beach ... Derek
PS Looking for a cool christmas gift from the Box of Light Gallery? This season we're going to be open at 8 Castle Street from 9-5pm most days from December 16th to December 24th. We carry some stock in the gallery, but if you want something from our online Box of Light gallery then we'll need to have the order in by December 18th at the latest to get it made in time for Xmas. We also have Box of Light gift cards. Better still, make an appointment and we can help you find some artwork for your walls. You can call the gallery direct on 03 742 1186.
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