The group of women meet every Friday morning at Middleton Beach in Albany, Western Australia, to go surfing, body boarding and swimming – with most having never tried surfing before joining the Grommets, according to the ABC.
They have just three requirements to join: new members have to be over 50, know basic surf lifesaving skills and most importantly, enjoy a good laugh.
The group began around 17 years ago as part of an over-50s social group and initially some felt the women were too old to be out in the surf.
“When I first joined, my daughter told me not to use my real name because it would be too embarrassing, but she’s gotten over that now,” member Bev Voss said.
Since then, the Grommets have grown to almost 70 members, with the oldest being 83 and still surfing.
“Some people can’t wait until they’re 50 so they can join,” member Nan Anderson adds.
She joined the group after retiring to the town from life on a farm in regional WA.
“I’ve come every week ever since. I’ve found there’s nobody who can catch a wave and not smile – everybody laughs.”
Proof age really is no barrier to hitting the waves – and having fun too.
