Grommet: Young Surfer's Term

Totally! Groms usually ride soft-top boards or small, durable epoxy funboards that are forgiving for wipeouts and easy to paddle. Think about volume and stability. A 7’ foamie is a classic starter. As they progress, they move into proper shortboards or grovelers that match their size and skill. Don’t forget a solid leash, a snug-fitting rashguard, and, most importantly, a solid surf earplug habit to prevent surfer’s ear down the line. Proper gear keeps ’em safe and stoked.

Consistency is key. Dawn patrol as much as possible. Surf all conditions—mushy days teach you to generate speed. Watch older surfers in the lineup and study how they position themselves. Film your sessions; it’s the best way to see what you’re actually doing. Cross-train with swimming for paddle power and skateboarding for balance. Most importantly, surf with crew who push you, listen to advice from respected locals, and never lose that frothing mindset to just catch waves.

There’s no strict age, but generally, a grom is anywhere from a little grommet just standing up to a teenager. Once they start driving themselves to the beach, getting their own boards, and maybe even getting a few sponsorships, they’re often called “young guns” or just young surfers. The grom phase is all about that wide-eyed, obsessive learning period where every session is an adventure and every wave, no matter how small, is totally epic.

For sure! There’s a whole circuit of local and regional grom contests. These are awesome for meeting other frothing kids, learning competition vibe in a supportive setting, and maybe catching the eye of a sponsor. Events like the USA Surfing Championships have grom divisions. Beyond contests, look for grom-specific surf camps and clinics, which are perfect for intensive coaching, water safety skills, and making lifelong surf buddies. It’s all about building skills and community.