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When people think about surfing, they envision a young person riding the waves standing on a surfboard. Another form of surfing, which is easier on your knees, is bodyboarding where the surfer rides a specially designed body board – or boogie board – laying prone on their stomach. This sport is gaining popularity because of its appeal to people of all ages.
In Northern Australia, according to The Tawy Frogmouth, seniors are embracing the surf through an exceptional health and wellness initiative from MWP Community Care aptly named Silver Surfers. It is the brainchild of Josh Kirkman from Surfers for Climate and was launched in 2024. It is led by three-time World Bodyboard Champion Ben Player.
Silver Surfers
The importance of the surfing initiative was stressed by Chloe Feris, head of operations and communications at MWP. She told the Tawy Frogmouth: “As we age, it’s common to lose confidence and develop a heightened sense of fear when tackling physical activities, especially those like surfing.
“Programs like Silver Surfers aim to combat these concerns by providing expert guidance and fostering a sense of community and social connection whilst lasting health benefits and endorphins kick in. 90 percent of life’s problems can be solved if you just add water. You never feel worse after having a swim at the beach!”
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But it’s about more than just exercise, reported ABC News. There’s a social dimension that is particularly important for seniors.
“I think it's really important to get older people in the water and get them active … it's low-impact fitness, a nice safe environment … a new experience for cognitive behavior, as well as providing a good social environment,” Player told ABC.
Granny Grommets
A group of women in Western Australia take to the surf every week, reported ABC News. These women who are called Granny Grommets have been riding waves in Albany for 25 years.
The group began when founder Kim Buttfield was teaching a mom and daughter surfing class, and some older women approached her and said: “What about us?”
Buttfield decided to teach these women bodyboarding because it is easier on aging knees than standing on a surfboard. She said that there are only two requirements for joining; a positive attitude and members have to be at least 50 years young.
There are now more than 100 women who have joined the group including Glenn Scott who became a member when she was 80. “All you need for a Granny Grommet is a boogie board, and a maniacal grin across your face,” Scott told ABC.
Granny Grommets have inspired other senior surfing groups around Australia and have even gone global. There are groups in South Africa and even as far north as France where they are known as The Turbulent Penguins. This shows that all you need is surf, a board, and a lot of determination to ride the waves at any age.
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