The Most Joyful Lineup of the Weekend
Every surf contest has its heroes. At the Port Alfred Easter Festival, however, one of the most memorable lineups belongs to the Granny Grommets.
While the Rip Curl GromSearch showcases the next generation of competitive surfers, the Granny Grommets bodyboarding session celebrates something equally powerful: the simple joy of riding waves at any age.
The concept began a few years ago when a group of enthusiastic grandmothers decided that the ocean should not only belong to the young. Armed with bodyboards, bright smiles and an impressive sense of humour, they paddled out and quickly became one of the festival’s most talked-about highlights.
Surf Culture With a Slight Twist
Surf culture has always carried a playful streak. From beach bonfires and beers on the beach to sunrise sessions, it is a lifestyle that celebrates the ocean as much as the performance on the waves.
The Granny Grommets embody that spirit perfectly.
Although the group takes the water seriously enough to ensure safety and organisation, the mood remains wonderfully light-hearted. Participants cheer each other on, celebrate every ride and often produce some surprisingly stylish bodyboarding along the way.
Moreover, their presence adds a sense of community to the surf events at East Beach. Families gather along the shoreline, cameras come out , the NSRI is in attendance and the atmosphere becomes part carnival, part beach party.
Granny Grommets Return As A Growing Festival Favourite
Last year’s session drew close to eighty participants, creating a colourful scene just east of the pier where the waves tend to break gently across the sandbanks.
Importantly, the event is supported by local lifesaving teams and volunteers who help keep the lineup safe and organised.
As a result, the Granny Grommets session has become more than just a novelty. It is now a celebration of inclusivity, fun and the timeless connection between people and the sea.
And when the waves roll through, and the grannies start catching rides, the cheers from the beach make one thing clear.
Surfing joyfully never goes out of fashion.
all photos Kody McGregor
