Super Grom gives kids a first taste of surfing using the “push and surf” method. / All photos courtesy of the Florida Surfing Association
If your child has always dreamed of surfing, Jacksonville Beach’s Super Grom Surf Festival is THE way to start realizing that dream.
The Florida Surfing Association generously offers FREE kids’ surfing lessons several times each summer during their Super Grom Surf Fest series. Besides a “Push and Surf” lesson with some of the region’s most talented surfers, participants get lunch, a t-shirt, a medal and a goody bag.
The mass surf lesson, spanning four hours on several Saturdays in 2012’s series, was open to kids ages 10 and under. It tends to fill up before the day of the event, though, so if you’re interested, sign up as soon as they open registration.
Super Grom — offered three times in 2012 — serves 150 children per session.
“This is our way of putting back into the community and promoting a positive opportunity for kids to learn to surf, for the families to come out together and for everyone to have a good time!” said FSA Director Paul West. “With the economic times we are faced with, a free event for the family, on the beach, that is fun, healthy, and introduces the sport of surfing to a whole new generation – we feel this is important and we appreciate everyone’s support.”
If you want your child to participate, be advised a parent or guardian must be there the whole time, too.
If you’re unable to take your child to Super Grom, but you still want to pursue surfing lessons, West told me he also offers surfing camps, including both week-long camps and single-day camps. You can learn more about the camps at floridasurfing.org.
Not surprisingly, Super Grom is extremely popular. In 2012, the free surf lessons were offered three days and each served 150 kids. The people who offer the lessons are all volunteers, and they make a point of giving each and every child some individual attention.
Some of the best surfers in the region volunteer their time to make Super Grom possible.
If you want to go:
When: Dates TBA. Plan to be on the beach first thing in the morning — it was 9 a.m. in 2012. Surfing and safety instructions kicked off the events, and then the lessons officially started at 10 a.m.
Where: South side of the Jacksonville Beach Pier in Jacksonville Beach, FL
Who: The FREE event is open to children ages 10 and under.
Parking: There is parking at the pier and across the street.
For more information: Visit the event website at http://floridasurfing.org/event/super-grom/. You can download an entry form from the website when available. You can also call 904-626-9090.
