Would-be Lockie Leonards rejoice! The food at next summer’s leading junior surfing competition, the Wahu Surfer Groms Comps, will be as epicurean as its is oceanic! This is because Shriro’s leading barbecue brand Everdure has signed on as a partner of Surfing Australia’s most important competition series for surfers under 16, known affectionately as ‘grommets’.
“Everdure is extremely proud to be partnering with Surfing Australia for the Wahu Surfer Groms Comps,” said Everdure divisional manager Anita Gounder. “Everdure Barbecues go hand in hand with Australia’s outdoor, beach lifestyle and we’re looking forward to keeping all the hungry groms fuelled with a huge sausage sizzle at every event.”
Under the terms of the sponsorship, Everdure will provide barbecues and a chef at each event to cook up a storm for the youngsters and their parents. There are 10 events on this summer’s calendar, visiting all six states, between September 2014 and February 2015.
The term ‘grommet’ was originally used disparagingly of inexperienced surfers, and developed organically from ‘Gremlin’, which was Californian slang for an amateur surfer getting in the way of a professional while catching waves. Over time, young surfer have embraced the term, and it now Surfing Australia’s official name for competitors up to 14 years old.
(On a personal note, I first heard the word on the TV show Lockie Leonard, which is comfortably one of the best Australian programs ever.)
Andrew Stark, CEO of Surfing Australia, welcomed Everdure on board.
“Surfing Australia is thrilled to have Everdure Barbecues join forces with our national Wahu Surfer Groms
Comps junior surfing program,” he said, making sure to slip in a plug for major sponsors Wahu. “The fit is perfect with the Wahu Surfer Groms Comps offering a fun atmosphere on beaches around Australia for kids and their parents.
“The surf event in the ocean is complemented with great beach games and activities utilising all the great Wahu beach toys and now this fun environment will be significantly bolstered with a great Aussie barbecue thanks to the fantastic support of Everdure Barbecues.
“We are very excited to add Everdure to our sponsorship portfolio and look forward to a great partnership with them into the future.”
2014-15 Wahu Surfer Groms Comps Schedule
EVENT 1: Northern Beaches, NSW — 6-7 September 2014
EVENT 2: Coffs Harbour NSW — 11-12 October 2014
EVENT 3: Kiama, NSW — 18-19 October 2014
EVENT 4: Trigg Point, WA — 8-9 November 2014
EVENT 5: Sunshine Coast, QLD — 13-14 December 2014
EVENT 6: Cronulla, NSW — 20-21 December 2014
EVENT 7: Gold Coast, QLD — 10-11 January 2015
EVENT 8: Ocean Grove, VIC — 31 January – 1 February 2015
EVENT 9: Fleurieu Peninsula, SA — 21 February 2015
EVENT 10: Clifton Beach, TAS — 28 February 2015
This author is on Twitter: @Patrickavenell