Granny Grommets connect women far beyond the waves

On the New South Wales Mid North Coast, a burgeoning "Granny Grommets" group is bringing older women together through the exhilarating experience of surfing. Founder Annie Milne, 70, describes the activity as a way to "feel so free in the ocean" and recapture a sense of youth. The group's vibrant atmosphere, filled with laughter and camaraderie, has quickly fostered strong social bonds among its members.

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It brings back my youth, and I feel so free in the ocean.

Milne established the North Haven chapter after moving to the area, inspired by the success of the original Granny Grommets group started 26 years ago in Albany, Western Australia. She was surprised by the overwhelming interest, with nearly 200 women joining the group's Facebook page within weeks. Many members are new to the area and find it challenging to connect with peers, making the Granny Grommets a vital social outlet.

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It's just fabulous, and we squeal in the waves and roll around in the sand. It's the camaraderie. I have friends here now that I wouldn't have had.

The group emphasizes fitness, fun, and friendship, offering members a chance to enjoy the outdoors, witness marine life like whales and dolphins, and build meaningful relationships. For newcomers like Kit Poole, it's a way to expand her social network in a new community. Stephanie McMahon, who had never surfed before, found the group to be a welcoming space for like-minded women eager to embrace new experiences and have fun.

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I was inundated. There's nearly 200 on the Facebook page already, and it's been only a few weeks.

Even those with initial fears, like Sharon Taylor, are motivated to overcome them. Taylor plans to conquer her fear of the ocean by learning to surf with the group. Rebecca Olive, a researcher specializing in women's recreational sports, notes the significant role such outdoor activities play in building communities and fostering friendships. The Granny Grommets exemplify how shared passions can create vibrant social connections for older women.

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Quite a few of the ladies I've spoken to are relatively new to the area. It's much harder to connect with people in our age group as we don't have connections with kids, school or sport.