Lonnie boardriders program to surf into 2024

POINT Lonsdale Boardriders Club’s popular ‘Lonnie Groms’ program will return in 2024 having far exceeded expectations in its first year.

The junior water safety and surf program will kick off again in early 2024, with dates to be confirmed in the next week.

Lonnie Groms is tailored to local kids aged 6-12 years old and focuses on introducing the ocean to them and their parents.

 

The program has led by specialist coaches Simon Forward from 4D Surfboards and former professional surfer and Phipps surfboard shaper Mark Phipps.

More than 90 participants have taken part in the initiative during the last eight weeks, with many locals on a waiting list in the hope of joining in 2024.

Program facilitator Drew Aras said there was no reason not to continue the program in the new year.

“We set this up to help kids interested in surfing and a bunch of parents who hadn’t had too much experience either,” he said.

“The environment we have fostered has allowed them both to thrive and know how to do it in a safe manner.

“We ended up getting a lot more people than we ever expected. We anticipated 40 and got just over 90!

“We have just loved helping such a diverse range of kids this year, and they’ve just loved every moment.

“We can’t wait to bring it back in 2024.”

 

Mr Aras said he and the coaches have seen a huge improvement in the children surf skills since the first session in October.

“We’ve seen many of the children improve out of sight over the last four sessions,” he said.

“Those who hadn’t stood up on a board before are doing it with ease, and those who could already surf a bit, are progressing to their next stage.

“It’s been amazing to see and something we will build on next year.”

More information on the program can be found at www.facebook.com/LonsdaleBC/

Registrations are only open for children and their parents living in Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff.