‘Lonnie’ making waves with new junior program

THE Point Lonsdale Boardriders Club is making waves in the local surfing scene with its newest junior development surfing program.

‘Lonnie Groms’ is tailored to kids aged 6-12 years old focusing on introducing surfing and water safety to children and their parents.

The program is being facilitated by specialist coaches including Simon Forward from 4D Surfboards and former professional surfer and Phipps surfboard shaper Mark Phipps.

In eight weeks, the program has already attracted over 80 participants, with demand still ticking up with the summer months drawing closer.

Point Lonsdale Boardriders Club president Max Lazarus said the program is one of the “largest boardriders club run, junior development program of its kind in Australia”.

“The program aims to educate young surfers and parents about safe practices and so they can have a better understanding of the dangers of the ocean,” he said.

“It’s also a cracking event series which can really bring the whole community together.

“It also helps to bridge the gap between our juniors and our senior members.”

Mr Lazarus said the support of the program had been overwhelming since its rollout in November.

“The support thus far has been incredible during the three sessions we’ve run,” he said.

“I’m still getting emails and messages from people every day trying to sign their kids up.

It’s something we plan on rolling out annually due to its success and the constant demand from parents to involve their children.”

Port Phillip Sea Pilots and Studio All have both jumped on board to sponsor the program and have bought 80 rash vests for the groms to wear so they are easy to identify.

The next ‘Lonnie Groms’ session will be held on December 15.

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