Durban’s Granny Grommets are proving that there’s no age limit for hitting the surf!
Launched by Tania Kriegisch in August this year, the Granny Grommets in Durban have grown to include 26 enthusiastic silver surfers and bodyboarders who meet every Friday at 9am at the Marine Surf Lifesaving Club.
Tania says the concept started after she spotted a Facebook post for Nahoon Granny Grommets in East London, which she joined last year.
“Into the sea I went, finding my groove after not being in the water for years. It was safe, comfortable, and, boy, did the bug bite!” she recalls.
What started as a casual dip soon became a Friday morning ritual of laughter, camaraderie, and a good workout, finishing off with coffee, catching some rays, and chats on the beach.
After relocating to Durban, Tania scouted the coastline and pitched the idea to the Marine Surf Lifesaving Club. On the first day, three ladies arrived, but as Tania says, the smiles on their faces mirrored what she’d experienced in East London.
Fast forward a few months, and the group has grown to 26 regular members, with numbers increasing weekly.
“There are no rules!”
She says the secret to the success is that Granny Grommets gives participants the freedom to play, with zero pressure, and loads of fun.
She says whether you want to stay in the shallow water and catch the foamies, ride the big waves, sit this one out, join for coffee, leave early, or come back in… ‘you do you’.
The only requirement is that you need to be 50 and over… and willing to smile.
The weekly sea sessions are casual and welcoming, making it perfect for everyone from beginners and returning sea-lovers alike.
And while it’s all about exercise and fun in the water, the ladies have plans to extend their influence beyond the beach, exploring ways to support local environmental causes, host ‘bring-a-friend’ days, and even camp or connect with other sea sister groups along the coast.
What You Need to Know
Who Can Join: Anyone aged 50+, from beginners to experienced swimmers or surfers.
When: Fridays at 9am. Drop in when you can, no need to commit every week.
Where: Marine Surf Lifesaving Club, Durban beachfront. Look for the pink flag on the sand.
Cost: None!
What to Bring: Swimsuit (cozzie), surfboard (or bodyboard), towel, sunscreen, and your smile.
Parking: Free, outside the club.
Contact: Tania Kriegisch on 083 859 3003
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