Surfing Australia and the Australian Government today launched SurfGroms, a national junior development program to encourage five to 12 year-olds to participate in surfing.

Launching the program at North Bondi today, Minister for Sport Mark Arbib said it was the first of its type in the world. 

“The beach and surfing are synonymous with Australian culture and SurfGroms will provide the opportunity for kids to experience the joys of both,” Senator Arbib said.

“SurfGroms will provide participants with strong ocean awareness, beach safety skills and 12 hours of on-beach coaching by qualified surfing instructors.

“Surfing Australia has more than 22,000 members, with a significant number outside the club structure. The SurfGroms program will help Surfing Australia attract more youngsters into the sport.

“Hopefully we can increase the number of kids surfing and perhaps uncover the next Stephanie Gilmour or Mick Fanning.” 

Surfing Australia Chief Executive Officer Andrew Stark said SurfGroms was an exciting new approach.

“With the support of the Australian Government we are proud to be launching a robust, innovative and cutting edge junior development program for kids all over Australia,” Mr Stark said.

Senator Arbib said the SurfGroms program was a credit to the innovation and professionalism of Surfing Australia.

“I am really excited that Australian Government funds provided the platform for the development of this fantastic program,” Senator Arbib said.

“The Government is committed to increasing involvement in sport at a local level, getting kids out of the lounge room and down to the beach or local sporting fields, tackling obesity and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

“Late last year the Government announced a record total of $44 million over four years in new participation funding to national sporting organisations. Surfing Australia receives an additional $500,000 per year in participation funding which supports the SurfGroms initiative.”

The total Australian Government investment in surfing for participation and high performance in 2011-12 is over $1.5 million.

Minister Arbib’s Media Contact: Sean Sammon 0417 137 419