On the scenic southern coast of Western Australia, a vibrant group of older women known as the Granny Grommets have become a symbol of joyful aging through their weekly surfing adventures at Middleton Beach, Albany. For 25 years, these women have been capturing waves and hearts worldwide, spreading a message of positive and active living that knows no age boundaries.
Found by Kim Buttfield, this inspiring group welcomes women aged 50 and above with their fearless spirit and love for the ocean. “We have people eagerly waiting to turn 50 just to join us,” Kim shares with a laugh, noting the group’s founding as a response to older women’s desire to learn to bodyboard—a gentler alternative to traditional surfing.
Guided by coach Tony Harrison since its inception, the Granny Grommets focus less on braving deep waters and more on enjoying the thrill of riding waves, often in synchrony with one another. Tony reflects on how the group’s sessions have become a cornerstone of camaraderie and resilience, helping members forge strong friendships during both joyful and challenging times.
Now boasting more than 100 members in Albany—often recognizable by their car and motorbike stickers—the Granny Grommets include remarkable women like Glenn Scott, who began bodyboarding at the age of 80. “Being a Granny Grommet is all about enthusiasm and fun,” Glenn explains, embodying the sense of freedom the group offers.
Their influence has rippled far beyond Albany, inspiring similar groups around the globe. In East London, South Africa, the Nahoon Granny Grommets was born when Julie Schroeter gathered a few women to hit the waves, quickly growing to 132 members. Boogie boards have since become a coveted item in the community, transforming wish lists into wetsuit and board requests over beauty products.
Venturing into the chillier waters of Brittany, France, the phenomenon gave rise to Les Pingouins Turbulent, or The Turbulent Penguins, influenced by a documentary on the Granny Grommets. French founder Anne-Hélène Bernard describes their eagerness to overcome age and physical hurdles, united in the belief that surfing is for everyone.
The Granny Grommets’ story of empowerment and fun resonates globally, encouraging older women everywhere to defy stereotypes and embrace the thrill of riding the waves, no matter their age or physical limitations.
