Arabic version: غرانّي غرومِتس في نورث هافن يصنعن موجات من التواصل

According to ABC News, a newly formed Granny Grommets group at North Haven on New South Wales’ Mid North Coast is drawing older women to early-morning bodyboarding sessions that combine exercise, ocean time and social connection. Founded by 70-year-old Annie Milne, the chapter has sparked strong interest, with nearly 200 people joining its Facebook page within only a few weeks.

Granny Grommets is for women aged 50 and over. The first group began about 26 years ago in Albany, on Western Australia’s southern coast, and the idea has gradually spread across Australia and overseas. Ms Milne started the North Haven group after moving to the area and having previously belonged to the Newcastle Granny Grommets. She said many women interested in joining were relatively new to the community and found it harder to make connections later in life.

Members say the sessions offer more than time in the surf. Kit Poole, who is new to the community, said the group helped her meet people while providing “fitness, fun and friendship”. Stephanie McMahon, who had not surfed before moving from the Hawkesbury region, joined to meet like-minded women and develop community relationships. Sharon Taylor has signed up despite fearing the ocean and says she plans to overcome that fear by getting a wetsuit and board and entering the water.

Rebecca Olive, a vice-chancellor’s senior research fellow at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, said her 2025 research examined how water sports can build communities and meaningful friendships. She said groups such as Granny Grommets give women opportunities to return to physical activity, try new experiences and enjoy nature together. Dr Olive also said they challenge stereotypes about older women’s abilities and can foster environmental care, citing outdoor swimming groups in Melbourne where women in their sixties and seventies have helped lead conservation initiatives. North Haven’s group is now planning related social catch-ups after its bodyboarding sessions.