Errant Grom Exchange 2007 & 2008
The Errant Grom Exchange Scheme was first thought up one sunny afternoon in Barbados when company director Chris Thomson and Zed our head coach in Barbados mulled over the idea in 2002. As both surfers talked into the night about the benefits of surfing and surf travel, they decided to work on a young surfer's exchange scheme.
Now in 2008 and in conjunction with the Cornwall County Council, Errant Surf Holidays has created the world's first grom exchange scheme designed to provide advanced surf coaching for promising UK grommets (young surfers) and to develop their awareness of the world through travel and links with other cultures.
Who?
Errant teamed up with Cornwall County Council, Croyde Surf Club and Watergate Bay Surf Club. Young surfers are invited to a number of meetings and have to draw up plans on what they thought they would get out of such a scheme. Seven young surfers aged 13-18 are chosen to travel to Lanzarote in 2007, and Loredo Spain in 2008.
Surfers in 2007; Harry Timson, Josh Hughes, Jack Hughes, Josh Piper, Jack Lytham, Aiden Wright and Holly Donnelly.
Surfers in 2008; Jamie Mather, Lucy Campbell, Zak Lawton, Maisie Lawton, Max Tucker, Beau Broham, Cavan Donnelly, Dave Williams and Jack Hughes.
Where?
In 2008 the young surfers will head out to Northern Spain, they will be based at La Hosteria. Errant hosted the groms at its surf school in Lanzarote in the Canary Islands in March 2007.
Why?
Many of the participating groms may not otherwise have the chance to travel overseas or receive advanced surf coaching in warmer waters if it were not for this invaluable project. The groms were coached throughout the week and were expected to assist surf lessons as part of their work experience module. They were also be expected to organise a fun contest at the end of the week and take turns to cook, ensuring that alongside their improving waves skills, they are also learning a number of important life lessons outside of the water.
Rhona Gardiner of Excess EneRGy Communications provides us with ongoing PR support. Not only is Rhona one of the South West’s best communicators, she is passionate about surfing and helping out in anyway. This is great for the groms as most of them will have or will be thinking about approaching sponsors and Rhona can help ensure media and public attention that will meet their needs.
Latest News
BBC - Watergate Groms Off to Lanzarote
Surfers Village - From Watergate to Lanzarote
Surfers Village - Several Wins After Grom Exchange
