Maroubra Surfers Association

About

MSA Microgrommets

Why Does MSA Run Microgrommets?

We run Microgrommets with the aim of positively nurturing young learner surfers. When they become more capable, Microgrommets can compete more seriously in the Cadets division. The Microgrommets division gives young surfers a taste of competition in a fun, safe environment.

Who Are the Microgrommets?

These are our youngest surfers, involving boys or girls who are learning to surf. You can have fun in MSA Microgrommets if you are 12 years of age or younger, can swim 100 metres, & have the support of your mum, dad or guardian.

What Else Does a Microgrommet Need?

You’ll need your own surfboard & wetsuit. Soft surfboards are best for Microgrommets, & essential for Gliders. You’ll also need 30+ sunscreen, a towel & something warm to put around you after you come out of the surf. A hat is a good idea, too. You need to do what the supervisors say. This is for everyone’s safety. It’s also more fun for all of us when we surf with safety.

How Does MSA Run Microgrommets?

MSA will only run Microgrommets if the surf conditions are safe. We meet at the MSA tent at 12 noon at the latest. It’s best to get there by 11:30am to make sure your name is entered on the judging sheets. Staying together as a group, we may have to walk along the beach to get to a safe surf zone. Other times we might have to go to the rock pools at South Maroubra. Other times we may have to do beach games. This is not meant to spoil your fun, but to keep Microgrommets having safe fun!

We have two divisions- the Gliders & the Carvers.

  • The Gliders are Microgrommets who have a helper- such as a dad, mum or responsible adult. These helpers assist Gliders to get out through the surf. They can also push Gliders onto a wave so that they can catch it & stand up. Gliders must ride soft surfboards.

  • The Carvers don’t have a helper. As a Carver, you can paddle out through the surf by yourself. You are also able to paddle onto a wave & stand up by yourself. Carvers can ride soft boards or fiberglass boards. Carvers show that they know how to surf safely. Carvers are careful about the safety of other surfers who are nearby.

Most of the time MSA will run the Gliders first. When we have a safe surf zone, the supervisors will send out water safety helpers. Then we will let you paddle out. The judges will score your rides. After 10 or 15 minutes, we will call you in. Then, the supervisors will send out the Carvers. After 10 or 15 minutes, we will call you in. As a group, we will then all walk back to the MSA tent, where dad, mum or a guardian will look after you.

How Does MSA Score Microgrommets’ Rides?

Gliders & Carvers will be scored by two MSA judges. They will write down a score out of 10 for each of your rides. Here’s how to get the best score for a ride.

  1. Paddle onto the wave yourself.
  2. Stand up.
  3. Ride the wave for as long as you can. You will get 1 point for every second you ride the wave standing up. The judges will not give you any more points after 6 seconds.
  4. If you want more points, you must do a turn, or ride the green wave face, or do something that shows that you can do more than stand up.

Do Microgrommets Have Placings?

No. At each contest, judges will tell Microgrommets how they surfed, & what they can do to surf better. MSA aims to encourage Microgrommets, building on their strengths. At the end of the year, each Microgrommet will be awarded a surfing trophy. Through safe nurture & encouragement, MSA seeks to nurture our young surfers.