Gromblitz

Gromblitz is a great #localislekker initiative spearheaded by Annie van der Merwe and Willem van Rijswijck that teaches lighties from Missionvale to surf and skateboard.

Can you tell us a bit about Gromblitz and how it started?

We started in February 2016. We are a bit different to the other great initiatives, inasmuch as we have targeted a small group of OVC kids (Orphans and Vulnerable Children) from the Missionvale area. Together with our main funder, the Mandela Bay Development Agency, we decided to “target” 5 kids. The plan was to grow the concept though the kids “Sphere of Influence”. We now have a core group of about 12 kids and end up with around 20 at each intervention​.

Besides the surfing and skateboarding, is there a deeper focus? 

Our pillars are:

• Fun:  Having fun with board and water related activities. So far we are actively involved in surfing, skateboarding and swimming. We want to include some sailing (hampered by the ABYC debacle) and surf-lifesaving (scuppered by changes in the beach office and transport limitations)
  
• Environment: Getting the kids to pick up litter was a bit of a challenge. We now have a “Pay to Play” system. They each need to bring 5 pieces of plastic, litter and stompies in order to get to participate in the activity of the day. We have had some great environmental education input from WSL and others
  
• Respect: Respect for each other, adults, equipment and the environment
  
• Education: School work comes first and we watch progress at school

Surfing and skateboarding are both probably rather foreign activities to the kids you work with. I am guessing there must be some funny stories to relate!?

Quite a few. They’re kids and kids do nutty things. SA Club Champs in St Francis was quite a hoot. Get to the backline quickly before the hooter apparently meant paddling to Australia. The whole gang and us hopping up and down trying to call him back…. Anyway, what happens at Gromblitz ……

Any success stories?

We have seen vast improvements in their confidence, school marks, and interaction with others

How often do you host workshops for the kids?

We try to get together at least twice a week. We are sometimes stymied by the weather and transport issues. We also like to include visits museums and other local attractions 

Who all is involved in the program?

We are fortunate to have great support from Mandela Bay Development Agency,  Missionvale Care Centre,  The Boardroom, Twizza, Body Fuel Express, Pam Golding, Surf Centre, SummerBreezz Spar, Family Terence, Beershack, Borer Beetle and Floor Sanding Services. We are very grateful to all, and in particular to those who assist with coaching.

Gotto love how PE peeps just get on with doing good stuff under the radar. Anyone who'd like to help out with the program, in terms of sponsorship, logistics or man power, please get in touch with Willem on ​palexvr@gmail.com