Surfing 'grommets' get big chance

Young surfers are being offered the chance to make the big time at a training academy being opened at Harlyn Bay in north Cornwall on Saturday.

Eight "grommets" who either live in or go to school in the district council's area will be chosen for a 16-week coaching regime at the Surf Academy.

The academy has been created with funds from Sport England and the Big Lottery.

Chris Rea, who runs Harlyn Surf School, said: "We feel that our Academy will be a stepping stone to future success."

You just need the desire to become that surfer Paul Meadows

Youngsters will get tuition from some of the country's best coaches and also the opportunity to gain vocational qualifications such as first aid and beach lifeguard awards.

Paul Meadows, from North Cornwall District Council which is backing the scheme, said: "We are looking not only at surf ability but also the ability to fit into a team.

"We will be judging candidates on dry land skills as well as surfing skills.

"However we will be able to identify a surfer's potential, you don't have to be the best surfer on the beach at this point in time, you just need the desire to become that surfer."