Grommet (sportsperson)
Encyclopedia
"Grommet" is a term used to describe a young participant in extreme sports. The term originally was used in the sport
of surfing
for anyone under the age of 16. However in recent years, the term has been expanded to include other extreme sports, most notably skateboarding
and snowboarding
.
use of the word appears in a 1964 article by the journalist, Nicholas Tomalin
, who on a visit to Newquay
in Cornwall noted that: "A surfer who is no good or just beginning is a 'gremmie'."
The word "Gremmie", which was used in the United States
in the 1940s and 1950s, was derived from the word "Gremlin
".
The term "grommet" was used in Lockie Leonard Legend by Tim Winton: '...Things are never as simple as they seem, not even for grommets..."
The word was originally a derogatory term for an inexperienced surfer, but has become an accepted term for all young participants. For example, the British Surfing Association offers a Grommet Surf Club for young surfers.
Sport
A Sport is all forms of physical activity which, through casual or organised participation, aim to use, maintain or improve physical fitness and provide entertainment to participants. Sport may be competitive, where a winner or winners can be identified by objective means, and may require a degree...
of surfing
Surfing
Surfing' is a surface water sport in which the surfer rides a surfboard on the crest and face of a wave which is carrying the surfer towards the shore...
for anyone under the age of 16. However in recent years, the term has been expanded to include other extreme sports, most notably skateboarding
Skateboarding
Skateboarding is an action sport which involves riding and performing tricks using a skateboard.Skateboarding can be a recreational activity, an art form, a job, or a method of transportation. Skateboarding has been shaped and influenced by many skateboarders throughout the years. A 2002 report...
and snowboarding
Snowboarding
Snowboarding is a sport that involves descending a slope that is covered with snow on a snowboard attached to a rider's feet using a special boot set onto mounted binding. The development of snowboarding was inspired by skateboarding, sledding, surfing and skiing. It was developed in the U.S.A...
.
Etymology
The first contextualComparative contextual analysis
Comparative Contextual Analysis is a methodology for comparative research where contextual interrogation precedes any analysis of similarity and difference. It is a thematic process directed and designed to explore relationships of agency rather than institutional or structural frameworks. See...
use of the word appears in a 1964 article by the journalist, Nicholas Tomalin
Nicholas Tomalin
Nicholas Osborne Tomalin was an English journalist and writer.Tomalin was the son of Miles Tomalin, a Communist poet and veteran of the Spanish Civil War. He studied English literature at Trinity Hall, Cambridge. As a student he was President of the Cambridge Union and editor of the prestigious...
, who on a visit to Newquay
Newquay
Newquay is a town, civil parish, seaside resort and fishing port in Cornwall, England. It is situated on the North Atlantic coast of Cornwall approximately west of Bodmin and north of Truro....
in Cornwall noted that: "A surfer who is no good or just beginning is a 'gremmie'."
The word "Gremmie", which was used in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
in the 1940s and 1950s, was derived from the word "Gremlin
Gremlin
A gremlin is an imaginary creature commonly depicted as mischievous and mechanically oriented, with a specific interest in aircraft. Gremlins' mischievous natures are similar to those of English folkloric imps, while their inclination to damage or dismantle machinery is more...
".
The term "grommet" was used in Lockie Leonard Legend by Tim Winton: '...Things are never as simple as they seem, not even for grommets..."
The word was originally a derogatory term for an inexperienced surfer, but has become an accepted term for all young participants. For example, the British Surfing Association offers a Grommet Surf Club for young surfers.