A note from Chris James
Grommet, or grom, generally refers to a young surfer under the age of sixteen. The etymology of the word has several variations. First used in the United States during the 1940's and 50's, it is a variant on gremmie or gremlin which described the look of these young boys, and sometimes girls. It also appeared in England and Australia as gremmie.
Originally a derogatory term for inexperienced surfers at a young age it soon took hold and was favored by the groms themselves when they quickly bettered their elders. Most of the older surfers believe it was the invention of lighter, smaller surfboards that allowed the grommets to rule the waves.
They tend to live as a breed apart no matter where they congregate. Surfing is a sport that requires courage, physical stamina and, of course, an ocean. Man vs. nature, an age old story. Groms don't seek to tame the relentless seas, but they do find their thrills on the crest of a wave.
Although there are many international surfing competitions held around the world, this story is located in Florida. Perhaps not the largest waves a surfer might challenge but the beaches here still attract the champions of the surfing community. This is a fictional story which allows me to place two young local boys in a contest that might in reality be over their heads.