Barton Lynch coaches South Coast groms in Ulladulla, the kids were back for more on the weekend of June 13 and 14. Due to injury, Barton’s previous camp was postponed until June and the kids were frothing to spend two days hanging out and surfing their little hearts out all weekend.

The kids absolutely ripped all weekend in some fun waves around the local area. Although the swell was small, it enabled the kids the opportunity to master the art of surfing smaller waves, which is often what they are confronted with in the comps. Possibly once they enter the world circuit comps they can enjoy the privilege of surfing the worlds best waves, but until then, it was up to the groms to learn about making the most of what’s on offer.

The focus for this camp, besides having fun with friends, was instilling in the groms the need to have a great deal of determination and passion to succeed in a very competitive world. Barton also focused on comp preparation and strategies, understanding the judging criteria, and integrated into this was also the importance of mental strength, trusting instincts and maintaining ethical standards in the competition arena.

Barton runs a yearly event in the spring school holidays that is specifically targeted at young groms 14 and under who enjoy their surfing and gives kids the opportunity to be introduced to the surf comp atmosphere in a friendly encouraging atmosphere; the emphasis is on having fun and developing your surfing rather than on winning. The ‘blast off’ event takes place at Palm Beach and those interested in finding out more information can do so at www.bartonlynch.com.

We would like to thank all those who helped out, Subway for lunches, Greg McCarthy for photos, Alex for the videography and Barton for his time and dedication to the groms, whilst still recovering from injury.