GROM ABUSE IS NOW A DIRTY MARK ON THE WHOLESOME IMAGE THAT SURFING PROJECTS, SOMEWHERE IN_BETWEEN LOCALISM AND PISSING IN YOUR WETSUIT.
DYLAN MUHLENBERG AND CLAYTON TRUSCOTT DISSECT THE ROOTS OF THE PHENOMENON, AND ITS EFFECTS ON SURF CULTURE AND ETIQUETTE IN _THE LINEUP.
Put simply, ‘grom abuse’ describes the hazing and mistreatment that younger surfers (predominantly males) received from older surfers (also predominantly males) in and out of the water – a term that is phonetically too close to child or domestic abuse to stand unchecked these days. It happened just about everywhere with a surf scene, and it reached its pinnacle during contest initiation ceremonies and on surf trips.
It was often worse in places with better waves, bigger locals, and less parental supervision. All but gone today, what’s left in its wake are questions and wild anecdotes. Many of those who survived it consider it the thing that made them the men they are today. Those who didn’t are glad it’s no longer accepted (and that’s an understatement).
