Monday 14h December 2020, Sunshine Coast: The world-renowned Rip Curl GromSearch series kicked off today at Alexandra Headland in pumping 4-6 foot conditions.
The event saw a delayed start to allow the ocean to settle after a night of high winds and competitors were greeted with postcard perfect right handers peeling down the Alexandra Headland Point. The Headland was lined with family and friends taking full advantage of the world’s best junior surfers putting on a show.
Marlon Harrison (Coolangatta) was a standout on day one of the Rip Curl Grom Search posting the highest score of the Under 16 Boys quarterfinals to progress to finals day. Joining him in the semi-finals is Tim Bain (Peregian Beach), Tane Dobbyn (Palm Beach), Matt Boyle (Currumbin), Zeb Stokes (Buddina) and Luke Brumby (Maroochydore) in what will be an incredible match up.
Marlon was ecstatic to book his place on finals day. “That was such a fun day! The waves were so sick I was having the best time out there. The surf is going to be so good all week, I can’t wait to check out some other spots on the Sunshine Coast tomorrow.”
The Under 14 Boys also locked in it’s semi finalists which will see Tom Whitpaine (Burleigh Heads), Ashton Pignat (Yaroomba), Dane Henry (Coolangatta), Landen Smales (peregian Beach) and Chez Bos (Burleigh Heads) doing battle on finals day.
A full list of todays results is available here:
Tomorrow will see the remaining divisions hit the water in the lead up to what will be an incredible finals day on Wednesday!
All competitors are encouraged to call the events hotline on 07 3030 6388 at 6:15am tomorrow to confirm the official schedule and location.
This is the last of three qualifying events before the finals held at URBNSURF in Melbourne, Victoria in March 2021 with the top three surfers in each division guaranteed a spot in the national final.
About the Rip Curl GromSearch:
The GromSearch series provides the opportunity for groms to surf with their friends whilst developing their competitive skills. As participants progress through to the finals they gain valuable experience competing against elite level talent.
The impressive list of previous GromSearch competitors that are currently on the WSL world tour is testament to the quality of the series.
Current WSL World Tour athletes that were GromSearch finalists include;
Tyler Wright*, Steph Gilmore*, Carissa Moore*, Sally Fitgibbons, Malia Manuel, Nikki Van Dijk, Tatiana Weston-Webb, Bronte McCaulay, Caroline Marks, Macy Callaghan, Brisa Hennessy, Isabella Nichols & Bethany Hamilton. (*note: GromSearch competitors have won the last 13 WSL women’s World Titles) (12 of 18 athletes).
Current Men’s WSL World Tour athletes that were GromSearch finalists include;
Gabriel Medina*, Owen Wright, Italo Ferreira*, Jordy Smith*, Kolohe Andino*, Filipe Toledo*, Kanoa Igarashi*, Wade Carmichael, Ryan Callinan, Leonardo Fioravanti, Connor O’Leary, Seth Moniz, Griffin Colapinto & Morgan Cibilic.
(*Note: the top 6 surfers of the final 2019 WSL World Tour rankings are all former GromSearch finalists). 20 of 34 total.
