GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND (Friday 27 June, 2025) – The iconic Billabong Occy’s Grom Comp covered by Sun Bum has officially kicked off at Snapper Rocks, celebrating its 20th year with an epic return to the world-class wave. Traditionally held at Duranbah Beach, this is only the third time the event has taken place at Snapper, adding a special significance to this year’s milestone edition.
The day began with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land and setting a respectful and inspiring tone for the week ahead.
Competition got underway with the Under 18 Boys division, launching the event in pumping morning conditions. Top seed Mitchell Peterson wasted no time setting the standard, securing the first win of the day. Fellow standouts included Kash Brown and nationally recognised junior talent, Hunter Andersson, both showcasing impressive form in their opening heats.
The Under 18 Girls followed, and ISA World Junior Champion, Ziggy Mackenzie, made a strong statement by securing her heat win ahead of Ava Holland, Grace Gosby and Anna Huppatz. Shortly after, Sunshine Coast surfer Stella Green claimed a tightly contested heat win, positioning herself as one to watch throughout the event.
The afternoon brought some of the day’s best conditions for the Under 16 Boys and Girls divisions, with competitors taking full advantage of the playful Snapper walls. In the final heat of the day, top-seeded Under 16 competitor Eliza Richardson delivered an exceptional performance, earning a 9.67, the highest single wave score of the event so far.
The excellent surfing across the board hint at an exciting four days of competition still to come, with surfers from around the country ready to make their mark.
With divisions ranging from Under 12 to Under 18, the 2025 Billabong Occy’s Grom Comp continues through to Tuesday 1 July and promises plenty of action, progression and stoke from the next generation of surfing stars.
The final two days will be streamed via webcast at billabong.com.au and coverage available on Surfing Queensland’s social media channels @surfing_queensland.
Billabong Occy’s Grom Comp covered by Sun Bum is part of the Surfing Australia Junior Series.
Supported by: Snapper Surfriders Club, Surfing Queensland, Hydro Flask, FCS, JS Surfboards, Surf Lakes, S&S Group, Stryker Media, Kustom, Kirra Surf, and Rainbow Bay Surf Life Saving Club.
