SNAPPER ROCKS, QUEENSLAND (Sunday 5 July, 2026) – The 21st annual Billabong Occy’s Grom Comp presented by CocoCoast concluded in spectacular fashion, with clean three-foot waves providing the perfect canvas for Australia’s next generation of surfers as eight junior champions were crowned at Snapper Rocks.
Finalists took full advantage of the event’s best conditions, demonstrating excellent wave selection and delivering high-performance surfing from start to finish. The stacked finals lineup featured a mix of defending champions, returning finalists and rising stars.
A special thank you also goes to Cr Gail O’Neill, Division 14 representative, whose invaluable support has helped us elevate this year’s event. Surfing Queensland is incredibly grateful for her ongoing commitment to junior surfing and the Coolangatta community.
Congratulating everyone involved, Cr O’Neill said:
“I’d just like to congratulate Surfing Queensland, Billabong and all of the sponsors. This event is really close to our hearts here at Snapper Rocks, and I’m so pleased we could provide funding to help close the roads this year. It’s worked really well. Congratulations to all the competitors, and a big thank you to all the mums and dads who make it possible for these young surfers to be here.”
One of the early highlights of the day was the iconic Occy and Friends heat, which brought together surfing legends Kelly Slater, Jay Occhilupo and, of course, Occy himself. The trio thrilled the crowd and set the tone for an exciting afternoon of finals, with Jay Occhilupo taking the win thanks to his trademark smooth, powerful style.
Reflecting on the milestone event, surfing icon Mark “Occy” Occhilupo said the competition had grown far beyond anything he had imagined.
“When Billabong first asked to put my name on a grom event, I never imagined it would become what it is today. Twenty-one years later it’s incredible to see so many future champions coming through. None of it happens without the parents, volunteers, sponsors and everyone who supports these kids.”
The Under 12 Girls kicked off the finals in an exciting showdown, as Snapper Rocks Surfrider Myra Brown (QLD) and Bungan Boardrider Chloe Grainger (NSW) demonstrated impressive confidence and technical ability, with Australian Under 12 Champion Brown claiming the win through impressive backhand surfing and a combined score of 16.24 (out of a possible 20).
Following suit, the Under 12 Boys delivered exceptional surfing, with Taylor Bartlett (NSW) of Ulladulla Boardriders and Gabriel Kenchington (QLD) of Snapper Rocks Surfriders going head to head. Both powerful backhand surfers, they were evenly matched and demonstrated an intense exchange that came down to the wire. Ultimately, Bartlett’s sharp, energetic surfing earned him the win with a 9.17 (out of a possible 10) on his last wave.
The Under 14 Girls Final featured standout surfing from Queensland athlete Zoee Bradshaw (QLD) and last year’s Under 12s defending champion Sage Fleming (QLD) of Alley Boardriders (Queensland). Bradshaw posted a 9.00 on the back of her first wave, with tight vertical turns in the pocket and excellent timing on critical sections, narrowly winning the final.
In the under 14 boys Final Snapper Rocks Surfrider Thomas Bourke (QLD) kicked things off with beautiful, swooping, textbook style, showcasing an impressive rail game well beyond his years. His maturity and composure earned him an excellent 9.57 as he defeated 2025 champion and Alley Boardrider, Tully Crompton (QLD), in a dominant win.
The Under 16 Girls Final saw strong performances from Snapper Rocks Surfrider Maddison Kenchington (QLD) and Avoca Boardrider Talia Tebb (NSW). Tebb’s surfing showcased swooping turns and her trademark slash. However, it was Kenchington who came out on top, combining confident rail surfing with strong wave selection, explosive tail spray and plenty of energy to secure the victory with a combined score of 15.33.
Reflecting on her victory, Kenchington said the quality of the waves made the win even more memorable.
“I’m so stoked to take the win. We got so lucky with the conditions today—they were some of the best waves of the whole comp. Occy’s always been an inspiration for my backhand, so to win this event means a lot.”
North Avalon Surfrider Locana Cullen (NSW) took on two time defending champion and Alley Boardrider Luca Martin (QLD) in the Under 16 Boys Final, with both surfers displaying high levels of consistency and competitive maturity. Cullen rose to the occasion with huge fin drifts, powerful turns and an aggressive approach, posting a combined heat total of 16.07 to claim the title.
Cullen said winning at Snapper Rocks made the victory even more special.
“It was a pretty tough one against Luca—we went head-to-head the whole heat. Surfing Snapper with all your friends on the beach is pretty special, so it means a lot to get the win here.”
The Under 18 Girls Final showcased mature, composed surfing from Olive Hardy (WA) and Burleigh Boardrider Anna Huppatz (QLD). Hardy impressed with her smooth, stylish approach, combining excellent flow with smart wave selection, while Huppatz displayed strong technical surfing, staying light on her feet and surfing with confidence throughout the final. In a closely contested battle, Huppatz edged ahead to narrowly claim the title.
Huppatz said claiming the title at her favourite junior event was a rewarding way to cap off the week.
“It means so much to win because this is my favourite event of the year. Olive’s such a great surfer, so I knew it was going to be a really tough final.”
The Under 18 Boys Final delivered a thrilling, neck-and-neck battle between 2025 runner-up Jesse Fergusson (QLD) of Kirra Surfriders and Caden Francis (QLD) of Snapper Rocks Surfriders. With the lead changing hands throughout the heat, the pressure remained high until the final siren. Ultimately, Francis’ fast, progressive surfing and explosive turns earned him the title after taking control of the heat in the second half.
Francis said the long-awaited victory was especially satisfying after years of competing in the event.
“It feels really good. I’ve been surfing this event since the Under 12s, and this is the first time I’ve won it, so to do it in my final year is pretty special. Jesse’s one of my good mates and an incredible surfer, so I knew I’d need some big scores.”
With another memorable edition now complete, the Billabong Occy’s Grom Comp presented by CocoCoast once again showcased the incredible depth of Australia’s next generation of surfing talent.
Finals Day was streamed via webcast at billabong.com.au and coverage available on Surfing Queensland’s social media channels @surfing_queensland.
Billabong Occy’s Grom Comp pres. by CocoCoast is part of the Surfing Australia Junior Series.
Supported by: Snapper Surfriders Club, Surfing Queensland, City of Gold Coast, Sun Bum, Hydro Flask, FCS, JS Surfboards, Kustom, S&S Group, Stryker, Nocs Provisions, Kirra Surf, Blue Minds and Rainbow Bay Surf Life Saving Club.
