FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Tuesday 15th December 2020, Sunshine Coast: The world-renowned Rip Curl GromSearch series continued today at Alexandra Headland in pumping 3-5 foot conditions.
The 16 & under Boy’s Division is now set for an epic final as Tim Bain (Peregian Beach) and Marlon Harrison (Coolangatta) both won their semi finals. Joining them in the final will be Matt Boyle (Currumbin) and Luke Brumby (Maroochydore).
The 16 & under girls saw Lilliana Bowrey (Noosa), Charlotte Mulley (Miami), Coco Cairns (Noosa), and Tayla Green (Buddina) all booking their spot in finals day courtesy of impressive surfing in the semi-finals.
The Under 14 Boy’s division final is also set as junior stars Rico Haybittle (Burleigh Heads) and Landen Smales (Peregian Smales) posted some excellent scores to take out their semi final heats. Tom Whitpaine (Burleigh Heads) and Ashton Pignat (Yaroomba) have also advanced to the final tomorrow which is set to be an amazing clash.
Jordy Halford (Currumbin) continued her standout surfing in the 14 & under girls division after taking out the Woolworths Groms Comp Series on Sunday. Halford opened her campaign with an impressive total heat score of 15.17 out of a possible 20.
Halford will be aiming to win her second competition in three days as she will take on fellow quarter final winners Riley Du preez (Currumbin), Armanie Barber (Noosa Heads) and Jahly Stokes (Buddina).
Headlining the 12 & Under Boys division is Noosa Boardriders star Mitchell Peterson (Noosa Heads) who posted the highest heat total of the day, a 17.6 finding long flowing waves to match his smooth and progressive style.
“The waves were running from out the back all the way through to the inside. It was so much fun surfing out there!” Said Peterson.
Finals day will feature the 12 & Under Girls quarters, 12 & Under Boys Semi’s before 6 incredible finals will run back to back to crown the 2020 Rip Curl GromSearch Champions.
A full list of today’s results and finals day match up can be found here:
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.
