GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND (Tuesday 1 July, 2025) – The 20th annual Billabong Occy’s Grom Comp covered by Sun Bum wrapped up today in pumping 5ft+ waves at Snapper Rocks, delivering an unforgettable Finals Day that showcased the very best of Australia’s next generation of surfing talent.
With dreamy conditions and a building swell on offer, the groms rose to the challenge in what many are calling the best Finals Day in the event’s two-decade history. The stacked finals lineup saw multiple returning champions and fresh faces claiming glory at the country’s most prestigious junior surfing event.
The Under 12 Girls kicked off the morning with fearless performances in solid conditions. Sage Fleming (Coolangatta) took out the win in a head-to-head final against Everly Morgan (Mollymook Beach), who was last year’s standout in the same division.
The Under 12 Boys final saw Maverick Macgugan (North Avalon) light up Snapper with technical precision, earning a 9.10 (out of 10) for a series of critical manoeuvres in the pocket. He edged out Zeph Bartlett (Sunshine Coast) in a high-performance matchup that set the tone for the day.
In the Under 14 Girls, Leihani Kaloha Zoric (Broken Head) successfully defended her 2024 title, claiming back-to-back wins with a progressive and stylish performance highlighted by innovative aerial manoeuvres. She defeated Navah Holmes (Currumbin) in the final and once again proudly represented her heritage, flying the First Nations flag with pride.
The Under 14 Boys final saw Tully Crompton (Tugun) rise to the top with smooth rail work and excellent wave selection, taking the win over Lennox Lindsay (South Coast) in a tightly contested battle down the point.
The Under 16 Girls division saw a thrilling showdown between two powerful goofy-footers. Eliza Richardson (Coolangatta), last year’s runner-up, returned with determination and dominated with her signature backhand carves, earning an incredible 18.00 heat total to defeat Lani Cairncross (South Coast).
Luca Martin (Coolangatta) backed up his 2024 win in the Under 14 Boys with another commanding victory, this time in the Under 16 Boys division. His highest scoring wave, a 9.27, cemented his status as one of the country’s most consistent junior talents, as he overcame a strong challenge from Snapper Rocks Surfriders talent, Zac Johnston (Coolangatta).
The Under 18 Girls final was a dominant display from Ocea Curtis (Lennox Head), who comboed Ava Holland (Dromana) early in the heat with a pair of high-scoring rides, leaving no doubt in the judges’ minds as she secured a decisive win in her final junior event appearance.
The day finished with a nail-biting Under 18 Boys final between Kash Brown of Cronulla Boardriders and Snapper Rocks local Jesse Fergusson. In a dramatic finish, both surfers scored their final waves just before the buzzer. With scores announced on the beach moments later, it was Kash Brown who emerged victorious, locking in a 9.23, the best wave of the heat, to secure the win in his final year at the event.
With multiple back-to-back champions and returning finalists pushing the limits, the 2025 edition of the Billabong Occy’s Grom Comp covered by Sun Bum will go down as one of the most memorable in its rich history. From playful airs to stylish carves and buzzer-beater finishes, this year’s champions have stamped their names into the legacy of the event.
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 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.
CHAMPIONS:
U18 Boys: Kash Brown
U18 Girls: Ocea Curtis
U16 Boys: Luca Martin
U16 Girls: Eliza Richardson
U14 Boys: Tully Crompton
U14 Girls: Leihani Kaloha Zoric
U12 Boys: Maverick Macgugan
U12 Girls: Sage Fleming
