SUNSHINE COAST, QUEENSLAND (SUNDAY, 2 November, 2025) Coolum delivered an epic weekend of waves, sunshine, and stoke for the 2025 First Set GromQuest pres. by We Are Feel Good Inc., where Queensland’s next generation of surfers put on an incredible display of talent and determination.
Across two days of friendly but fierce competition, groms battled it out in four-person heats from the Under 10 Parent-Assist divisions through to the marquee Under 18 Boys and Girls, with each surfer showing impressive skill and progression.
The first champions of the day came from the Under 10 divisions, setting a high-energy tone for Finals Day. Leila Annand took out the Under 10 Girls, while Fyn Herlihy claimed victory in the Under 10 Boys, showing remarkable skill and composure for the youngest competitors. Their performances highlighted the exciting future of surfing in Queensland.
Myra Brown took out the Under 12 Girls division, solidifying her victory with a strong 7.00-point ride. In the Under 12 Boys, Zeph Bartlett came out on top after a tightly contested final against Ollie Sharpe, Luca Dart, and Koa Jones, who finished second, third, and fourth respectively.
Josefa Melus took the win in the Under 14 Girls, while Brandon Davidson claimed victory in the Under 14 Boys after scoring a last-minute 7.67 (out of a possible 10) in tricky afternoon conditions.
The Under 16 Girls final saw Maddison Kenchington dominate the lineup, winning by nearly double the heat total of her fellow competitors and claiming her second GromQuest victory after her 2024 triumph.
“I’m so stoked to win this event once again,” said Kenchington. “A big thank you to my parents for bringing me here, to my sponsors, and to Surfing Queensland for putting on such an awesome comp. I’m already looking forward to doing it again next year!”
In the Under 16 Boys, Hazza Gibbs stole the show, locking in the winning wave in the closing minute to the delight of the cheering crowd.
Standout competitor Stella Green secured the Under 18 Girls title with a composed and confident performance, while Hayden Danswan took out the Under 18 Boys division in a thrilling final full of non-stop action.
Wrapping up the weekend in good spirits, the Big Kids Cup saw parents and Surfing Queensland officials take to the water for a fun exhibition heat — with Matt Danswan, proud dad of the Under 18 Boys champion, claiming victory and rounding out a memorable family double.
“I love putting on the comp rashie and competing any chance I get,” said Danswan. “It was unreal to share the win with my son — definitely one to remember.”
Adding to the weekend’s good vibes, Ollie Sharpe was awarded the Feel Good Best Grom Vibe Award for his outstanding energy, sportsmanship, and skills commentating the Big Kids Cup.
Luke Jenssen, owner of First Set Boardstore, said he was proud to see the event come to life under the First Set banner.
“We’re thrilled to be the naming rights partner for the GromQuest,” said Jenssen. “It’s such a great community event that supports the next generation of surfers. We’re keen to run it again next year and working toward increasing the ranking points to make it even better for our groms.”
Throughout the weekend, SharpEye Surfboards hosted an exciting board demo activation, giving competitors the chance to test some of the world’s best-performing surfboards — all of which will soon be available at the new First Set Boardstore, opening December in Maroochydore. The First Set website is already live at firstsetboardstore.com.au.
Surfing Queensland would like to thank the event partners, including First Set Boardstore, We Are Feel Good Inc., Tide Pools and Landscapes, and Flow Nutrition.
The organisation also acknowledges its corporate partners for their ongoing support: BYD Gold Coast, Queensland Government, DriTimes, QMS, We Are Feel Good Inc., The Point Coolum, Sunshine Coast Council, Cooee, Mogu Mogu, and Blue Horizon.
About First Set
At First Set, we believe surfing deserves nothing less than the best. Every product on our shelves reflects the highest standards in design, performance, and craftsmanship. We partner only with premium brands and innovators who share our passion for quality, ensuring that every board, fin, and piece of hardware helps surfers perform at their peak.
Our ethos is built on integrity, respect, and authenticity. We stand behind everything we sell — never compromising on quality, never cutting corners, and never offering anything we wouldn’t ride ourselves.
First Set isn’t just a store, it’s a commitment. A commitment to excellence, surf culture, and building lasting relationships based on trust. We exist for those who seek performance, innovation, and products that reflect true craftsmanship and care.
At First Set, premium is the standard, and integrity is the foundation.
About We Are Feel Good Inc.
At We Are Feel Good Inc., we’re adventurers, explorers, and lovers of the outdoors. Proudly developed, produced, and owned in Western Australia, our mission is to make sunscreen that feels good — offering high-performance, broad-spectrum SPF50+ protection that’s water-resistant for up to four hours.
Our formulas are Hawaii Act 104 Reef Compliant, cruelty-free, and free from harmful ingredients like parabens, PABA, oxybenzone, and octinoxate. Lightweight, non-greasy, and made to rub in clear, our sunscreens protect against UV damage while nourishing and moisturising the skin.
All products are TGA-approved to the highest standards, helping Australians stay confident, protected, and sun-safe while doing what they love most.
