GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND (Thursday 26 June, 2025) – The internationally celebrated Billabong Occy’s Grom Comp covered by Sun Bum returns to the world-class waves of Snapper Rocks from tomorrow through 1 July. Now in its 20th year, the event builds on last year’s success and is set to deliver another exciting showcase of both Australian and international junior surfing talent.
Known as one of the world’s premier high-performance waves, Snapper offers an unbeatable arena for the next generation of surfers to push their limits. The venue change from Duranbah to Snapper was a standout success in 2024, earning praise from athletes and spectators alike and firmly establishing Snapper as the new heart of the event.
Now celebrating its 20th year, the competition continues to draw a vibrant mix of young talent from across the globe. Surfers from French Polynesia, Indonesia, New Zealand, and beyond will descend on Coolangatta for a week of high-energy heats and world-class surfing. The international turnout highlights the event’s global appeal and reinforces its status as a critical stepping stone for juniors looking to make their mark on the sport.
Surfing Queensland Head of Operations, Elliot Dempster, said he is thrilled to once again be running the five day event at Snapper Rocks.
“It’s awesome to be back at Snapper Rocks for the 20th year of the Billabong Occy’s Grom Comp,” said Dempster.
“Snapper delivered for the groms in 2024, and this year it’s the ideal place to celebrate such a major milestone. This comp has launched so many careers over the years, and we’re stoked to see the next generation of talent rise to the occasion.”
The event will play host to an array of Australian and international up-and-coming male and female surfers from Under 12 to the Blue Ribbon Under 18 divisions.
1999 World Champion Mark “Occy” Occhilupo, who the event is named after, couldn’t believe that the competition is celebrating it’s 20th anniversary.
“I used to travel with Bruce, Andy Irons, and Parko when we were all on tour. I’d tell them stories from 20 years back, and it always felt like a lifetime ago,” said Occhilupo.
“Fast forward to today, and I can’t believe this event has been running for 20 years! I’m so proud of how far it’s come, and this year’s comp is shaping up to be something really special. I’ve got a strong feeling it’s going to be the best one yet.”
Previous event champions include, professional surfing icons such as, Tyler Wright, Jack Freestone, Sally Fitzgibbon, Ryan Callinan, Macy Callaghan and Isabella Nichols.
A media call took place this morning with interviews featuring the event’s namesake Mark ‘Occy’ Occhilupo, joined by Joel ‘Parko’ Parkinson, local talent Thomas Bourke (U14 Boys) of Snapper Rocks Surfriders and Anna Huppatz (U18 Girls) of Burleigh Boardriders.
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.
