GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND (Friday 21 June, 2024) – The internationally renowned Billabong Occy’s Grom Comp pres. by Sun Bum is set to return to the world-class surf break, Snapper Rocks, from June 28 to July 2. After last year’s success, the event, now in its 19th year, promises another thrilling competition for junior surfers from around the globe.
Traditionally held at Duranbah Beach, this prestigious junior surfing event has found a new home at Snapper Rocks, offering competitors the chance to showcase their skills at one of the world’s most famous high performance waves. The move to Snapper Rocks last year received overwhelming positive feedback from participants and spectators alike, cementing its status as a prime location for the competition.
The Billabong Occy’s Grom Comp pres. by Sun Bum attracts a diverse array of young talent from around the globe, making it a truly international event. Groms from countries such as French Polynesia, Indonesia and New Zealand will be landing in Coolangatta for the competition. The international presence underscores the event’s reputation for junior surfers worldwide, providing them with the opportunity to gain valuable experience, compete against the best, and build lasting connections within the surfing community.
Surfing Queensland CEO, Adam Yates, said he is thrilled with the inclusion of the marquee Under 18’s divisions in this year’s event.
The inclusion of Under 18 surfers in the Billabong Occy’s Grom Comp pres. by Sun Bum elevates the competition by bringing in a higher level of skill and experience,” said Yates.
“These young athletes are on the brink of turning professional, and their participation not only enhances the event’s prestige but also inspires the younger groms to push their limits and strive for excellence. This event serves as a crucial pathway for International surfers and Australia’s top juniors, with past victors including current Championship Tour surfers and former World Champions.”
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, is excited to see the Billabong Occy’s Grom Comp pres. by Sun Bum return to Snapper Rocks.
‘I couldn’t be happier with the response from last year’s event and I’m stoked that the Billabong Occy Grom Comp pres. by Sun Bum will be running at Snapper Rocks in 2024,” said Occhilupo.
“Snapper Rocks provides the perfect conditions for these young surfers to shine and take their skills to the next level. It is an incredible opportunity for the top groms in Australia and from overseas to get a chance to surf a heat at one of the best waves in the world! We’re looking forward to another fantastic week of competition and I am thankful to everyone involved in making this event possible.”
Previous event champions include, professional surfing icons such as, Tyler Wright, Jack Freestone, Sally Fitzgibbon, Ryan Callinan, Macy Callaghan and Isabella Nichols.
Proudly supported by Snapper Surfriders Club, Surfing Queensland, Yeti, FCS, JS Surfboards, Surf lakes, S&S Projects, Stryker, Kustom, Kirra Surf and Rainbow Bay Surf life Saving Club.
