GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND (Monday 1 July, 2024) – The stage has been set for the final day of competition at the Billabong Occy’s Grom Comp pres. by Sun Bum with all divisions hitting the pristine two-to-three foot waves to vye for a position in tomorrows finals.
With the world-class Snapper Rocks as their canvas, Australia’s most talented groms continue to raise the bar and build anticipation in the lead up to tomorrow’s finals. With glassy conditions and plenty of waves, these groms proved why they are the best, executing advanced manoeuvres with flair.
The Under 12 divisions quarterfinals kicked the day off, with our youngest talent lighting up the point. Tully Crompton (Tugun) surfed a textbook heat, only needing to utilise four waves to lock in an impressive two wave total of 15.67 (out of a possible 20-points).
Under 14 girls took over Snapper for their quarterfinals, with standout performers Leihani Kaloha Zoric (Broken Head) and Kiwi competitor Lola Groube (New Zealand) both dominating their heats, successfully securing their positions in the semifinals.
Under 16 boys competitor, Ben Zanatta (Dee Why) showcased his competitive nature in a talent stacked three man heat, getting the win against Parko’s Junior Pro Under 16 winner, Ocean Lancaster (Merewether) and recent STAB High Japan junior competitor, Caden Francis (Palm Beach).
Meika Locke (Palm Beach) won Event Two of the Queensland Junior Surfing Titles last week and has her sights set on claiming victory at Snapper Rocks. She continued her winning streak by getting beating top-seed and Queensland State Champion, Eliza Richardson (Sunshine Beach).
Locke was asked on the livestream what her training looks like to prepare for such a high stakes event.
“All the Burleigh Boardrider girls have been training consistently and pushing each other in the lead up to Occy’s Grom Comp,” said Locke.
“Our coach Hinata coaches us once a week and then we have club rounds with a great group of girls so it is always fun. I’m going to go practice at Dbah this afternoon and get ready for the semifinals tomorrow!”
The marquee Under 18 girls were explosive in their quarterfinal heats with ISA Junior World Champion Ziggy Mackenzie (Bilinga) claiming victory over Milla Brown (Newport) and Stella Green (Buddina).
Landen Smales (Noosa Heads) surfed a nail-biting heat, winning by only 0.04 points against Parko’s Junior Pro Under 18 winner, Fletcher Kelleher (Freshwater).
“It was great heat, but honestly scary surfing against such high level competitors,” said Smales.
“The forecast looks a bit bigger for the finals and I’m sure it will line up down the bank. I won Occy’s when I was in the Under 16’s and it is so good to have the Under 18’s division this year. Fingers crossed I can get the double victory!”
The last heat of the day saw the Under 12 girls take to the water for the semifinals. Everly Morgan (Mollymook Beach) got the highest heat total of the day with a whopping 17.27 points (out of a possible 20).
There will be a live webcast for the final day of the event, with an all star cast comprising of Wayne ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew, Vaughan Blakey, Stace Galbraith, Jesse Starling and Laura Enever, plus special guests throughout the event.
Tomorrow will see champions crowned across all divisions from Under 12’s to Under 18’s.
Click here to see the full results from today.
The Billabong Occy’s Grom Comp 2024 Presented by Sun Bum is 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.
