GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND (Sunday 6 June 2021) – Wow. What a day!
The winners of the 2021 Woolworths Queensland Grommet Titles – Event One – were decided in near-perfect surfing conditions at Duranbah Beach.
After an early start at the ever-reliable D-Bah, competitors were welcomed with a clean 2-3 foot swell, which continued throughout most of the day.
The Under 12 Girls Division was dominated by Sunshine Coasters, and eventually won by Pipi Taylor (PEREGIAN BEACH) with a combined two wave score of 11.67 (out of a possible 20.00). She beat Savannah Reilly (DICKY BEACH) (8.44), Ila Cooper (MOOLOOLABA) (6.33) and Evie Wilson (DOONAN) (4.96).
“It was a lot of fun out there,” said Taylor. “We had to paddle right out the back to get some of the waves, and there was also some closeouts. Overall, I’m happy with my surfing.”
The Under 12 Boys Division was taken out by Lucas Deffenti (MIAMI) (10.53), defeating Zac Johnston (CURRIMUNDI) (9.80), Jaxxon Sands (PALM BEACH) (4.94) and Monty Mergler (POINT LOOKOUT) (3.13).
“It was a tight finish in the final. I think I surfed well, but I didn’t choose the best waves out there. It’s a little bit hard to get the right waves,” Deffenti said.
The Under 14 Girls Division was won by Stella Green (BUDDINA) (13.43), who also scored the highest single wave score earlier in the day. She beat Charli Hately (CURRUMBIN) (11.83), Laney Stokes (BUDDINA) (6.10) and Kauri Heuston-Connor (REEDY CREEK) (4.43).
“I didn’t start the day well, but I improved with every heat I surfed,” Green said. “I think I surfed pretty well in the final, even though the surf is now a little inconsistent.”
In a very close fought final in the Under 14 Boys Division, Darcy Dwyer (SUNSHINE BEACH) took the honours with a 12.50. He overcame Zane Glore (ELANORA) (10.90), Mitchell Peterson (NOOSA VILLE) (10.73) and Hunter Andersson (MOFFAT BEACH) (10.03).
“I was pretty stressed at the end. I was hoping no more waves would come through so I could sneak in the win. I’m pretty happy with how I surfed all day,” Dwyer said.
The Groms will now focus their sights on the second and final event of the series, to be held on the Sunshine Coast, 24-25 July.
Surfing Queensland would like to thank its partners Woolworths, QMS Media, The Point Coolum Beach, Major Events Gold Coast, and Tourism and Events Queensland.
