Coolum Beach came alive today as seven individual groms were crowned champions at the final stop of the Woolworths Surfer Groms Comp national series presented by Ruffie.
Fortunately, the wind had backed off overnight from yesterday, providing glorious conditions with plenty of waves on offer for the under 8 parent-assist division all the way to the under 14 boys and girls divisions.
The Under 8 and Under 10 optional parent-assist divisions commenced the finals for the day. The young divisions were bursting with talent and courage as the surfers showed no fear as they tackled the out-the-back break.
The Under 12 Girls Division was taken out by Charlotte Rielly (Dicky Beach) ahead of Evie Wilson (Marcus Beach), Luana Matthies (Varsity Lakes) and MillerMay Berg (Miami Beach).
In a final that went right down to the wire, it was Archie Fergusson (Sunshine Beach),who ended up on top in the Under 12 Boys division. Oliver McLean (Gold Coast) placed second ahead of Zac Johnston (Dicky Beach) and Sonny Brooke (Marcus Beach), respectively.
Fresh off an Australian Title, the Under 14 Girls Champion, Eliza Richardson (Sunshine Beach), looked determined and won the final with a 15.17 combined total (out of a possible 20.00). Richardson was victorious ahead of Kanon Takahashi (Palm Beach), twin sister, Rosie Richardson (Sunshine Beach) and Meika Locke (Burleigh Heads).
“I’m so happy to win today,” said Richardson.“And I’m extra stoked that I get to go to the National Final Surf Camp at the HPC with my twin sister, Rosie.”
The Under 14 boys went at it hammer and tongs. It was a seesaw battle for first however, Jesse Fergusson (Sunshine Beach), was a man-on-a-mission, taking top honours ahead of Hayden Danswan (Peregian Springs). Lachlan Arghyros (Kingscliff) finished third and Leo Sennett (Sunrise Beach) in fourth.
“I’m feeling so stoked to win today and it’s even better that my brother won as well,” said Fergusson. “This is an enormous confidence boost and I’m really excited to compete again tomorrow at the Rip Curl GromSearch here at Coolum.”
The Woolworths Fresh Move Award went to Ily Fraser and Harrison Gibbs for their outstanding performance and sportsmanship shown during the event.
The groms will now focus their sights on the National Final to be held in Northern NSW next Sunday, 18 December.
Stay tuned for day one of the Rip Curl GromSearch, kicking off tomorrow at Coolum Beach.
Surfing Queensland would also like to thank the Sunshine Coast Council, The Point Coolum, QMS Media, We Are Feel Good Inc and Queensland Government for their ongoing support.
About the Woolworths Surfer Groms Comp Series
Regarded as one of the major stepping stones in the development of young Australian surfers, the 10-event Woolworths Surfer Groms Comps series caters for surfers from Under 8 to Under 14 and will be held in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania and South Australia over summer.
As an added bonus, the respective winners of the Under 14 boys’ and girls’ divisions from each event will receive an invite to attend an all-expenses-paid, three-day Woolworths Surfer Groms Comps National Final Surf Camp, (1-day coaching clinic, two days of competition and heat analysis coaching) at the Surfing Australia High-Performance Centre (HPC). For the South Australian, Victorian and Tasmanian events, the Woolworths Surf Camp prize will be awarded to the highest place Under-14 Boy and Girl who reside in that respective state
Woolworths Surfer Groms Comps 2022 Schedule:
EVENT 1 – Kiama, NSW – Sept 3 – 4, 2022
EVENT 2 – Coffs Harbour, NSW – Sept 10 – 11, 2022
EVENT 3 – Gold Coast, QLD – Sept 24 – 25, 2022
EVENT 4 – Fleurieu Peninsula, SA – Oct 1, 2022
EVENT 5 – Northern Beaches, NSW – Oct 15 – 16, 2022
EVENT 6 – Clifton Beach, TAS – Oct 29, 2022
EVENT 7 – Torquay, VIC – Nov 12 – 13, 2022
EVENT 8 – Trigg, WA – Nov 19 – 20, 2022
EVENT 9 – Cronulla, NSW – Dec 3 – 4, 2022
EVENT 10 – Sunshine Coast, QLD – Dec 10 – 11, 2022
