Grom & Gilmore : photo Michael Tyrpenou/Surfing Australia

Rip Curl GromSearch
Presented by Snickers

Surfing New South Wales
Coffs Harbour NSW Australia
3 - 6 October 2008

Rip Curl GromSearch presented by SNICKERS goes from strength-to-strength at Coffs Harbour

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 4 October, 2008 : - - Macaulay's Beach, NSW -- Day two of the Rip Curl GromSearch presented by SNICKERS heralded high-quality surfing and big scores from the country’s best at Coffs Harbour. In one-metre conditions at Macaulay’s Beach it was Kurt Kiggins (Cronulla, NSW) who outshone the brightest of stars in the second round of the 16 years and under competition.

“It’s really tough out there today – the conditions are really challenging,” Kiggins said after his morning heat. In a field stacked with future stars, the Rip Curl GromSearch presented by SNICKERS is a junior surfing event of the highest order. “The competition is really fierce,” he said. “There are a lot of guys that can win, but in conditions like this it just depends on who gets the best waves.”

Winners of the 16’s division of the Rip Curl GromSearch ratings will receive a guaranteed place in the National Finals at Bells Beach, during the prestigious ASP World Tour event - the Rip Curl Pro. On hand to witness the action was ASP Women’s World Champion, and current ASP World Tour ratings leader, Stephanie Gilmore – and she was impressed with what she saw.

“It’s such a great concept and an awesome stepping stone for these kids,” Gilmore said. Having competed in the Rip Curl GromSearch Series as teenager, Gilmore knows full well the importance of these events. “I remember doing when I was a kid and they were so much fun. I think it’s really important that while the kids are still competing to have fun and enjoy their surfing.”

The Rip Curl GromSearch series travels to seven different spots around Australia, giving young hopefuls a chance to surf in their own backyards in an effort to make their way to the National Finals at Bells Beach. Also in great form on day two was a host of competitors throughout all six divisions.

Noa Deane (Coolangatta, QLD) and Jake Cumberland (Tweed Heads, NSW) were standouts in the 14 years and under boys division, while Jackson Baker (Merewether, NSW) and Jack Germain (Lake Cathie, NSW) were on fire in the 12 years and under division. In the 16 years and under girls division it was Ellie-Jean Coffey (Crescent Head, NSW) and Brodie Doyle (Coolangatta, QLD) who reigned supreme with some excellent surfing.

Each day there’ll be a SNICKERS wave of the day awarded to one surfer who performs outstandingly on a single wave and the SNICKERS expression sessions will again feature, encouraging progressive moves from Australia’s hottest young talents. On day one it was Harrison Mann (Torquay, VIC) who claimed the SNICKERS wave of the day after racking up an impressive 8.17 (out of a possible 10).

The Rip Curl GromSearch presented by SNICKERS Coffs Harbour event runs from 3 October – 6 October 2008. The Rip Curl GromSearch series is proudly presented by SNICKERS in association with Waves Magazine, Fuel TV, Surfing Australia and Surfing NSW.

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2008/2009 RIP CURL GROMSEARCH SERIES DATES
Vic Jan Juc Sept 23-26, 2008
NSW Coffs Harbour Oct 3-6, 2008
WA Mandurah Oct 11-12, 2008
Tas Clifton Oct 25-26, 2008
SA Middleton Nov 22-23, 2008
Qld Gold Coast Dec 15-19, 2008
NSW Cronulla Jan 17-20, 2009

National Final Bells April 6, 2009
International Final Bells April 9-14, 2009

www.ripcurl.com
www.surfingaustralia.com

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Surfing NSW Media Manager
Michael Tyrpenou
michaelt@surfingnsw.com.au

Rip Curl Public Relations
Marine Cole
mcole@ripcurl.com.au

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