Rip Curl Int. GromSearch Finals
Presented by Snickers

Rip Curl GromSearch
Bells Beach Australia
12 April 2009

The Rip Curl GromSearch International Final: Nikki Van Dijk and Thomas Woods Join the Legacy

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 15 April, 2009 : - - Australia dominated the Rip Curl International GromSearch Finals presented by Snickers, on Sunday April 12, with Victoria’s Nikki Van Dijk and the Gold Coast’s Thomas Woods both claiming the title in the highly acclaimed junior series.

Only 14-years old, Van Dijk won the local Victorian trials to compete in the main event of the Rip Curl Women's Pro before being defeated by hero and ASP Women’s World Champion Steph Gilmore.

In the GromSearch International Final, Van Dijk was back in winning form, throwing down excellent scores with ease, style, and flair en route to her first Rip Curl GromSearch International Final title. She defeated Ellie Jean-Coffey (AUS), Chandler Parr (USA) and Felicity Palmateer (AUS) who finished second, third and fourth respectively.

“The experience of surfing at Bells this week has been so incredible and exciting. It was really inspiring to surf against Steph as she’s such a good role model. It was great to get to surf against girls my own age again though in the International GromSearch Finals!” said Van Dijk of her week at Bells Beach.

Thomas Woods (AUS), hailing from Queensland resembled a budding young Taj Burrow with high-risk airs, tail blows, and fin wafts. However, Woods went head-up with the sure-fire future ASP World Tour qualifier, Santa Cruz representer, and USA GromSearch National Champ, Nat Young (USA).

Nat lit up the Bells Beach walls as if they were a Steamer Lane canvas, netting a 9.5 and the lead with one particular succession of ballistic backhand blasts. However, with 5 minutes left, Woods cleared for take-off, launching a tweaked frontside grab 180 air before cracking the lip a few more times to lock a mid 8, the lead, and an eventual Rip Curl GromSearch International Final title.

Woods claimed first place in the boys while Nat Young (USA) finished in second place, Wade Charmichael (AUS) in third and Beyrick de Vries (ZAF) in fourth. "I am so stoked," Woods said up on stage. "It's a great honor. All these guys are such great surfers, and I am so stoked to walk away with the title."

With names like Steph Gilmore, Owen Wright, Mason Ho, Jordy Smith, Alana Blanchard, amongst others that highlight the list of GromSearch grads, it's no wonder the International Final is riddled with legacy and prestige.

Smack dab in the middle of the 2009 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, the World's best 16 and under representatives united to do valiant battle. Surfers from the USA, Australia, South Africa, Indonesia, Brazil, France, and New Zealand all showed up with hopes of joining the list of esteemed past champs, while representing their respective flags.

"I will say that was the most high-performance junior final I have ever seen," said Rip Curl founder and owner, Doug "Claw" Warbrick. "And I have seen a lot." The Rip Curl GromSearch series is proudly presented by SNICKERS in association with Waves Magazine, Fuel TV and Surfing Australia.

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Marine Cole

Groms - Surfersvillage