Rip Curl GromSearch
Presented by Snickers

Surfing Australia
Coffs Harbour, NSW
14 - 17 October 2009

Rip Curl GromSearch presented by SNICKERS opens in style

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 14 October, 2009 : - - Coffs Harbour, NSW -- It was a non-stop surfing showdown on day one of the Rip Curl GromSearch presented by SNICKERS, as the brightest junior talents in the land battled it out in Coffs Harbour.

In what has been described as the most influential grommet series throughout the country, the Rip Curl GromSearch is as an enormous stepping-stone for Australia’s elite, young surfers – and with the best under 16 years competitors in the water on day one, the action was mind-blowing.

The star of the show on the first day was Luke Hynd (Surfers Paradise, QLD) who claimed the SNICKERS wave of the day with a near perfect 9.77 (out of a possible 10).

Having seen little action in the water during Hynd’s heat, the wave of the day popped up and he was in the right place at the right time. “It was a freak wave,” said the modest youngster. “I didn’t think it had any potential and then it just opened up.” Coming off a equal fifth result at the first GromSearch event in Jan Juc, Hynd is looking to continue his current run of form.

“The competition is really tough,” he admitted. “But, I’m really looking forward to doing as well as I can and improve on the last result.”

As temperatures soared Damo Norman (Casuarina, NSW) was in scintillating form – attacking the one-metre beach break with flair and fervour. “The conditions were really fun out there,” he said of the Diggers Beach peaks. “I had a plan to attack the rights as much as possible and it managed to pay off.”

Racking up a total heat score of 14.67 (out of a possible 20), Norman highlighted to all that he will be one to watch. Having competed on the gruelling ASP Australasian Pro Junior Series throughout the year, and gaining a respectable rating of 46 out 253, Norman is revelling at the chance of competing against those his own age.

“This GromSearch Series is awesome,” he admitted. “The competition is really fierce and the guys are really pushing the levels – hopefully I can implement some things I have learnt this year.” Usurping Norman’s performance in the blue ribbon division was Eli Steele (Shelly Beach, QLD) who fired off the a  plethora of great turns.

Looking super confident on his backhand, Steele accrued a total of 15.43 (out of a possible 20) which included a near perfect 8.33 (out of a possible 10). Also joining Steele and Norman in the winners list was Matt Banting (Port Macquarie, NSW), Dylon Hunt (Crescent Head, NSW) and Jake Scott (Malabar, NSW).

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. 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.

With the 14 and 12 years and under boys also battling away, the full spectrum of junior talent was on show. Kalani Ball (Stanwell Park, NSW) was the star of the 12 years division stylishly executing an array of manoeuvres typical of much older competitors. The ever popular SNICKERS EXPRESSION SESSIONS will be run every day & encourage any participants to have a go with prizes and awards for notable performances from all age groups.

Also taking place at this year’s event is the 'GROMSEARCH FRESH START' - a concept designed to encourage young surfers in the region, who haven't competed in an event this size before, to bring their gear down to the event site and have a surf. The "GromSearch Fresh Start" surf will be scheduled from 11am on Thursday 15th October at Macauley's Beach.

For more information be sure to log onto ripcurl.com.au and surfingaustralia.com. The Rip Curl GromSearch Coffs Harbour is proudly presented by SNICKERS in association with Coopers Surf, Waves Magazine, Fuel TV, Surfing Australia and Surfing NSW.

www.ripcurl.com.au
www.surfingaustralia.com

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Rip Curl GromSearch presented by Snickers Media Contact:
Michael Tyrpenou
michaelt@surfingnsw.com.au
 
Rip Curl GromSearch presented by Snickers Event Contact:
Peter Hunt
peterh@surfingnsw.com.au

Groms - Surfersvillage