Rip Curl GromSearch
Presented by Snickers

Surfing Australia
Coffs Harbour, NSW
14 - 17 October 2009

Champions crowned at Rip Curl GromSearch presented by SNICKERS

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 16 October, 2009 : - - Coffs Harbour, NSW -- Three champions were crowned today in awesome conditions on day three of the prestigious Rip Curl GromSearch presented SNICKERS.

Blessed with excellent conditions this morning and an exceptional pool of talent, ranging from all corners of the country, the 14 and 12 years girls champions were awarded with the 12 boys title also crowned in front of professional stars Dean Brady (Noosa, QLD) and Stuart Kennedy (Lennox Head, NSW).

The performance of the day was reserved for Jarrod Szele (Warilla, NSW) who snatched the 12 years boys title in the dying seconds.Needing a mid-range score to take the crown as the seconds ticked away, Szele kicked into action and came up with the goods. “I tried not to think about what I needed and just concentrated on the wave,” he said with a smile.

“I saw the wave come towards me and just hoped for the best.” Awarded a 6.67 (out of a possible 10) for his dynamic attack of the Diggers Beach right-hander, Szele was over the moon. “I’m so stoked,” he said. “This is easily the biggest win of my career...The competition was really hard and all the other guys surfed so well, I’m just stoked to have won,” he said with a smile.

Defeating Jeames Young (Yamba, NSW), Kai Hing (Wurtulla, QLD) and Chris Zaffis (Angourie, NSW), who finished second, third and fourth respectively, Szele was more than happy to accept the trophy. In a great performance worthy of a champion, Kirsten Ogden (Byron Bay, NSW) dominated the 14 years girls division.

Jarrod Szele : photo Michael Tyrpenou/Surfing

Defeating Coco Beeby (Scotts Head, NSW), Zoe Clarke (Jan Juc, VIC) and Kobie Enright (Tweed Heads, NSW), who finished second, third and fourth respectively, Ogden heralded her star on the rise with a host of amazing performances throughout the week, whilst in the 12 years it was Holly-Sue Coffey (Crescent Head, NSW) who claimed the prestigious title over Holly Wawn (Newport, NSW), Enright and Alyssa Lock (Tweed Heads, NSW).

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. One man who can vouch for that is 2008 ASP Australasian Pro Junior champion, current ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) star and former GromSearch competitor Stuart Kennedy.

Having followed the Series around as a youngster, Kennedy knows better than most how important these events are. “To these kids the Rip Curl GromSearch events are the most important on the calendar,” he said. “When I competed in them all I always looked forward to surfing with my mates and enjoying the fun that is provided.” Now one of the hottest properties in global surfing, Kennedy looks back fondly on his time as a junior.

“It was the best,” he said. “I just hope these kids get as much out of it as I did – it was the foundation to my career.” Tomorrow will see more amazing surfing taking place as the remaining three champions are decided. 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.

For more information be sure to log onto www.ripcurl.com.au and www.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.

Previous reports:
# 1 : Day 1 of Rip Curl GromSearch lights up Coffs Harbour
# 2 : Gals are GO Rip Curl GromSearch Coffs Harbour Day 2

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

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