Entries open for Gromsearch

THE Ripcurl Gromsearch Series surfing competition will go ahead this year at Jan Juc beach in November, organisers Ripcurl and Surfing Victoria announced.

Originally slated to be held on October 9, the Victorian leg has been moved to November 14 and 15, with entries open for boys and girls in Under 16s, Under 14s and Under 12s age groups.

Rip Curl event Manager Mark Flanagan said while the event is dependent on government regulations, he was hopeful it could go ahead safely.
“We want to run the Gromsearch series and give groms the chance to have some fun in what has turned out to be a pretty restrictive year.

“We are working closely with the state surfing organisations to ensure we adhere to all official regulations, we want to do our best to provide Gromsearch competitors with an event they can surf with their friends.”

Due to the uncertainty of COVID-19 restrictions and the impact on border closures, state-based versions will be held in Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales, with organisers deciding participants can only enter in the state in which they live.

The Gromsearch series was created to give young surfers around the country the chance to improve their skills in a competitive environment.

The top-ranked surfers from each event in their respective age groups will be sent to the National Final hosted by URBNSURF in Melbourne, in March 2021.

Gromsearch carries a reputation for being an early stepping stone for many professional surfers, with former participants having taken out the past 13 WSL women’s Word Titles, including seven-time world champion Steph Gilmore.

Organisers are working to allow Western Australia and South Australia to have surfers participate in their own events.