International GromSearch to return to birthplace at Bells Beach

THE Rip Curl International GromSearch Final will return back to its birthplace of Bells Beach this Easter to crown the best under 16 junior surfers in the world.

First introduced in 2005 to allow national winners from across the globe a chance to represent their country, the Rip Curl International GromSearch Final brings together the best juniors from around the world to battle it out for global bragging rights.

As a breeding ground for the surfing stars of tomorrow, many elite surfers have passed through the series, including world champions Gabriel Medina, Stephanie Gilmore and Tyler Wright, along with a host of current World Tour surfers.

After being on ‘the Search’ looking for new and exciting locations to run the event since 2014, Rip Curl are thrilled to return the series back to the Surf Coast.

“It’s awesome to welcome back the GromSearch International Final to the Rip Curl Pro at Bells,” Rip Curl team, events and partnerships manager Mark Flanagan said.

“The first international final was held here in 2005 and we’re stoked to host GromSearch finalists from all over the world at the home of Rip Curl.”

Set to headline the star-studded field of junior surfers in the event will be former Jan Juc resident Isla Huppatz (currently living on the Gold Coast) who will return home to try take the crown in front of her friends and family.

After taking out the under 16 Girls National GromSearch crown at URBNSURF in Melbourne a fortnight ago, Huppatz said she was fired up to show off her experience at Bells Beach.

“I am extremely pumped to surf in an international event and see how my surfing compares to other surfers from across the world,” Huppatz said.

“I’m also so excited to surf at home. I haven’t been back for a while and I miss my hometown so much.

“In the event my goals are to just surf as best as I can and learn heaps from the other girls who I will be surfing against from around the globe.”

The official event period will be Saturday April 1 – Monday, April 10.

For more information, head to www.ripcurl.com/au/explore/events/rip-curl-gromsearch-series.html