GromSearch Jan Juc_web

THE Rip Curl GromSearch 2020 at Jan Juc will herald the long-awaited return of competitive surfing in Victoria.

Over the weekend (November 14-15), boys and girls from across Victoria will head to Jan Juc Beach compete for a place in the GromSearch National Final.

Surfing Victoria chief executive officer Adam Robertson said he was delighted to see competitive surfing return.

“It’s great to be moving back into the events space. It’s probably something a lot of kids have been hanging out to do since our last competition in March.

“It’s exciting for us and we’re happy to be moving in the right direction.”

Various protocols will be implemented to minimise the risk of transmission.

This will include competitors only arriving two heats before they are scheduled to surf and leaving within 20 minutes of being eliminated, facemasks being worn at all times except for when surfers are in the water, and social distancing being maintained.

Competitors will also have to declare they are symptom-free and have not travelled into a COVID-19 hotspot in the two weeks preceding the event before they are permitted to participate.

Robertson said Surfing Victoria was well prepared to resume holding competitions.

“Over the last few months, we’ve had a lot of time to create a COVID plan for events.

“We’re taking slow steps to move back towards what is normal.”

The Rip Curl GromSearch is held in more than 10 countries.

Former GromSearch competitors have won the past 13 World Surf League Women’s World Titles and comprise most of the surfers in the WSL Men’s World Tour.

The national final is set to be held at URBNSURF Melbourne in March 2021.