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www.waxheads.com 15 10 09 Rip Curl GromSearch presented by SNICKERS opens in style (Coffs Harbour, NSW – Wednesday, 14 October 2009): 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).
Kalani Ball (Stanwell Park, NSW) 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. Girls glitter at Rip Curl GromSearch presented by SNICKERS
Seeing an exceptional pool of talent ranging from all corners of the eastern seaboard the future of female surfing in Australia looks to be in safe hands as the girls pushed the limits and put on an amazing show - despite the deteriorating swell and some tricky on-shore conditions. Seeing the 16, 14 and 12 years division’s taking to the one-metre peaks with flair and fervour was a sight to behold.
Holly-Sue Coffey (Crescent Head, NSW) Leading the way was wonder-kid Holly-Sue Coffey (Crescent Head, NSW) who racked up the highest single wave and total heat score of the day. “I had so much fun out there,” said the beaming 11-year-old. “It’s really fun to surf against the other girls and have some great competition,” after being awarded a total heat score of 14.50 (out of a possible 20). Having been on a great competitive run of late, Coffey enjoys competing at such a famed junior event. “They are my favourite events to surf in,” she said. “The prizes are cool and everyone is having a good time – it’s really fun.” A member of one the country’s most renown and successful surfing family’s, Holly-Sue draws much inspiration from her siblings and parents. With older sister Ellie-Jean leading the next wave of girls into the professional ranks and brother Jackson set for a bright future, Holly-Sue is reaping the rewards of such a athletic family. “They push my surfing and force me to be better,” she admitted. “I’m lucky to have those two to look up to,” she added. 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. Emily Clapoudis (Port Macquarie, NSW) and Brodie Doyle (Coolangatta, QLD) also impressed on day two, locking in the two highest heat scores of the 16 years division – respectively locking in 12.74 and 13.00 (out of a possible 20), whilst Kobie Enright (Tweed Head, NSW), Stephanie Single (Lennox Head, NSW) and Sophie Bernard (Manly, NSW) made their claim for the 14 years title. 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. Tomorrow
will see more amazing surfing taking place as the 14 and 12 years
girls and 12 boys champions are decided SPECIAL
THANKS surfingnsw.com.au
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