January 17 - 23, 2016: Issue 247

 Surfing Australia-Rip Curl GromSearch: Five 2015 Events to January 2016 Final

Above and below: Cedar Leigh-Jones (Avalon, NSW) at North Narrabeen this week, photos by Ethan Smith / Surfing NSW

Beginning in the Spring Holidays of 2015 and culminating in the National Finals held this week at North Narrabeen, famous spiritual home and site of many past "Classic" surfing competitions, the annual Surfing Australia - Rip Curl GromSearch series has attracted and launched some of the world's and Australia's best surfers.

Developed from a three-day event in Victoria first run in 1999, the series has become an international series of events for 16 year and under surfers around the world with Rip Curl GromSearches run in over 10 countries each year.

The five-event series started at Maroubra in Sydney on September 24-27 before heading to Jan Juc; October 2-4 (VIC), Trigg Point October 9-11 (WA), Yorkes Peninsula (SA) on November 9-11 and the Sunshine Coast (QLD), December 14-18. Leaders on the National Ratings then qualified for the Rip Curl GromSearch National Final, to be held at North Narrabeen in Sydney from January 11-13, 2016.

The 2015 Rip Curl GromSearch series utilised a unique ratings system for the respective 16 and under boys and girls, 14 and under boys and girls divisions and 12 and under boys and girls divisions. A competitor’s top two results from across the Nation-wide series will determine their overall placing in the respective division.

After the last event in Queensland, the top ten ranked surfers qualify for the Rip Curl GromSearch National final, contested at the famous North Narrabeen beach. There are also wildcard selections for the National Final which are deemed by Surfing Australia in conjunction with Rip Curl. For example; North Narrabeen BRC were allocated a total of 2 x wildcards; (14 and Under Boys= 1 WC, 14 and Under Girls= 1).

The Australian series allows surfers from around the country to compete against their contemporaries in a fun and engaging environment. Each result in the 5 event series is awarded points which count towards a surfer's GromSearch National rating, providing participants across the country with an the opportunity to compare their performance against peers and experience some semblance of what being on an international 'circuit' may be like without leaving Oz... unless you're Summa Longbottom (Canggu, Bali), one of the great young up and coming surfers who has been a regular at BL's Blast Off too.

There was a strong representation of Northern Beaches and Central Coast surfers at all five qualifying events prior to Wednesday January 13, 2016's deciding day, with some 1st's for Pittwater sister's Bodhi and Cedar Leigh-Jones in the Western Austrailan Comp, and for Cedar in South Australia, where Queenscliff surfer Alysse Cooper also finished 1st in the 16's.

Interestingly the girl who took 1st in the 14's Girls at the first event at Maroubra, Piper Harrison, also took 1st as the GromSearch Champion in that division for 2015 on Wednesday. Northern Beaches girls were in all quarter-finals, with Bodhi Leigh-Jones making it through to semis and Cedar taking out 2nd in the 12's.

The Boys divisions also had some locals names recurring throughout the series Results but, as always, it was the fantastic surfing and the great times had that we all love to see captured on film and in pictures. 

Included in the National Final reports and Results run this week are those from all the events prior to this one so you can see how and why these great waves of the Australia's surfing future landed on our shores this week. 

ALL CHAMPIONS CROWNED AT THE RIP CURL GROMSEARCH NATIONAL FINAL AT NARRABEEN
NORTH NARRABEEN BEACH, SYDNEY (Wednesday, January 13, 2016): by Surfing NSW
The Rip Curl GromSearch presented by POSCA National Final saw six new national champions crowned today after a variety of hotly contested finals in punchy two-foot waves at North Narrabeen Beach.
 
Liam O’Brien’s (Benowa, Qld) lightening fast turns proved to be a lethal weapon in the 16-and-Under Boys final. The natural-footer threw down a solid combination of turns to net himself a 16.50 heat total (out of a possible 20 points), which propelled him ahead of Mikey McDonagh (Lennox Head, NSW) who finished in the runner-up spot. McDonagh fought tooth-and-nail until the final seconds of the heat – even posting a near-perfect 9.33 scoring wave – but was unable to find an elusive 7.18 wave score to steal O’Brien’s lead.
 
Sophia Fulton (Cabarita, NSW) continued to build on her earlier performances when she took on Kirra-Belle Olsson (Avoca, NSW) in the 16-and-under Girls final. Fulton managed to hunt down a handful of punchy righthanders, which allowed her to perform a variety of forehand turns and take the top place on the dais with a healthy 12.83 heat total.
 
Both O’Brien and Fulton have won themselves an entry into the International Rip Curl GromSearch final, which will take place in Hawaii later in 2016.
 
Finn Hill (Avoca, NSW) and Taj Watson (Coffs Harbour, NSW) went neck-and-neck for the 14-and-under Boys title, with both surfers locking in a handful of respectable scores. Both surfers traded blows in the playful peaks with Hill holding down the lead from the opening moments of the heat. In the final minutes, Watson jagged two waves, which gave him the scores required to remain in contention for the title, but ultimately fell short by a 0.59 point margin, handing the title to Hill.
 
Piper Harrison (Coolangatta, Qld) claimed her second National Rip Curl GromSearch title in as many years, taking out the 14-and-under Girls final. In the all Queensland affair, Harrison was able to put Pacha Light (Tugan, Qld) on the ropes with Light requiring a 7.68 wave score, which never came to fruition.

Piper Harrison (Coolangatta, Qld) at North Narrabeen 13.1.2016 - photo by Ethan Smith / Surfing NSW
 
Lennox Chell (Avoca, NSW) capped off his Rip Curl GromSearch campaign in fine form, claiming the 12-and-under Boys, and ensuring a second title returned to Avoca. The Central Coast goofy-footer mustered up a solid 16.17 heat total for a barrage of giant backhand turns. Ethan Huxtable (Jan Juc, Vic) put up a valiant fight, but fell short by a 2.10 margin.
 
Nyxie Ryan (Lennox Head, NSW) won a tight battle in the 12-and-under Girls final, taking the win ahead of Cedar Leigh-Jones (Avalon, NSW), Ellie Harrison (Barwon Heads, Vic) and Summa Longbottom (Canggu, Bali). Ryan posted a respectable 10.87 heat total to claim the win.       
 
Since its inception as a three-day event in Victoria in 1999, the GromSearch series has developed into the strongest international series of events for 16 year and under surfers around the world. With parallel Rip Curl GromSearch series in over 10 countries, it has become a crucial stepping stone in the development of junior surfers.
 
The five-event series will also head to Jan Juc (VIC), Trigg Point (WA), Yorkes Peninsula (SA) and the Sunshine Coast (QLD). Leaders on the National Ratings will then qualify for the Rip Curl GromSearch National Final, to be held at North Narrabeen in Sydney from January 11-13, 2016.
 
The Australian series allows surfers from around the country to compete against their contemporaries in a fun and engaging environment. Each result in the 5 event series is awarded points which count towards a surfer's GromSearch National rating, providing participants across the country the opportunity to compare their performance against peers. After the last event in Queensland, the top ten ranked surfers qualify for the Rip Curl GromSearch National final, contested at the famous North Narrabeen beach.
 
The list of previous GromSearch winners illustrates the prestigious history of the series, with current ASP World Tour competitors Gabriel Medina (Brazil), Kolohe Andino (USA), Felipe Toledo (Brazil), Owen Wright (Australia), Jordy Smith (South Africa), Matt Wilkinson (Australia), Tyler Wright (Australia), Stephanie Gilmore (Australia), Malia Manuel (USA), Sally Fitzgibbons (Australia), Laura Enever (Australia) and Nikki Van Dijk (Australia) all coming through the GromSearch series.
 
Working in conjunction with Surfing Australia, the Rip Curl GromSearch includes boys’ and girls’ divisions in 16 and under, 14 and under, and 12 and under. The series includes a National Ratings system, which will be used to qualify surfers for the National Final at North Narrabeen.
 
The 2015 Rip Curl GromSearch series is presented by POSCA (Mitsubishi Pencil Australia), with supporting partner SmoothStar skateboards, managing partner Surfing Australia and associate partners Shapers Fins and ASL magazine.
 
RESULTS:
(All heat totals out of a possible 20 points).
16-and-under Boys
1 – Liam O’Brien (Benowa, Qld) – 16.50 heat total
2 – Mikey McDonagh (Lennox Head, NSW) – 16.00 heat total

16-and-under Girls
1 – Sophia Fulton (Cabarita, NSW) – 12.83 heat total
2 – Kirra-Belle Olsson (Avoca, NSW) – 10.63 heat total

14-and-under Boys
1 – Finn Hill (Avoca, NSW) – 13.76 heat total
2 – Taj Watson (Coffs Harbour, NSW) – 13.17 heat total

14-and-under Girls
1 – Piper Harrison (Coolangatta, Qld) - 12.50 heat total
2 – Pacha Light (Tugan, Qld) - 8.70 heat total

12-and-under Boys
1 – Lennox Chell (Avoca, NSW) – 16.17 heat total
2 – Ethan Huxtable (Jan Juc, Vic) – 14.07 heat total

12-and-under Girls
1 – Nyxie Ryan (Lennox Head, NSW) - 10.87 heat total
2 – Cedar Leigh-Jones (Avalon, NSW) – 9.67 heat total
3 – Ellie Harrison (Barwon Heads, Vic) – 6.74 heat total
4 – Summa Longbottom (Canggu, Bali) – 5.87 heat total
Finn Hill (Avoca, NSW) at North Narrabeen 13.1.2016 - photo by Ethan Smith / Surfing NSW
_____________________________________________

Extracts from Day 1 and Day 2 of North Narrabeen Ripc Curl GromSearch Final:

Groms Shine On Day One Of The Rip Curl GromSearch National Final At Narrabeen
Monday, 11th January 2016: by Surfing Australia

Some of Australia’s most talented junior surfers went hell for leather today as part of the Rip Curl GromSearch National Final in punchy two-foot Narrabeen peaks. Over 50 aspiring professional surfers from all over Australia are contesting the three-day National Final.
 
Morgan Ciblic (Merewether, NSW), Dylan Moffat (Narrabeen, NSW), Luke Wrice (Coledale, NSW) and Mikey McDonagh (Lennox Head, NSW) all put on exciting displays of power-surfing, posting heat totals in excess of 15.00 points (out of a possible 20 points) in the first round of the 16-and-under Boys. As a result, all four surfers bypassed the second round and booked their spot straight into the quarterfinals.
 
Alysse Cooper (Queenscliff, NSW), India Robinson (Jan Juc, Vic), Zahli Kelly (Wooloowin, Qld) and Kobie Enright (Tweed Heads, NSW) followed a similar pattern to the boys in the 16-and-under Girls, with all surfers locking in healthy heat totals for a series of mammoth turns. All surfers will make their next appearance in the quarterfinals.
 
Jackson Roberts (Bateau Bay, NSW) and Kai Tandler (Coolangatta, Qld) both dominated the field in the 14-and-under Boys with both surfers hitting a range of solid sections with a mix of power, precision and flow. The natural-footers successfully linked together a large variety of frontside snaps and carves to nab themselves heat totals in excess of 14.00 points.
 
Morgan Ciblic was awarded the POSCA Wave Of The Day for the most entertaining wave of the morning in the 16-and-under Boys.
 
Since its inception as a three-day event in Victoria in 1999, the GromSearch series has developed into the strongest international series of events for 16 year and under surfers around the world. With parallel Rip Curl GromSearch series in over 10 countries, it has become a crucial stepping stone in the development of junior surfers.

Harsh Winds Cause Early Finish On Day Two At Rip Curl GromSearch Final At North Narrabeen
Tuesday, 12th January 2016: by Surfing Australia
A strong southerly storm spelled the premature end of day two at Rip Curl GromSearch National Final at North Narrabeen today.
Prior to the inclement weather, a number of promising Australian junior surfers posted a variety of massive scores as they attempted to seal their position into tomorrow’s final rounds.
 
Morgan Ciblic (Merewether, NSW) continued his solid run through the 16-and-under Boys, finding a handful of long righthand walls that allowed for multiple powerful turns. Despite, showing moments of brilliance, Moses Le Grice (East Fremantle, WA) was left chasing a two-wave combination of scores equaling 16.44 (out of a possible 20 points) to take away Ciblic's lead. Unfortunately, the scores never came to fruition and Ciblic was able to cement his position into tomorrow's semi-finals where he will face off with fellow event standout Mikey McDonagh (Lennox Head, NSW).
 
Liam O’Brien (Benowa, Qld) and Luke Wrice (Coledale, NSW) both took wins in the 16-and-under Boys quarterfinals and will face off against each other in the semi-finals tomorrow.
 
Kirra-Belle Olsson (Avoca, NSW) dominated the field in the 16-and-under Girls division, posting a series of giant scores in the excellent range. The Central Coast goofy-footer performed a barrage of giant top-to-bottom backside turns to take the win and notch up a heat total of 18.36. Olsson will face off with fellow quarterfinals winner Kobie Enright (Tweed Heads, NSW) in tomorrow’s semi-finals. As a result of the heat total, Olsson was awarded the POSCA Wave of the Day award.
 
Billie Melinz (Coalcliff, NSW) and Sophia Fulton (Cabrita, NSW) also took wins in their respective quarterfinal battles and will surf against one another in tomorrow’s semis.
 
Taj Watson (Coffs Harbour, NSW) and Finn Hill (Avoca, NSW) were both victorious in the second round of the 14-and-under Boys with both surfers posting heat totals in excess of 14.00 points. As a result, both surfers have booked their ticket into tomorrow’s quarterfinals.
 
Tomorrow will see all champions crowned at North Narrabeen Beach.

Since its inception as a three-day event in Victoria in 1999, the GromSearch series has developed into the strongest international series of events for 16 year and under surfers around the world. With parallel Rip Curl GromSearch series in over 10 countries, it has become a crucial stepping stone in the development of junior surfers.

 George Pittar (North Manly, NSW), at North Narrabeen Rip Curl 2015 GromSearch Finals photo by Ethan Smith / Surfing NSW

 Kirra-Belle Olsson (Avoca, NSW), photo by Ethan Smith / Surfing NSW

 Ethan Raper (Narrabeen, NSW), at North Narrabeen Rip Curl 2015 GromSearch Finals photo by Ethan Smith / Surfing NSW

The 2015 Rip Curl GromSearch series presented by POSCA
EVENT 1 - Maroubra, NSW - Sep 24-27, 2015
EVENT 2 - Jan Juc, VIC - Oct 2-4, 2015
EVENT 3 - Trigg Point WA - Oct 9-11, 2015
EVENT 4 - Yorke Peninsula, SA - Nov 14-15, 2015
EVENT 5 - Sunshine Coast QLD - Dec 14-18, 2015
National Final - North Narrabeen, NSW - Jan 11-13, 2016

Extracts from all five qualifying events:

Rip Curl GromSearch Presented By POSCA Wraps Up At Maroubra
Sun 27th September 2015: by Surfing NSW
The Rip Curl GromSearch presented by Posca crowned its final handful of champions today, with the 12-and-Under (12) and 14-and-Under (14) divisions wrapping up, after a series of exciting finals in clean three-to-four foot peaks.

After performing some of the biggest turns of the day in the early rounds of the 14 Girls, Piper Harrison (Coolangatta, Qld) hit her stride in the final, posting a series of impressive scores. The Queenslander locked in a heat total of 13.83 (out of a possible 20 points) to get the title ahead of fellow event standout Bodhi Leigh-Jones (Avalon, NSW) who claimed the runner-up finish.

Lennox Chell (Avoca, NSW) left spectators on the edge of their seat in the 12 Boys final, requiring a small backup score to move into the top position. With less than 30 seconds on the clock, Chell managed to muster up a wave score that exceeded the 4.9 score requirement and as a result, usurped Codie Jeffery (Newhaven, Vic) from first position, bumping him down into the runner-up spot and taking the win, by a mere 0.37 point margin.

Summa Longbottom (Canggu, Bali) made the flight from Bali worthwhile claiming victory in the 12 Girls. Longbottom and Zahli Kelly (Wooloowin, Qld) went neck-and-neck for victory with the lead ping-ponging back and forth numerous times over the course of the final. However, Longbottom was able to gain the upper-hand thanks to a respectable 4.67 wave score (out of a possible ten points) to take the win by a slim 0.10 margin.

Working in conjunction with Surfing Australia, the Rip Curl GromSearch includes boys’ and girls’ divisions in 16 and under, 14 and under, and 12 and under. The series includes a National Ratings system, which will be used to qualify surfers for the National Final at North Narrabeen.

The 2015 Rip Curl GromSearch series is presented by POSCA (Mitsubishi Pencil Australia), with supporting partner SmoothStar skateboards, managing partner Surfing Australia and associate partners FireWire surfboards, Shapers Fins and ASL magazine.

RESULTS:
12-and-Under Boys
1 – Lennox Chell (Avoca, NSW)
2 – Codie Jeffery (Newhaven, Vic)
3 – Benny Wilson (Narrabeen, NSW)
4  - Logan Steinwede (Wagstaffe, NSW)

12-and-Under Girls
1 – Summa Longbottom (Canggu, Bali)
2 – Zahli Kelly (Wooloowin, Qld)
3 – Nyxie Ryan (Lennox Head, NSW)
4  - Lucy Green (Taree, NSW)

14-and-Under Girls
1 – Piper Harrison (Coolangatta, Qld)
2 – Bodhi Leigh-Jones (Avalon, NSW)
3 – Pacha Light (Tugan, NSW)
4 – Madison Poole (Merewether, NSW)

Bodhi Leigh-Jones (Avalon, NSW) at Maroubra event - photo by Ethan Smith / Surfing NSW

Six Champions crowned on the final day of the Rip Curl GromSearch presented by POSCA
Sunday, 4th October 2015: by Surfing Victoria
Six champions have been crowned in great waves at Jan Juc today for the second stop of the Rip Curl Gromsearch presented by POSCA. The popular beach break delivered the goods for the third consecutive day with blistering sunshine and great 3ft waves on the final day of competition.
 
Mikey McDonagh (Lennox Head, NSW) surfed well above his years in the 16 & under boys division taking out the win with an impressive score line of 16.93 points. The 14 year-old surfer was on a roll throughout the day winning his Quarter Finals and Semi Finals heats on the way to the Final.
 
“The waves were super fun throughout the whole comp. The draw was really tough and this being the first year in the 16 & Under division it is definitely one of the best wins I have had” said an elated McDonagh.
 
“All of the older guys are pushing their surfing so hard I am really shocked that I was able to get the win. I love coming down to Victoria, it can get pretty cold but it turned out to be nice and warm.”

Placing in second was Tane Bowden (Jan Juc, VIC), who had a heat total of 14.60 points. Billy Harrison (Barwon Heads, VIC) was a close third on 13.83 points whilst Noah Kearney (Shelly Beach, QLD) finished in fourth.
 
India Robinson (Jan Juc, VIC) continued her impressive run of results with a win in the 16 & Under Girls division. Only riding two waves in the final, Robinson nailed an 8.43 on her final ride to put her in front for the win.
 
“The waves have been really good all event, it was a bit slow in our final so I was lucky to get my final wave to win it” said Robinson.  
“Taking out the win today gives me a lot more confidence going to the World Titles next week”.
 
In second place was Zahli Kelly (Wooloowin, QLD) on 10.14 points. Sophia Fulton (Cabarita, NSW) and Billie Melinz (Coalcliff, NSW) finished in third and fourth.
 
The 14 & under boys division saw George Pittar (North Manly, NSW) take the win in the final on a total of 16.00 points. Local boy, Cole Fox placed in second on 12.43 points. Zac Patterson (Avoca, NSW) finished in third with Xavier Huxtable (Jan Juc, VIC) in fourth.
 
Piper Harrison (Coolangatta, QLD) claimed the win in the 14 & Under Girls. Placing in second was Zahli Kelly (Wooloowin, QLD), with Pacha Light (Tugan, QLD) and Bella Wilson (Jan Juc, VIC) in third and fourth.
 
Codie Jeffery (Phillip Island, VIC) took out the 12 & Under Boys with a solid score of 16.47 points. Placing a close second was Ethan Huxtable (Jan Juc, VIC) on 15.50 points.
 
Marlon Harrison (Coolangatta, QLD) and Logan Steinwede (Wagstaff, NSW) finished third and fourth respectively.
 
The 12 & Under Girls division saw some of the best surfing throughout the whole competition.
 
Ellie Harrison (Barwon Heads, VIC) finished in top spot with Sage Goldsbury (Phillip Island, VIC) in second. Charlie Hurst (Port Kembla, NSW) finished in third place with Poppy Corbett (Phillip Island, VIC) and Lucy Naylor (Point Lonsdale, VIC) in fourth and fifth.
 
Winning the SmoothStar Rising Star award was Ellie Harrison and Charlie Hurst. Taking out the POSCA Outstanding Performance award was Noah Kearney/Max Burton and India Robinson.
 
Full results can be found at www.surfingvic.com
 
The five-event series will now head to Trigg Point (WA), Yorkes Peninsula (SA) and the Sunshine Coast (QLD) after kicking off the series at Maroubra (NSW). Leaders on the National Ratings will then qualify for the Rip Curl GromSearch National Final, to be held at North Narrabeen in Sydney from January 11-13, 2016.
 
RESULTS:
Under 16 Boys
1st Mickey McDonagh 16.93
2nd Tane Bowden 14.60
3rd Billy Harrison 13.83
4th Noah Kearney 9.16
 
Under 16 Girls
1st India Robinson 15.76
2nd Zahli Kelly 11.16
3rd Sophia Fulton 10.14
4th Billie Melinz 8.37
 
Under 14 Boys
1st George Pitter 16.00
2nd Cole Fox 12.43
3rd Zac Patterson 9.50
4th Xavier Huxtable 8.47
 
Under 14 Girls
1st Piper Harrison 14.80
2nd Zahli Kelly 11.63
3rd Pacha Light 10.00
4th Bella Wilson 9.37
 
Under 12 Boys
1st Codie Jeffery 16.47
2nd Ethan Huxtable 15.50
3rd Marlon Harrison 10.76
4th Logan Steinwede 9.67
 
Under 12 Girls
1st Ellie Harrison
2nd Sage Goldsbury
3rd Charlie Hurst
4th Poppy Corbett
5th Lucy Naylor

GromSearch Champions Decided In Pumping Waves Off Trigg Beach WA
Sun 11th October 2015: BY Surfing WA
Six champions have been crowned in great waves off Trigg Beach, as the third and final day of the Rip Curl GromSearch presented by POSCA wrapped up in style. Perth’s metropolitan beaches delivered high performance 2-3 feet peaks, that allowed competitors to display a full repertoire of committed and progressive manoeuvres.
 
Trigg Beach threw up quality right and left hand waves that were perfectly suited to the both natural footers and goofy footers alike.
 
Jack Thomas (Yallingup, WA) was in fine touch for the entire event, using a razor sharp backhand to claim a massive win in the 16 & Under Boys final. Posting a heat high 8.33 (from a possible 10), Thomas was lightening fast and critical in his approach, disposing of WA trio Cyrus Cox (Margaret River, WA), Felix Leaver (Yallingup, WA) and Alex McGuffin (Bicton, WA) in an enthralling blue ribbon battle.
 
“I just wanted to stick to my guns and catch the best waves,” said Thomas. “The waves are more heavy where I live, but I’m really excited to have won.”
 
Emma Cattlin (Yallingup, WA) was a surprise winner in the 16 & Under Girls division, upsetting some quality opposition on her way to victory. In a seesawing battle Cattlin, who was surfing up an age division, posted a heat high 6.00 (from a possible 10) to claim a win for the underdogs.
 
“I was happy enough to just the make the final,” said Cattlin. “I’m so stoked to be here and the waves were really fun today.”
 
Event standout, Jack Haslau (Margaret River, WA) shone in the 14 & Under Boys final, posting a 16.83 two-wave combined total (from a possible 20), that included a 9.00 and 7.83. Despite the best efforts of Ben Gradisen (Gracetown, WA), Finn Hill (Avoca, NSW) and Finn Cox (Margaret River, WA), Haslau was emphatic scoring at will on his backhand and forehand.
 
“It’s been a great weekend and to post some big scores is always a good feeling,” said Haslau who has burst onto the WA competition scene in 2015.
 
Bodhi Leigh-Jones (Avalon, NSW) proved her class, winning a tough and closely fought battle over Jamaica Selby (Margaret River, WA) in an epic 14 & Under Girls final. Less than half of one point separated the pair when the siren sounded. Leigh-Jones amassed a combined total of 13.67 (from a possible 20) to Selby’s 13.23. April McPherson (Mandurah, WA) finished in third ahead of Cedar Leigh-Jones (Avalon, NSW) in fourth.
 
“I came second in this division last year here at Trigg,” said Leigh-Jones. “I was pretty motivated to get back to WA and go one better which is a great feeling now I’ve done it.”
 
Logan Steinwede (Wagstaffe, NSW) used his compact and powerful style to notch up an impressive victory in the hotly contested 12 & Under Boys division. Steinwede battled hard to secure the win ahead of in form surfers Jed Gradisen (Gracetown, WA), Ry Dempsey (Margaret River, WA) and Benny Wilson (North Narrabeen, NSW). When Steinwede pulled out a near perfect 9.50 (from a possible 10) in the dying minutes of the heat, victory was his.
 
“I’m so stoked, I’ve been to WA before but never surfed in Perth,” said Steinewede  “I’ll definitely be coming back here, Western Australia is rad.”
 
Cedar Leigh-Jones (Avalon, NSW) shares her sister’s love for Trigg Beach, going back-to-back in the 12 & Under Girls division. Leigh-Jones was too good for Coral Durant (Red Bluff, WA), Poppy Corbett (Woolamai, VIC) and Maddie Cawood (Margaret River, WA) who finished in second, third and fourth respectively.m Displaying a full bag of tricks and a mature style, Leigh-Jones dominated the 20 minute final, dropping a near perfect 9.23 (from a possible 10) to finish on a combined two wave of 16.90 (from a possible 20).
 
“The waves were so fun today,” said Leigh-Jones. “I’m stoked to win consecutive titles in the 12 girls, WA has been a good place for me.”
 
Ry Dempsey (Margaret River, WA) and April McPherson (Mandurah, WA) were awarded the 'POSCA Outstanding Performance Awards' for their amazing surfing throughout the event. While Jack Haslau (Margaret River, WA) claimed the ‘SmoothStar Skateboards Rising Star Award’ for posting a near perfect 9.00 and posting the highest combined total of any surfer in the 14 & Under Boys final.
 
With sunny skies and highly contestable waves on offer for much of the event, Rip Curl Events Manager Mark Flanagan was again delighted with how the third event of the national series rolled out.
 
“We love coming to West Oz,” said Flanagan. “We’ve got some great waves on offer today and WA has been a location that has shown great support of the GromSearach event over the years.”

The five-event series will head next to Yorkes Peninsula (SA) and the Sunshine Coast (QLD) after kicking off the series at Maroubra (NSW) and also travelling to Jan Juc (VIC) before coming to Trigg (WA).

Visit www.ripcurl.com.au for all GromSearch info, updates, images and video content. For event information be sure to check out www.surfingwa.com.au

RESULTS:
16 & Under Boys:
1 – Jack Thomas (Yallingup, WA) – 14.83pts
2 – Cyrus Cox (Margaret River, WA) - 13.83pts
3 – Felix Leaver (Yallingup, WA) – 9.53pts
4 – Alex McGuffin (Bicton, WA) – 8.06pts

16 & Under Girls:
1 – Emma Cattlin (Yallingup, WA) - 11.17pts
2 – Bodhi Leigh - Jones (Avalon, NSW) - 9.37pts
3 – Jamaica Selby (Margaret River, WA) - 8.53pts
4 – Mia McCarthy (Margaret River, WA) - 7.83pts

14 & Under Boys:
1 – Jack Haslau (Margaret River, WA) – 16.83pts
2 – Ben Gradisen (Gracetown, WA) – 14.60pts
3 – Fin Hill (Avoca, NSW) – 13.97pts
4 – Finn Cox (Margaret River, WA) – 12.77pts

14 & Under Girls:
1 – Bodhi Leigh - Jones (Avalon, NSW) – 13.67pts
2 – Jamaica Selby (Margaret River, WA) – 13.23pts
3 – April McPherson (Mandurah, WA) – 11.73pts
4 – Cedar Leigh-Jones (Avalon, NSW) - 7.53pts

12 & Under Boys:
1 – Logan Steinwede (Wagstaffe, NSW) - 16.50pts
2 – Jed Gradisen (Gracetown, WA) – 14.94pts
3 – Ry Dempsey (Margaret River, WA) – 12.7pts
4 – Benny Wilson (North Narrabeen, NSW) – 12.20pts

12 & Under Girls:
1 – Cedar Leigh - Jones (Avalon, NSW) – 16.90pts
2 – Coral Durant (Carnarvon, WA) - 11.53pts
3 – Poppy Corbett (Woolamai, WA) – 10.00pts
4 – Maddie Cawood (Margaret River, WA) – 4.43pts


Logan Steinwede (Wagstaffe, NSW) winning WA 12's boys in 2015 Rip Curl GromSearch - photo by Thomas Woolacott / Surfing WA
Bodhi Leigh - Jones (Avalon, NSW) – photo by Thomas Woolacott / Surfing WA
Cedar Leigh - Jones (Avalon, NSW) – photo by Thomas Woolacott / Surfing WA

Rip Curl GromSearch Champions Decided In Pumping Waves At Pondalowie Bay, Yorke Peninsula South Australia
Monday, 16th November 2015: by Surfing South Australia
Six champions have been crowned in great waves at Pondi, as second as the 4th event of the Rip Curl GromSearch series, presented by POSCA, was wrapped up over the weekend in South Australia.
 
Yorke Peninsula delivered high performance 3-4 feet waves in perfect offshore conditions that gave competitors the a taste of the quality waves available in the region.
 
Luke Wrice (NSW) was in fine touch for the entire event claiming the win in the 16 & Under Boys (16's) final with some crisp backhand surfing in the winding lefts.
 
“I love Yorkes, the locals have taken me to some secret slabs and the waves always pump. This is my second trip to Yorkes and I can’t wait to come back” commented the winner.

This sentiment was shared amongst the many visiting surfers, with competitors from Queensland, Victoria and WA all enjoying the hospitality and waves of the local area.

Queenslander and 14's girls winner Zahli Kelly was equally impressed “The South Aus comp is my favourite event of the year. It’s such a great adventure going to Yorkes and sharing that with my family is something I will never forget” said Kelly after a narrow win over Victorian Bella Wilson.

Residents of the Sydney beaches were in outstanding form over the weekend, with the Northern Beaches surfers Alysse Cooper (Queenscliff), Ethan Raper (Nth Narrabeen) and Cedar Leigh-Jones (Avalon) winning their respective divisions, and Grayson Hinrichs (Bondi) taking out the biggest win of his young career in the 12's boys. 
16 & Under Girls: Rip Curl GromSearch 2015 at South Australia

With amazing waves in spectacular scenery, all competitors were grateful for the warm hospitality of the local crew. Rip Curl event manager Mark Flanagan summed it up “This highlights why we love coming to South Oz. We’ve had great waves in a fantastic location that is truly unique for the visiting competitors" commented Flanagan. "Every family we've spoken to is stoked on meeting the local people and exploring this amazing region, it's a great experience for the groms.”

Specialty awards were incorporated into the presentation for notable surfers;
The Posca Outstanding Performance awards were given to Mallie Brauer (Victor Harbor, SA) and India Robinson (Jan Juc, Victoria).
Rising Star awards from SmoothStar skateboards were handed to Dimity Payne (Victor Harbor, SA) and Jamie Thompson (Narrabeen, NSW).
 
The 2015 Rip Curl GromSearch series is presented by POSCA, with supporting partner SmoothStar skateboards, managing partner Surfing Australia and associate partners Shapers Fins and ASL magazine. 
Stay tuned to www.surfingsouthaustralia.com for news, photos and updates relating to the events.

RESULTS:
16 & Under Boys:
1 – Luke Wrice (Coledale, NSW)
2 – Dylan Moffat(Narrabeen, NSW)
3 – Billy Harrison(Barwon Heads, Vic)
4 – Tully Wylie(Jan Juc, Viv)

16 & Under Girls:
1 – Alysse Cooper (Queenscliffe, NSW)
2 – India Robinson (Jan Juc, VIC)
3 – Kirre Bella Olsson (Avoca, NSW )
4 – Sophie Fletcher (Cape Woolamai, VIC)

14 & Under Boys:
1 – Ethan Rapper (Narrabeen, NSW)
2 – Jamie Thompson (Narrabeen, NSW)
3 – Fin Hill (Avoca, NSW)
4 – Zac Patterson (Avoca, NSW)

14 & Under Girls:
1 – Zahli Kelly(Wooloowin, QLD)
2 –  Arabella Wilson (Jan Juc, NSW )
3 –  Bohdi Leigh Jones ( Avalon, NSW)
4 –  Dimity Payne (Victor Harbor, SA)

12 & Under Boys:
1 –  Grayson Hinrichs (Bondi, NSW)
2 –  Lennox Chell (Avoca, NSW)
3 – Max Burton (Andrews Beach, VIC)
4 – Mallie Brauer (Victor Harbor, SA)

12 & Under Girls:
1 – Cedar Leigh - Jones (Avalon, NSW)
2 – Bella Grainger(Collaroy, NSW)
3 – Ella Harrison (Barwon, VIC)
4 – Charli Hurst(Port Kembla, NSW)
 
12 & Under Girls: Rip Curl GromSearch 2015 at South Australia

Champions crowned at the 2015 Rip Curl GromSearch presented by POSCA
Friday, 18th December 2015: by Surfing QLD 
The five day Rip Curl GromSearch presented by POSCA culminated today in the finals to crown six individual champions in fun but tricky conditions at Coolum Beach, Sunshine Coast.

Ben Hucker (Long Jetty, NSW) started proceedings with an 8.67 point (out of a possible 10 points) ride after a massive two turn combo that caused gasps all over the beach for it’s exciting precision. This wave was integral in Hucker taking home the prestigious Rip Curl GromSearch presented by POSCA championship in the 16 and Under boys and his maiden competition win.

Gold Coast local Kiani Dobbyn (Palm Beach, Qld) had the final of her life to claim victory in the 16 and Under girls. Dobbyn’s amazing display of rail to rail surfing relegated Kirra Belle Olsson (Avoca, NSW), Sophia Fulton (Cabarita beach, NSW) and Kiara Meredith (Barrack Height, NSW) respectively into the minor places.

Pacha Light (Tugun, Qld) had a runaway victory in the 14 and Under girls with a combined two wave heat total of 16.30 (out of a possible 20 points) granting her the prestigious Rip Curl GromSearch presented by POSCA trophy. Japanese surfer Shino Matsuda (Kanagawa, Japan) took an early lead only to be relegated to second place by an inform Light. Matsuda efforts rewarded her with the POSCA Rising Star award.

The micro groms 12 and Under boys provided a platform for Gold Coast surfer Marlon Harrison (Coolangatta, Qld) to claim victory over very tough competition. Marlon’s early score of 8.83 points (out of a possible 10 points) proved too large a task for his fellow competitors to overcome.

In the 12 and Under Zahli Kelly’s (Wooloowin, Qld) array of powerful turns and wave selection proved too strong for Nyxie Ryan (Lennox head, NSW) Raya Campbell (Coolangatta, Qld) and Sai Maniwa (Shonan, Japan) respectively. Kelly’s stellar performances over the Rip Curl GromSearch five event series enables her to qualify through to the national final in the 12 and Under, 14 and Under and 16 and Under girls granting her the hat trick.

The 2015 Sunshine Coast event has intrigued competitors from all over Australia and abroad with a small international contingent attending. The event has embraced five competitors from Japan to compete in the Under 12, 14, and 16 age groups in both boys and girls divisions.

This International series is broken up into 5 events across key surfing locations strewn across the Australian coastline with the event culminating at Sydney’s North Narrabeen Beach. Sally Fitzgibbons, Owen Wright, Stephanie Gilmore and countless other WSL World Tour Competitors are among the surfing royalty who have found themselves on the winner’s podium of this series in previous years.

Each result in the 5 event series is awarded points which count towards a surfer's GromSearch National rating, providing participants across the country the opportunity to compare their performance against peers in a fun and engaging environment. This competition has been the stepping stone for many of today’s world surfing stars, providing an important stage in the development of talent for the future.

This event is proudly supported by the Naturally Refreshing Sunshine Coast Council, the official destination partner of the event.
Spectators and competitors are encouraged to interact via Instagram under the Hashtag #GROMSEARCH
Stay tuned to www.surfingqueensland.com for news, photos and updates relating to the events.

RESULTS:
16 and Under boys
1st- Ben Hucker (Long Jetty, NSW)
2nd- Cooper Davies (Noosa Heads, Qld)
3rd- Liam O’Brien (Benowa, Qld)
4th- Alex McGuffin  (Bicton, WA)

16 and Under girls
1st- Kiani Dobbyn (Palm Beach, Qld)
2nd- Kirra Belle Olsson (Avoca, NSW)
3rd- Sophia Fulton (Cabarita beach, NSW)
4th- Kiara Meredith (Barrack Height, NSW)

14 and Under boys
1st- Kai Tandler (Coolangatta, Qld)
2nd- Alister Reginato (Alexandra Headland, Qld)
3rd-George Pittar (North Manly, NSW)
4th- Jackson Roberts (Bateau Bay, NSW)

14 and Under girls
1st- Pacha Light (Tugun, Qld)
2nd-Shino Matsuda (Kanagawa, Japan)
3rd- Kara Peterson (Coolum, Qld)
4th- Sasha Baker (Mudjimba, Qld)

12 and Under boys
1st- Marlon Harrison (Coolangatta, Qld)
2nd- Ethan Huxtable (Jan Juc, Vic)
3rd- Sho Matsubara (Chiba, Japan)
4th- Archer Curtis (Palm Beach, Qld)

12 and Under girls
1st- Zahli Kelly (Wooloowin, Qld)
2nd- Nyxie Ryan (Lennox head, NSW)
3rd- Raya Campbell (Coolangatta, Qld)
4th- Sai Maniwa (Shonan, Japan)
About Surfing Australia
Surfing Australia is a National Sporting Organisation that was formed in 1963 to establish, guide and promote the development of surfing in Australia.
Surfing Australia is the representative body on the International Surfing Association (ISA) of which there are 86 member countries and is recognised by the Australian Sports Commission, the Australian Olympic Committee and is a member of the Water Safety Council of Australia.
Surfing underpins an important part of the Australian coastal fabric. It forms part of a lifestyle in which millions participate with a mystique in which millions more have a documented interest

The Beginnings
Surfing Australia was established to guide and promote the development of the sport in Australia. The organisation was formed in a time when surfing was not a popular past-time and in an era when there was no such thing as a surfing industry or funding to support it.
The Growth
What followed was a far more strategic approach towards the development of the sport. The framework and structure created has allowed surfing to grow both as a sport and as a lifestyle pursuit into the new millennium.
Our Purpose
To create a healthier and happier Australia through experiencing the joy of surfing for life
Our Core Values
LEADERSHIP
Be proactive, be clear in direction and create a culture of lead by example
PIONEERING
Be courageous and inspirational in embracing change and breaking new waters
INTEGRITY
Earn the respect of others through listening and being both trustworthy & appreciative