Rip Curl GromSearch Comes Around For The 15th Year Running

Photo: Timothy @timmmytoes

The Rip Curl GromSearch is a prestigious event series giving under-17 surfers a chance to compete against their nations’ best, and 2018 marks its 15th year running. One of the longest Junior Surfing Series in South East Asia, it has become a crucial stepping-stone in the development of junior surfers.

The list of previous GromSearch winners illustrates the significant history of the series, with World Surf League (WSL) competitors Gabriel Medina (Brazil), Tyler Wright (Australia), Owen Wright (Australia), Matt Wilkinson (Australia), Jordy Smith (South Africa), Kolohe Andino (USA) and Sally Fitzgibbons (Australia) among the list of former competitors and GromSearch International Final Champions.

Working in conjunction with Halfway Kuta Boardriders, the event will be held on 20-21 October 2018 at Kuta Beach Halfway. The Rip Curl GromSearch includes boys and girls divisions in 16 and under, 14 and under, and 12 and under age groups, commonly referred to as “Groms”. The aim of the GromSearch is to nurture and recruit the next generation of surfers at a grassroots level.

To be competition eligible, you must be the specified age as of the 31st December, 2018. All divisions are limited, with entry allocated on a first in first served basis and allows surfers from around the country to compete against their contemporaries in a fun and engaging environment.

“In the events 15th year, we are stoked to be hosting the GromSearch at Kuta Beach in partnership with Halfway Kuta Boardriders. This stretch of beach has been the heart of the sport in Indonesia for over 2 generations and arguably remains the biggest hotbed of surfing talent in the whole of the achiepelego. We can’t wait to see the best under 16 surfers in the country go head-to-head, but also give opportunity for new young surfers to compete in a fun and freindly environment”, said James Hendy, Rip Curl Marketing Manager SE Asia.

Winners of the under 16’s category in both Boys and Girls divisions are then flown - all expenses paid - to the 2018 international final where they will face the hottest under 16 surfers from around the globe. Win the international finals and you are well on your way to sponsorship and a pro career - the stuff that young dreams are made of. The GromSearch brings the most talented young surfers in Indonesia together in an exciting, safe and friendly environment that promotes sportsmanship, environmental awareness, cultural exchange and high voltage competition.

This event is supported by Creatures, XPS Link, Agility, Sun Zapper, with offical media partner from Bali Belly, Surftime Magazine and Pemburu Ombak.