Rip Curl GromSearch Series dates announced

Jan Juc, Surf Coast, Victoria (Thursday 5^th August, 2021): The world-renowned Rip Curl GromSearch series is set to continue in three key surfing locations on Australia’s east coast for 2021.
 
The Australian Rip Curl GromSearch series will focus on providing junior surfers from around the country with a series of fun events allowing participants to enjoy surfing with their friends, as well as provide elite level competition in a safe environment.
 
“Rip Curl are stoked to commit to the GromSearch series this year. It’s been a tricky year for groms and their families with Covid 19 restrictions, so we want to continue to support the next generation of surfers,” commented Rip Curl Event Manager Mark Flanagan. “Again, we know there might be challenges to run the series, but we’ll work with the appropriate authorities and be guided by the official regulations to get grommets in the water.”
 
Each event will be run in conjunction with the state surfing associations and will adhere to the appropriate health and safety regulations in each state.
 
The 2021 series will include a GromSearch national ranking, allowing surfers to gain points for each result achieved. The top-ranked surfers at the end of the three-event series will qualify for the Rip Curl GromSearch National Final (in their respective divisions).
 
2018 GromSearch National Champion and current Australian World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) leader Molly Picklum said: “The Rip Curl GromSearch is an awesome series that is one of the solid foundation events for any aspiring junior surfer. It was an important step in my development and gave me experience against Australia’s best.”
 
Molly has put her experience to good use in the professional ranks and is looking to begin her campaign on the WSL Challenger Series.

The Australian GromSearch National final will be held for qualifying athletes in 2022.
 
More information on individual events, entry dates and procedure, points allocation and any other updates to follow.
 
2021 Rip Curl GromSearch Series dates:
*all dates and locations to be confirmed, pending Covid-19 restrictions and regulations.

GromSearch Vic – Jan Juc – September 18-19 (entries for Victorians open Monday 9^th August @ 4pm, entries for all other states open Tuesday, 10^thAugust @ 4pm) – Enter via www.surfingvic.com/events
 
GromSearch NSW – Newcastle – Sept 30 – October 3
 
GromSearch Qld – Location TBC – Dec 13 – 16

National Final – TBC

Divisions:
16 and Under Girls, 14 and Under Girls, 12 and Under Girls
16 and Under Boys, 14 and Under Boys, 12 and Under Boys
 
The series provides the opportunity for groms to surf with crew from around the country and developing their competitive game. As participants progress through to the finals they get the chance to test their skills against Australia’s best, providing valuable experience competing against elite level talent. The impressive list of previous GromSearch competitors that are currently on the WSL world tour is testament to the quality of the series.

Current WSL World Tour athletes that were GromSearch finalists include:
Tyler Wright*, Steph Gilmore*, Carissa Moore*, Sally Fitgibbons, Malia Manuel, Nikki Van Dijk, Tatiana Weston-Webb, Bronte McCaulay, Caroline Marks, Macy Callaghan, Brisa Hennessy, Isabella Nichols & Bethany Hamilton. (*Note: GromSearch competitors have won the last 13 WSL women’s World Titles).
 
Current Men’s WSL World Tour athletes that were GromSearch finalists include:
Gabriel Medina*, Owen Wright, Italo Ferreira*, Jordy Smith*, Kolohe Andino*, Filipe Toledo*, Kanoa Igarashi*, Wade Carmichael, Ryan Callinan, Leonardo Fioravanti, Connor O’Leary, Seth Moniz, Griffin Colapinto & Morgan Cibilic.
(*Note: the top 6 surfers of the final 2019 WSL World Tour rankings are all former GromSearch finalists).
 
Surfing Victoria will host the event under strict COVID19 restrictions including limiting non-essential spectators and requesting that competitors leave the competition site once they have finished their heat.

COVID19 Risk Management Key Points
– Competitors are to arrive for their heat 20mins before it begins and leave the contest zone no more than 40mins after their heat
– All non-essential spectators are not permitted in the contest zone (boardwalk area)
– Rash vests will be washed after every heat
– Competitors and essential spectators (eg. Parent or Guardian) must check in via a QR code

The full COVID19 Risk Management plan can be found on www.surfingvic.com