Saturday 14th November 2020, (Jan Juc, VIC/AUS): The Rip Curl Gromsearch has re-launched the competitive surfing season in Victoria at Jan Juc today with some incredible surfing action in small clean waves.
After an extended hiatus, surfing competitions have resumed in Victoria under strict COVID19 restrictions including no non-essential spectators and requesting that competitors leave the competition area once they have finished their heat.
Female surfing on the Mornington Peninsula looks set for a strong future with three of the final 6 surfers in the 12 & Under Girls hailing from the wave rich coastline.
Sara Hickson (Rye) led the charge by dominating her Quarter Final heat with an excellent wave score of 8.67 (out of a possible 10).
“I’m so happy to be out in the water again competing with the girls” said Hickson.
“The waves were really fun when they came. Its good just to be out there again after such a long time.”
“The Rip Curl GromSearch events are epic. We get to surf with all our friends from over the state and the prizes are amazing.”
Sophie and Maeve Wilkinson (Shoreham) also progressed through to the semi finals after placing first and second in their Quarter Final.
Other standouts on Day One include Willis Droomer (Jan Juc) for an impressive display of innovative surfing, Jarvis Barrow (Torquay) for some critical surfing in the 12 & Under Boys and Willem Watson (Mornington Peninsula).
Sunday will see the conclusion of the event with all finals to be run in clean offshore conditions. Competition is slated to begin at 7.15am
Results and live scores for the event are available online via www.surfingvic.com/live
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
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 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.
Women’s WSL athletes that were GromSearch finalists include;
Tyler Wright, Steph Gilmore, Sally Fitgibbons, Malia Manuel, Nikki Van Dijk, Tatiana Weston-Webb, Bronte McCaulay, Caroline Marks, Macy Callaghan, Brisa Hennessy, Isabella Nichols & Bethany Hamilton.
Men’s WSL 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 & Morgan Cibilic.
(* Note: the top 6 surfers of the 2019 WSL world tour rankings are all former GromSearch finalists).
The GromSearch National final will be held for qualifying athletes in March 2021.
More information on individual events, entry dates and procedure, points allocation and any other updates to follow.
2020 Rip Curl GromSearch Series dates:
*all dates and locations are pending Covid-19 restrictions and regulations.
EVENT 1 – Newcastle, NSW – Oct 1-4, 2020
EVENT 2 – Jan Juc, Vic – Nov 14-15, 2020.
EVENT 3 – Coolum, Qld – Dec 14-17, 2020
National Final – URBNSURF Melbourne, March 15th, 2021
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