Final 10,000-Point Opportunity Awaits at Rip Curl GromSearch Phillip Island Presented by Bass Coast Shire

The Rip Curl GromSearch Phillip Island presented by Bass Coast Shire will return to the iconic shores of Cape Woolamai from October 29 to November 3, with Australia’s leading junior surfers set to compete in the final 10,000-point event of the 2026 Surfing Australia Junior Series.

As the last opportunity for competitors to secure a major points haul before the end of the season, the event is expected to attract the country’s top-ranked junior surfers, all looking to cement their positions on the national rankings and finish the year strongly.

Beyond the action in the water, the event will deliver significant benefits to the Bass Coast region, attracting hundreds of competitors, coaches, families and supporters and generating valuable visitation during the spring tourism period.

“We’re excited to have the Rip Curl GromSearch back on Phillip Island — it’s one of those events that really puts our coastline and surf culture on show”, said Cr Brett Tessari, Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor. “It’s not just about the competition either, it’s seeing the next generation of surfers getting out there and enjoying the competitive atmosphere.

“Events like this bring families down from all over, and they don’t just stay for the waves, they get out and enjoy the beaches, cafes, shops and everything else Bass Coast has to offer, which is great for our local economy.”

“It’s going to be a fantastic week, and we’re proud to host these rising stars of surfing, can’t wait to see them out there.”

Hosted at one of Victoria’s most renowned surf breaks, Cape Woolamai will provide the perfect arena for the nation’s next generation of surfing talent. Competition will take place across the Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18 divisions, with surfers travelling from every corner of Australia to compete.

Member for the Bass District Jordan Crugnale MP said it’s great to see the Rip Curl GromSearch returning for another year, showcasing the impressive talent of our next generation of surfers.

Victorian Minister for Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said the Phillip Island Junior Pro has continued to get bigger every year and is a thrilling and significant event in the surfing calendar for regional Victoria.”

“We can’t wait for another year of fantastic competition giving a boost to Bass Coast this October thanks to the Significant Sporting Events Program.” 

The Rip Curl GromSearch series has built a reputation as one of Australia’s premier junior development platforms, with many past competitors going on to professional careers and representing Australia on the world stage, including legends Owen Wright and Molly Picklum. Surfers who finish in the top four of the Under 14 and Under 16 divisions will qualify for the Rip Curl GromSearch National Final at URBNSURF Melbourne on October 19.

“We’re stoked to bring the Rip Curl GromSearch back to Phillip Island this year,” said Angus Forrest, Rip Curl’s Sports Marketing Manager.

“The GromSearch provides an incredible pathway for Victoria’s next generation of surfers to test themselves against the best in their state and the rest of the nation. We’re always blown away by the talent that comes out of this region, and we can’t wait to see what this year’s competitors bring.” 

With valuable rankings points, national recognition and momentum heading into 2027 on the line, the Rip Curl GromSearch Phillip Island is shaping up as one of the most consequential junior surfing events of the year.

Surfing Victoria CEO Adam Robertson said the event’s timing on the national calendar adds another layer of importance to an already prestigious competition.

“The Rip Curl GromSearch Phillip Island has always attracted Australia’s best young surfers, and being the final 10,000-point event of the Surfing Australia Junior Series makes this event significant,” Robertson said.

“For many athletes, this will be their final opportunity to make a move on the national rankings and finish the season on a high. We expect an incredibly competitive field and some outstanding performances across all divisions.”

With season-defining rankings points on the line and some of Australia’s brightest surfing prospects preparing to battle it out at Cape Woolamai, the Rip Curl GromSearch Phillip Island presented by Bass Coast Shire promises to deliver five days of high-performance surfing and exciting competition.

The event will run from October 29 to November 3 at Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island, with further event information and schedules to be announced closer to the start date.

Entries on to the waitlist for competitors will open open on July 13 and close on July 27.

The Rip Curl GromSearch Phillip Island is presented by Rip Curl, Bass Coast Shire and Phillip Island and supported by the Victorian Government, Fat Boy Bikes, Ritual Vision Sunglasses, Vitality Brands, Cancer Council Sunscreen, Surfing Australia, Beyond Coconut Water, ParkLane Holiday Parks, Phillip Island Boardrider Club and Surf Better Now.