Rip Curl Gromsearch returns to Jan Juc this weekend

The world-renowned Rip Curl Gromsearch series will return to Jan Juc this weekend bringing together the best Victorian 16 & Under surfers for 2 days of surfing action.

After an extended hiatus, surfing competitions will resume in Victoria under strict COVID19 restrictions including no non-essential spectators and requesting that competitors leave the competition site once they have finished their heat.

“We are stoked to kick back into competitions with the Rip Curl Gromsearch” said Surfing Victoria CEO Adam Robertson.

“The Rip Curl Gromsearch is a staple on the Victorian surfing calendar and an amazing stepping stone to bigger things. You just have to look at the list of past winners to see the quality of the series.”

The Australian Rip Curl GromSearch series will focus on providing junior surfers from around the country with a fun set of competitive events to enjoy with their friends, in a safe environment.

Notable surfers competing include Charlie Farrer (Ocean Grove), Ethan Huxtable (Jan Juc), Ellie Harrison (Barwon Heads), Poppy Corbett (Phillip Island) and Sarsha Pancic (Blairgowrie).

The forecast for the event is calling for fun surf across the weekend with a small groundswell accompanied with light winds tending offshore for finals day on Sunday.

Heat draws and live scores for the event are available online via www.surfingvic.com

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 Melnbourne, March 15th, 2021