This weekend the Capb stop of the King of the Groms tour, the last qualifier before the 2009 Finals in Zarautz (7-8th Aug) was held at Prevent (between the jetties) in Capbreton. For two days, an assortment of micro rippers took the wedgy peaks apart, competing for eight spots in the KOTG finals. Being an U16 competition, some of the heats can look a little unfair as they’re making their way down to the water, with surfer in red having sidies and a deep voice while poor little white looks about 9 years old. It mattered not though out in the action, with one of miniest mini groms in the whole event Gaspard Larsonneur taking out the final in impressive style.

Final results
1. Gaspard Larsonnier
2. Pierre Rollet
3. Tom Neuschwanger
4. Kevin Bourez

Stand out surfers in the event included Kevin Bourez (Talent profile coming, SE 69) who ripped on his backhand with wound up bottom turns into big hits looking a bit like a mini Hobgood with a wig on, Pierre Rollet (featured in Talent SE67) who threw down some nice forehand carves and Gaspard, was on fire. The little fella consistently cranked out these super tight bottom turns under the whitewater into big whippy foam climbs, put plenty of variety into his turns down the line and the judges lapped it up. Another smaller grom who was ripping was Andy Criere, a little goofy from Hendaye who was blazing on the lefts from the middle peak. He joins the other semi-finalists Paul-César DISTINGUIN, Gary LANDAIS and Emilien LOUJOU in the grand final next month.

Check out these shots from the event, courtesy of Chauche/Quiksilver

Tom Neuschwanger, 3rd Place

Gaspard king for a day

Kevin Bourez was up to all sorts

No 1. on the day, Gaspard Larsonneur