The Rip Curl GromSearch took place over 18-19th November with perfect wave breaks in Seaford, South Australia.

With 12 interstate competitors from Victoria and NSW competing in South Australia’s Rip Curl GromSearch, it was left to Brett Edwards and Alex Rix to stave off the interstate invasion in the finals of the 16 and Under boys. Brett Edwards narrowly pushed Jarvis Cininas (VIC) into second position in the last few minutes of a tense final for judges and spectators.

The Australian Rip Curl GromSearch is a seven event coseries that runs nationally from September through to April 2007. It promotes fun and enjoyment while still rewarding winners with prizes, trophies and for the Under 16 winners a special invitation to compete in the Australian and World Finals which are held at Australia’s famous Bells Beach during the annual Rip Curl Pro World Tour event.

30 degree temperature and offshore winds with a clean 1 to 1.5 metre swell provided fantastic conditions at Parson Beach for the 5th leg of this National junior surfing series. This years Rip Curl GromSearch presented by Snickers saw a strong field from South Australia and interstate enjoy the best full day of surfing conditions thus far in the whole series.

Local Brett Edwards (Stonyfell) was a popular winner of the premier 16 & Under division (16’s) and earned himself a spot in the national final at Easter 2007. “I am very happy to win the chance to compete against all the top juniors from the other GromSearch events around the country,” he said after the event.

Winning both the girls 16’s and 14 & Under (14’s) was the standout female surfer of the day Georgia Fish (Flinders, VIC). Georgia surfed with flair and technique beyond her years to win a place in the national finals. Fellow Victorian Tessa Galbraith, (Torquay) came in second just in front of 3rd Brinkley Davies (Hope Forest) and Gracie Byass (Kangaroo Is). “The day was fun and there were lots of waves,” said Georgia. “It was a great competition. It’s my second time here in South Australia and I definitely will be back next year.”

Khai Adams (Victor Harbor) was a deserved winner in the Boy’s Under 14’s. He edged out Connor O’Leary and Rory Jenkins both from Cronulla, NSW. He also scored the highest wave of the event in one of his earlier rounds (10.0pts).

Specialty prizes were awarded by the judging panel for outstanding achievements to other standouts throughout the event. Willis Hartigan (Aireys Inlet, (VIC) and Anna Jenner (Kangaroo Is) who scored the highest heat score of any eliminated surfers won a Rip Curl watch and backpack respectively.

Waves Magazine 6 months subscription went to Brett Edwards and Brinkley Davies for consistently surfing in the excellent category.

The Carve Stix rising star of the event award went to Max Longhurst (Pt Elliot) for his efforts in both the 16’s & 14’s divisions winning a skateboard.

Snickers Wave of the Day went to talented Connor O’Leary (Cronulla, NSW) who narrowly finished in 2nd place in the 14’s final.

Next event on the Series is Rip Curl GromSearch on 11th December at Duranbah on the Gold Coast.

FINAL RESULTS

16 & under boys final
1. Brett Edwards (Stoneyfell), 2. Jarvis Cininas (San Remo), 3. Darcy Langan (Lorne), 4. Alex Rix (Middleton)

16 & under girls final
1. Georgia Fish (Flinders), 2. Tessa Galbraith (Jan Juc), 3. Brinkley Davies (Hope Forest), 4. Gracie Byass (Kangaroo Is)

14 & under boys final
1. Khai Adams (Victor Harbor), 2. Conner O’Leary (Cronulla), 3. Rory Jenkins (Cronulla), 4. Chase Galbraith (Torquay)

14 & under girls final
1. Georgia Fish (Flinders), 2. Brinkley Davies (Hope Forest), 3. Isabella Hartley (Glen Iris)

12 & under boys final
1. Brae Adams (Victor Harbor), 2. Mack Baddack (Pt Willunga), 3. Mitchell Imgraben (Pt Noarlunga), Kyle Imgraben (Pt Noarlunga)

12 & under girls final
1. Lisa Denny ( Maslin Beach), 2. Angela Oemcke (Brighton)