Groms Head to Seal Point

TOP TURN: Rip Curl's Gabriel Medina from Brazil came up through the GromSearch ranks. Photo WSL

Enter for the Rip Curl GromSearch here. Early entries for the event, which is presented by Sea Harvest and supported by The Cape St Francis Resort include Josh and Luc Van Wyk and local surfers Rylan Jarvis, Jesse Moulang, Jack Erlank, David Moussouris and Slayde Shooter. Two notable goofy-footers coming to the event from out of town include Durban's Surprise Maphumulo and Cape Town's Joel Fowles, who won his U16 division in the first GromSearch event.

Remember that once the contest is full (when the maximum number of heats that can be run per day is reached), no more entries will be accepted. This will happen even if it is before the advertised closing date. Heats and a provisional schedule will be posted on Liveheats closer to the event's start.

The first competition in the 2022 series was held at Mossel Bay for one heat before a shark sighting saw the contest move to Victoria Bay. The waves were excellent at Vic Bay, and the competition was a massive success. It was a welcome return for Rip Curl into the realms of junior competitive surfing in South Africa.

The Rip Curl GromSearch series has always been a great stepping stone for the recent champions of our sport. Former International GromSearch competitors who have competed or who are currently competing on the various WSL Tours include Jordy Smith, Kolohe Andino, Filipe Toledo, Owen Wright, Gabriel Medina, Mason Ho, Stephanie Gilmore, Sally Fitzgibbons, Tyler Wright, Malia Manuel, Laura Enever and Alana Blanchard.

GROM SHRED: Junior surfer Kai Stubbs at the recent Plakkie Classic. Photo @gumbootism

In the first Rip Curl GromSearch competition, we saw some stellar performances in the water. Winners included Leah Lepront (U12 girls), Mikey Todd (U12 boys), Louise Lepront (U14 Girls), Rory Dace (U14 Boys), Sarah Scott (U16 Girls), Joel Fowles (U16 Boys), Sarah Scott (U18 Girls) and Luke Thompson (U18 Boys).

"We're very pleased to have the Rip Curl GromSearch series going again, and we have plans for the future of this series," said Rip Curl South Africa's CEO Stuart Daykin. "We are looking forward to the event at Cape St Francis."

The contest will once again have U12 boys and girls, U14 boys and girls, U16 boys and girls and U18 boys and girls divisions competing. The competition is a Premier SAST event, with 1,000 points going to the winners and prizemoney per a premier event. Contestants must register as members of Surfing South Africa to compete in this Premier SAST Event. Click Here to register as an SSA member

Fun fact: The Seal Point Lighthouse - at 27,75 meters high - sits on the southeasternmost most point of Africa.

Cape St Francis Resort, which bordering the beach at Cape St Francis and is a few minutes drive from the contest venue, has offered are discounted rates for anyone coming down for the contest. Call Anita at the Resort on 082 494-3755 or 042 298-0054, or email anita@capestfrancisresort.co.za