The stage has just been set for the world’s Ultimate Junior Surfing Event. The Rip Curl GromSearch International Final, covered by Sun Bum, will see the planet’s best surfers aged 16 and under converge on the idyllic island of Bali from November 13th to 17th, 2024.
Established in 1999 and known as a launchpad for future surfing superstars, the GromSearch International Final has been the proving ground for an unequaled list of world champions and Olympic medalists. Past finalists read like a who’s who of surfing royalty, including Steph Gilmore, Gabriel Medina, Carissa Moore, Tyler Wright, Caroline Marks, Jack Robinson, Filipe Toledo, and many more. Incredibly, past GromSearch competitors have gone on to clinch the last 17 WSL Women’s World Titles and claimed 5 of the 6 surfing medals awarded at the past two Olympic Games.
The road to Bali is insanely competitive, with young talent from around the globe vying for a mere handful of coveted spots in the final. Only eight girls and eight boys will qualify, representing regions such as the USA, Australia, Indonesia, Europe, Brazil, and South Africa. Two international wildcard slots per division will also be announced, including winners from the #GromSearchOnline contest.
Finalists won’t just be competing for glory; they’ll also receive mentorship from ‘GromSearch Captains’ Stephanie Gilmore and Molly Picklum during the event. These current top pros will provide invaluable insights into heat strategies and share their experiences from the WSL World Tour, ensuring that participants not only compete but also learn and grow.
“The GromSearch International Final is more than a competition; it’s a celebration of the next generation of surfers and the vibrant community that supports them. With the help of Sun Bum, we’re stoked to bring this event to Bali, a place renowned for its phenomenal waves and rich surfing culture,” says Mark Flanagan, Rip Curl Sports Marketing Manager. “This is where future champions are made, and we can’t wait to see who will rise to the occasion this year.”
The event promises boundary-pushing surfing that will define the next decade of performance..
In Europe, the GromSearch final took place on Saturday, September 14th, at the iconic Chambre d’Amour spot in Anglet. The two U16 winners, who qualified for Bali, are the French surfer Tya Zebrowski and the Spanish Dylan Donegan Santos.
The road to Bali is insanely competitive, with young talent from around the globe vying for a mere handful of coveted spots in the final. Only eight girls and eight boys will qualify, representing regions such as the USA, Australia, Indonesia, Europe, Brazil, and South Africa. Two international wildcard slots per division will also be announced, including winners from the #GromSearchOnline contest.
