The 2025 Rip Curl GromSearch UK wrapped up in style at North Devon’s iconic Croyde Beach, after a week of challenging swell conditions forced a mid-week relocation to Putsborough, before returning to Croyde as the forecast settled—setting the stage for an electric weekend of surf competition.
With over 100 of the UK’s best young surfers competing across U12, U14, and U16 shortboard divisions, and a packed beach of families, coaches, and supporters, the contest celebrated the next generation of British surfing in top form.
Priority Judging Debut
For the first time at the GromSearch UK, Priority Judging was implemented. Priority judging helps manage the order in which surfers catch waves, ensuring competitors with priority get first choice of waves and can execute their strategies without interference.
This system promotes more strategic surfing, and allows judges to better assess each surfer’s performance.
Priority judging is widely used in national and international competitions, helping young surfers develop important contest skills like wave selection and tactical awareness. Introducing it at the UK level better prepares groms for the demands of European and world championship events.
Elite Finals & Heat Highlights
The action-packed finals didn’t disappoint, with surfers delivering impressive scores under pressure. Here’s a breakdown of each division champion and their winning heat performances, followed by the full podium for each category:
