Where: Salt Creek, Laguna, CA

When: November 14, 2009


The Rip Curl GromSearch is a worldwide series of events designed specifically for grommets. From Australia to Europe to America, the events give groms the center stage to show the world the progression of the sport.

In the US, the Rip Curl GromSearch brings the best surfers from across the nation to their local, regional competition with the hopes of making the Rip Curl National Final at Salt Creek in the Fall.

With a youthful vibe, GromSearch allows the contestants to feel comfortable while providing them competitive experience and an atmosphere similar to a World Championship Tour event necessary for developing their budding surfing careers.

The 2009 North American series is made up of 4 regional championship events and the finalists of each event advances to the National Final to compete for the title of Rip Curl GromSearch National Champion. The winner of the premier 16/Under division at the National Final wins an all-expense paid trip to the Rip Curl Pro Surf & Music Festival at Bells Beach the following April to compete in the Rip Curl GromSearch International Finals!

The Rip Curl GromSearch National Finals has sent incredible surfers to compete at Bells each year including Mason Ho, Tyler Newton, Alex Smith, Malia Manuel, and Nat Young.

The first-ever Rip Curl GromSearch was held at Jan Juc, Torquay, Australia in 1999. This led to the creation of a National series including Europe, the United States, Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, and New Zealand.

Stephanie Gilmore and Matt Wilkinson won the first International Final in 2004. Mason Ho beat Jordy Smith to become the first non-Australian Rip Curl GromSearch Champion in 2005. Progression has continued with big name winners over the years like Owen Wright, Sally Fitzgibbons, Ben Dunn and Alana Blanchard.

Entry is easy and available now.