Kuta – Sunday, 30 October 2022: Hundreds of ripping young surfers from around the nation, this weekend, 29-30 October, competed in the 17th annual Rip Curl GromSearch. Competing in an exciting, safe and friendly competitive environment, the best Indonesian surfers put their skills to the test against some red hot travelling competitors in all divisions, including Under 16’s, Under 14’s and Under 10’s.
Known for its consistent waves, Halfway Kuta Beach offered competitors the perfect canvas to show their best skills with 3 to 4 foot high long waves. The famous Halfway Kuta Beach is visited by both local and foreign surfers. This beach is one of the best surf spots in Bali because it has two surfing spots, fat waves, and long swells.
“Feels so good to bring the GromSearch back to Kuta Beach Halfway after a 2 year break. This event has always been about providing a unique opportunity for kids to have a go at competing. Seeing more than 150 surfers across six divisions turn out this weekend proves the future of Indonesian surfing is very bright. Big thanks to all the surfers and families who came down this weekend, and a special shoutout to Halfway Kuta Boardriders and all the sponsors for making it possible.” Said James Hendy, President Director of Rip Curl Indonesia.
Westen Hirst from Under 16 division put on a show scoring 12,57 points in the final. “I’m really stoked to win the Under 16, the waves were super fun.I didn’t have any strategy but to have fun. Thank you so much to my sponsor and all my supporters!”, said Westen after claiming his winning againts his rivals Teddy Bille (12,00), Luki Haryanto (8,90) and Philip Duke (8,43).
On the Under 16 girls division, Kayla Tani’s outstanding performance saw her cruise by the field to finish 1st place with a score of 11,60, followed by Georgie May (9,17), Wayan Meli (8,60), Sang Ayu (5,43) and Chanah Weber (3,17). “I’m feeling pretty excited and happy. I’m glad I got to surf some fun waves and put together such a good heat! ”, said Kayla Tani.
Young free surfer Dylan Wilcoxen took the best overall performance during the contest and booked his Under 14 podium after his last wave scored an 8,50 making his total heat of 16,00. “I feel so good and I’m so stoked with my final heat. I got lucky with that last wave. Thanks to my sponsor Rip Curl and my parents for supporting me”, said Dylan who was followed by Aditya Somiya (13,76), Made Balon (11,34) and Kalani Ryan (6,00).
Ziggy Mackenzie (13,67) claimed her winning on Girls Under 14 after she scored the highest total heat of all girls’ division with her last wave of 7,50. “It was a bit of stressful day but I’m so glad that this was the come out and I’m super stoked to be representing Rip Curl and surfing in this amazing comp” said Ziggy, who surfed against Lidia Kato (6,60), Marshanda Nikijuluw (5,43), and Sonia Paris (4,90) in the final.
In the Under 10 boys division, Darma Wisesa took the podium with his total heat of 11,43 ripping alongside Kadek Dafa (7,00), Agus Jho (6,80) and Shia Jabrik (5,30). Meanwhile Wayan Malana took Under 10 girls division win with her total heat of 9,00 followed by Tasia Belyaeva (6,26), Fiona Alexandra Fuante (5,57) and Monster Chong (5,26).
“Finals day went good with such perfect condition. We’ve seen so many talented young surfers especially Boys Under 14 who will strongly move forward to more international competition. Well done to all competitors and hoping to see more of Rip Curl GromSearch findings in the future”, said Head Judges, Wayan Pica.
This event is presented by Samudera Indonesia and supported byHydroflask, Balian Water, Boemi Botanicals, Swich Sandwich, 2080 Burger, with offical media partner from Bali Belly, Pemburu Ombak, Surftime Magazine & Baliwaves
Rip Curl GromSearch 2022 Contest Results:
Under 16 Division (Boys):
1. Westen Hirst (12,57 points, Indonesia)
2. Teddy Bille (12,00 points, Sweden)
3. Luki Haryanto (8,90 points, Indonesia)
4. Philip Duke (8,43 points, Indonesia)
Under 14 Division (Boys):
1. Dylan Wilcoxen (16,00 points, Indonesia)
2. Aditya Somiya (13,76 points, Indonesia)
3. Made Balon (11,34 points, Indonesia)
4. Kalani Ryan (6,00 points, Indonesia)
Under 10 Division (Boys):
1. I Gede Darma Wisesa (11,43 points, Indonesia)
2. Wayan Agus Jho Ananta (9,30 points, Indonesia)
3. I Kadek Dafa Winata Yasa (7,00 points, Indonesia)
4. Shia Jabrik (5,30 points, Indonesia)
Under 16 Division (Girls):
1. Kayla Tani Martin (11,60 points, USA)
2. Giorgie-May Hicks (9,17 points, England)
3. Wayan Meli Suto (8,60 points, Indonesia)
4. Sang Ayu Putu Anastasya Mega Dewi (5,43 points, Indonesia)
5. Chanah Weber (3,17 points, Canada)
Under 14 Division (Girls):
1. Ziggy Mackenzie (13,67 points, Australia)
2. Lidia Kato (6,60 points, Indonesia)
3. Marshanda Nikijuluw (5,43 points, Indonesia)
4. Sonia Paris Leilani Nalendra (4,90 points, Indonesia)
Under 10 Division (Girls):
- Wayan Malana Fairbrother (9,00 points, Indonesia)
- Tasia Belyaeva (6,26 points, Russia)
- Fiona Alexandra Fuante (5,57 points, Indonesia)
- Monster Chong (5,26 points, New Zealand)
About Rip Curl GromSearch
The Rip Curl GromSearch is a worldwide series of events designed especially for grommets. It started in 1999 as a one day event at Jan Juc in Victoria. Since then it has developed into the strongest international series for 16 year and under surfers in the world. With parallel Rip Curl GromSearch series in over 10 countries, it has become a crucial stepping stone in the development of elite junior surfers.
About Rip Curl – The Ultimate Surfing Company
What started in 1969 as a vision, or Search, of two surfers has evolved into a way of life for surfers and board sport enthusiasts worldwide. Rip Curl remains a private company committed to the mission of being regarded as The Ultimate Surfing Company. Now designing, producing, and distributing a variety of highly innovative clothing, wetsuits, boardshorts, watches, mountainwear, footwear, eyewear, accessories, and other equipment for the range of board sports through out more than 60 countries around the globe. For further information, please visit www.ripcurl.com .
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Geby Amanda Putri (Ms.)
Media Communications Assistant
Rip Curl Indonesia
Email: [email protected]
Rip Curl
Jl. Sunset Road no.69
Kuta, Bali, 80361
INDONESIA
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