The world-renowned Rip Curl GromSearch series is set to for 2020 with event one kicking off at Newcastle tomorrow.

The 2020 series will have a renewed focus on providing opportunities for surfers from each state to have an event of their own. With Covid-19 restrictions placing uncertainty on the ability of participants to cross state borders, organisers have made the decision to ensure each event is available to residents of that state only.
 
“We want to run the GromSearch series and give groms the chance to have some fun in what has turned out to be a pretty restrictive year,” said Rip Curl Event Manager Mark Flanagan. “We are working closely with the relative state surfing organisations to ensure we adhere to all official regulations and restrictions, with that in mind we want to do our best to provide GromSearch competitors with an event they can surf with their friends.”
 
In an uncertain year, organisers have deemed the easiest way for families to plan ahead is to allow entry for each event to be available for state residents only. This alleviates the uncertain issues regarding interstate travel, whilst still providing an opportunity for participants to surf against others from their state.
 
Each event will be run in conjunction with the state surfing associations and adhere to all appropriate health and safety regulations. In accordance with Victorian regulations, the Victorian event has been moved to November 14-15 at Jan Juc Beach, better aligning with regional restrictions to allow surfers to attend.
 
The 2020 series will culminate with a GromSearch National final at URBNSURF Melbourne in March 2021. Finalists will be determined from the top-ranked surfers out of each of the three events in the series (in their respective divisions). GromSearch organisers will be working with surfing associations from states where events cannot be held, to try and incorporate surfers from each of those states.
 
More information on individual events, entry dates and procedure, allocations for National Final and any other updates to follow.
 
UPDATED 2020 Rip Curl GromSearch Series dates:
*all dates and locations to be confirmed, pending Covid-19 restrictions and regulations.
Event 1 – Newcastle, NSW – Oct 1-4, 2020
NEW DATE Event 2 – Jan Juc, VIC – Nov 14-15, 2020.
EVENT 3 – Coolum, Qld – Dec 14-16, 2020
National Final – URBNSURF, Vic. March, 2021
 
Divisions:
16 and Under Girls, 14 and Under Girls, 12 and Under Girls
16 and Under Boys, 14 and Under Boys, 12 and Under Boys.
 
The GromSearch series provides the opportunity for groms to surf with their friends whilst developing their competitive skills. As participants progress through to the finals they gain valuable experience competing against elite level talent.
 
The impressive list of previous GromSearch competitors that are currently on the WSL world tour is testament to the quality of the series.

Current WSL World Tour athletes that were GromSearch finalists include:
Tyler Wright*, Steph Gilmore*, Carissa Moore*, Sally Fitzgibbons, Malia Manuel, Nikki Van Dijk, Tatiana Weston-Webb, Bronte McCaulay, Caroline Marks, Macy Callaghan, Brisa Hennessy, Isabella Nichols & Bethany Hamilton. (*Note: GromSearch competitors have won the last 13 WSL Women’s World Titles).

Current Men’s WSL World Tour athletes that were GromSearch finalists include:
Gabriel Medina*, Owen Wright, Italo Ferreira*, Jordy Smith*, Kolohe Andino*, Filipe Toledo*, Kanoa Igarashi*, Wade Carmichael, Ryan Callinan, Leonardo Fioravanti, Connor O’Leary, Seth Moniz, Griffin Colapinto & Morgan Cibilic.

(*Note: the top 6 surfers of the final 2019 WSL World Tour rankings are all former GromSearch finalists).