KETUT AGUS AND DHEA NATASHYA TRIUMPH AT STOP # 1 OF THE RIP CURL GROMSEARCH SERIES #INDONESIA

Lombok – Monday, 24 April 2017: First stop of Rip Curl GromSearch 2017 went ahead this week-end with the most talented young surfers from Lombok, Sumbawa, Java and Bali. Competing in an exciting, safe and friendly environment high voltage action from competitors across all divisions including Under 16’s, Under 14’s and under 12’s with the addition of the Super Grommet division (under 10 years old).

The first day took place in Are Guling with 3 to 4 foot barreling waves, offering the Groms perfect sized conditions to show-off their skills during the morning. First up was the Under 10  and under 12 divisions only leaving all the under 16, 14 and the girls division’s for the next day.

On the second day, Sunday, 23 April 2017, Contest Director and Rip Curl Team rider Dedi Gun used Rip Curl’s Search philosophy and shifted contest site to Mawi, Lombok, to find the best conditions.
“We are glad that we changed the location to Mawi for the final day. It offers better conditions and great waves. The crowd were closer to watch the competitors rip! It was such a perfect last day to a great contest.” commented Dedi.

The idylic and beautiful beach of Mawi offered the grom’s consistent surf throughout the day with 3 to 4 foot left and right breaking peaks on offer. It was sunny all day, the wind was offshore. Again, this day offered the kids the best conditions to perform their best and to have fun.

In the Under 14 division, Varun Tandjung impressed the judges with his powerful surfing style, gaining over his rivals Bronson Meidy (9,00), Kona Eru (8,8) and Pajar (7,77) with a total of 9.73 points.

“It was pumping all day. I am stoked with what I did today and very happy with my wave selection. Thank you everybody.” said Ben Benson after he scored a 6,7 and a 7,6 waves during the Quarter Final in the Under 16 division. He made it to Final and compete with Ketut Agus, Ryuki Waida and Dhanny Widianto. Ryuki was leading till the last minute but finished short taking a 2nd place with 9,77, Ketut took a wave and won with a total of 9,83. Ryuki Waida and Dhanny Widianto also through down impressive performances during the final round, leading them to 3rd and 4th place finishes.
On the girl division, Dhea Natashya’s outstanding performance saw her cruise by the field to finish first place with a score of 12,83, followed by Taina Izquierdo in 2nd place with a 8,47. It was incredible to see all the girls giving it all they’ve got.

The best trick of the day was won by Rifai (Lombok), the best wave by Feby (Lakey Peak, Sumbawa) and Sahrul Gunawan (Lombok) took the best overall performance during the Expression Session winning leashes and grips from event Sponsors Creatures Of Leisure for their performances.

During the weekend, all the children competing in the events helped to clean up both beaches and learn about how to protect their beach environment. There was also the additions of a puppet show by Free Bali Dolphins who organized the activity to educate the kids about the importance of letting marine creatures free from captivity. Games were also organized for the kids during the event with Rip Curl Caps, T-shirts and Famous Surf Wax all provided for their participation.

The next Rip Curl GromSearch will be held in Cimaja, West Java on the 13th and 14th of May, where grommets will give their best to win the next set of tickets to Rip Curl GromSearch National Finals 2017!

Rip Curl is looking for young and fresh talents to build the next generation of upcoming surfers, so… Let the Grommets rock!

The Rip Curl GromSearch is supported by XPS Link, Agility, Famous Surf Wax, Creatures, Lock & Walk, Sun Zapper and official media support by: Indosurflife.com, Bali Belly, and Surftime Magazine.

Rip Curl GromSearch 2017 Air Guling, Kuta Lombok Contest Results:

Under 16th Division (Boys):
1.        Ketut Agus (Bali)
2.        Ryuki Waida (Bali)
3.        Ben Benson (Bali)
4.        Dhanny Widianto (Java)

Under 14th Division (Boys):
1.        Varun Tandjung (Bali)
2.        Bronson Meidy (Lakey Peak, Sumbawa)
3.        Kona Eru (Bali)
4.        Made Pajar Ariana (Bali)

Under 12th Division (Boys):
1.        Westen Hirst (Lakey Peak, Sumbawa)
2.        Raiha Ono (Bali)
3.        Lucky (Lakey  Peak, Sumbawa)
4.        Hasim Muzadi (Lombok)

Under 10th Division (Boys):
1.        Ipan Hafendi (Lombok)
2.        Nathan Bontje (Bali)
3.        Mahesa Pranata (Lombok)
4.        Sinar Tandjund (Bali)

Under 16th Division (Girls):
1.        Dhea Natashya (Java)
2.        Taine Izquierdo (Bali)
3.        Tia (Bali)
4.        Jessica (Bali)

Expression Session:
Best Wave
Feby (Lakey Peak, Sumbawa)
Best Trick
Rifai (Lombok)
Best performance
Sahrul Gunawan (Lombok)

Schedule of the Grom Search events for 2017:

Series 2 – Cimaja, West Java – May 13th & 14th
Series 3 – Canggu, Bali, September 23rd & 24th
Rip Curl Grom Search – National Final – Somewhere October 21st & 22nd