LENNOX HEAD, NSW (Thursday, July 3, 2024): The 2024 Skullcandy Oz Grom Open, presented by O’Neill, launched today with a thrilling start as young surfers navigated the tricky four-foot waves. The event began with the Under-14 and Under-16 divisions for both girls and boys, setting the stage for an exciting competition.
Ocean Lancaster from Merewether, NSW, demonstrated the prowess that took him to the quarterfinals in the recent Occy Grom Comp. Lancaster dominated his opening heat in the Under-16 Boys category, scoring impressive rides of 9.43 and 8.93. His remarkable performance left his competitors needing a two-wave combination totaling 18.37 to overtake his lead.
Other notable performances in the Under-16 Boys division came from Max Mcgillivray of Evans Head, NSW, and Henry Dowling of Noosa, QLD, both of whom achieved first-round totals exceeding 14.00.
In the Under-16 Girls division, Eliza Richardson of Noosa, QLD, proved her status as a rising star from the Sunshine Coast. Richardson secured her first-round victory with a remarkable 16.03 two-wave total. Despite a fierce challenge from Japanese surfer Kanon Takahashi, Richardson’s powerful turns ensured her win, with Takahashi advancing in second place.
Local talent Leihani Zoric from Byron Bay, NSW, shone in the Under-14 Girls division. Zoric, the reigning champion of the recent Occy Grom Comp, handled the challenging conditions with skill and confidence, posting a 13.10 two-wave total to claim victory.
The competition continues on Friday, July 5th, with the Pro Junior divisions taking to the water. The prestigious six-day event, running from July 4th to July 9th, includes a World Surf League (WSL) sanctioned Pro Junior Qualifying Series (JQS) event and elite contests for grommets in the 14, 16, and 18-year age divisions.
As in previous years, the 2024 event attracts a diverse international field, with surfers traveling from Europe, the USA, Hawaii, Indonesia, and Japan to compete among the more than 180 participants across all divisions.
Past competitors of the Skullcandy Oz Grom Open include current and former World Championship Tour and Challenger Series surfers such as Macy Callaghan, Molly Picklum, Mikey, Owen and Tyler Wright, Jack Robinson, and local talents Ocea Curtis and Nyxie Ryan.
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