GromSearch winners : photo courtesy Rip Curl
Rip Curl GromSearch
Fueled by H20 Overdrive
RCGS
Outer Banks North Carolina
8 - 9 August 2009
Rip Curl GromSearch goes off on the Outer Banks, NC
Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 10 August, 2009 : - - The 3rd Stop of the 2009 Rip Curl GromSearch fueled by H20 Overdrive took to the Right Coast last weekend to determine who has the street cred out of the mid-Atlantic’s finest 16/under rippers. With contestable peaks, all the heavy hitters in attendance, and that same polished platinum competitive platform known as the Rip Curl GromSearch, the stage was set for battle.
The 16 and under boys started the day as Nick Rupp flared through his early rounds to make the finals, but young Outer Banks local Julian Payne was all about holding home court. Amidst low tides and drained-out runners, Julian’s local knowledge played to his advantage as he grabbed the win, the cash, the trophy, and the bragging rights to the Rip Curl GromSearch OBX.
“What a feeling it is to win at home,” says Payne. “Surfing these spots everyday, then getting a win when all the best surfers from around the region are here just feels good.”
After having a big let down in the semis of the Boys 12/under, young Daniel Glenn, came roaring back in the Boys 14/under division to blitz the final and grab the win. Daniel took down the likes of Boys 16/under winner Julian Payne, California standout Nic Hdez, and Mid Atlantic little ripper Weston Williams in the final on the way to his first Rip Curl GromSearch victory.
Double finalist Weston Williams came out strong in the Boys 12/under, applying the pressure to his fellow competitors, and holding on for the win. Although Weston got the victory, fellow finalist Stevie Pittman stole some thunder with a full-committed rail turn-to-reverse, winning “The H20 Overdrive Maneuver of the Event” for $100 cash.
The 16/under Girls held their own all event long, showing the OBX doesn’t run short of female talent. In the final, former G-Search winner, Darsha Pigford, padded her legacy by grabbing another victory with some brilliant surfing.
Following the comp, the contestants, the families and the spectators alike headed to valued Rip Curl account Outer Banks Boarding Company (OBBC) to enjoy the award ceremony, food, music and Rayner Family Benefit where good times were had by all for a good cause.
All focus now switches south to the conclusion of the regular season of the ’09 GromSearch movement, where Florida’s freshest crop of talent will showcase their skills next weekend, either on August 15 or 16 (the call will be made by Wednesday).
H20 Overdrive Maneuver of the Event:
Stevie Pittman- $100
BOYS 16/UNDER
1. Julian Payne- $250
2. Nick Rupp
3. Conner Lester
4. Josh Beveridge
BOYS 14/UNDER
1. Daniel Glenn- $250
2. Weston Williams
3. Julian Payne
4. Nic Hdez
BOYS 12/UNDER
1. Weston Williams- $250
2. Nic Hdez
3. Stevie Pittman
4. Tyler Faulkner
GIRLS 16/UNDER
1. Darsha Pigford- $250
2. Rachel Harvell
3. Allison Parks
4. Bree Kleintop
www.ripcurl.com
www.ripcurl.com/gromsearch
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