Jackson Baker : photo PA/Surfing Australia

 Wahu Surfer Groms Comp

Surfing Australia
South Bar Beach, Newcastle
14 - 15 November 2009

Super Fun 1m waves at South Bar Beach for Day 1 of the Newcastle leg of the Wahu Groms

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 14 November, 2009 : - - The Wahu  Surfer Groms Comp national series for 2009/2010 launched today in Newcastle in superb 1m surf  at South Bar Beach.

Performances in the water were outstanding from the start with Merewether Local Jackson Baker leading the charge in the Under 15 Boys division. Baker showed his intimate local knowledge locking in the day’s biggest combined 2-wave total of 15.67, which included a whopping 8.17 ride for a series of critical backhand manoeuvres.

“I’m really happy with my opening round performance,” said Baker. “The waves were fantastic fun and I got one of the sucky left runners that allowed me to really open up on my backhand.” With his dominant performance, Baker overcame rivals Brendan Hay (Copacabana, NSW), Jack Hall (North Narrabeen, NSW) and Jake Emerton (Blacksmiths Beach, NSW) to progress past the repechage round to Round 2.

Other standouts in the Under 15 Boys were Chris Robertson (Cronulla, NSW), Adam Perica (Bronte, NSW) and Harry Muskgrove (Newport) with all winning their respective Round 1 heats.  Action in the water continued to heat up with the Under 13 and Under 11 Boys divisions which were dominated by strong surfing by Luke Hamilton (Merewether, NSW) and Taj Lukas (Cudmirrah, NSW).

But the action wasn’t just restricted to the water with plenty of fun and games being had by competitors and spectators alike with the ‘micro grommets’ getting stuck into Wahu Beach Cricket and Beach Soccer. “The grommets were going all out with the Wahu Beach Games,” commented Surfing NSW Contest Director Peter Hunt. “That’s the spirit of the Wahu Surfer Groms Comps and it’s great to see the less serious side of competition.”

The Wahu Surfer Groms Comp is a family-orientated event that’s all about providing a fun, competitive environment with a focus on introducing competitors to the structure of a professionally run surfing contest.

“The nature of the event is especially evident in the Under 9 Parent Assist Division where parents are able to assist their kids in the water by pushing them onto waves,” continued Hunt. “It was amazing to see how good the surfers in the Under 9s division were, there are definitely some future champions here this weekend!”

Competition will continue tomorrow with Semi Finals and Finals across all divisions.

South Bar Beach is the main event location for the opening round of the Wahu Surfer Groms Comps, with South Bar Beach, Nobbys Beach and Merewether Beach backup locations. For daily event location please call the Surfing NSW Event Hotline after 6.30am on 0458 247 212.

Wahu Surfer Groms Comps Schedule:

Event 1
November 14-15 2009
Newcastle, NSW  

Event 2
November 21-22 2009
Ocean Grove, Victoria 

Event 3
December 5 2009
Glenelg, South Australia 

Event 4
December 12-13 2009
Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Queensland 

Event 5
December 19-20 2009
Northern Beaches, NSW 

Event 6
January 12-13 2010
Sunshine Coast, Queensland 

Event 7
January 23-24 2010
Trigg Point, Western Australia 

About Wahu: Wahu... Aussie born & bred and celebrating our 10th year! Founded in 1999 by Brisbane based company Britz Marketing Australasia, Wahu is celebrating it’s 10th Birthday. Synonymous with beaches across Aus, Wahu’s product range and brand awareness expands every year with products being sold all over the globe including; South Africa, France, Canada, England, Hong Kong, America and NZ.

Our commitment has been the same since we began; to create quality products that promote healthy outdoor activities for kids and adults alike. Our ongoing commitment is to support Australian organisations and events who promote the same view.

In 2009 we will be continuing our ongoing support to Surf Life Saving Australia by donating our 5th ATV and we are proud to be the major sponsors of the upcoming Wahu Surfer Groms Comps events.

www.surfingnsw.com

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Steve Robertson

Wahu Contests - Surfersvillage