We’re absolutely thrilled to officially announce that the event is ON — taking place Saturday 7th to Sunday 8th June at Putsborough Beach in North Devon!
While Croyde Beach was the original planned location, current surf forecasts are showing a powerful swell over the weekend. To ensure the best possible conditions, the contest beach location has change to a more sheltered North Devon spot – Putsborough beach EX33 1LB. – on both days of competition.
Live scoring of the event will be available via LiveHeats. The heat draw will been published HERE in advance of the weekend, although it remains subject to change. We have some very strong UK competitors, who have a real chance of taking the title of 2025 RIP CURL GromSearch European champion this year!
To stay fully up to date on venue changes, heat times, and key event info, Add Lauren – Surfing England to your contacts on 07486327415 and message to ask to be added– to receive broadcast messages
We’re excited to welcome some of the UK’s most talented Junior (Grom) shortboard surfers. The divisions running across the weekend include:
- Under 12 Boys & Girls
- Under 14 Boys & Girls
- Under 16 Boys & Girls
It’s set to be an action-packed weekend celebrating the next generation of surf talent — we can’t wait to see you all there!
What is the Rip Curl GromSearch?
An Internationally Renowned Competition, The GromSearch takes place in seven regions around the world: Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, the United States, Brazil, South Africa, and Europe. Each edition brings together the best young surfers, fostering both competition and progression. The journey culminates in an international final, where the champions from each continent compete for the ultimate title.
A Stepping Stone to Surfing’s Elite
Since its inception in 1999, the Rip Curl GromSearch has helped uncover numerous talents who now shine on the world stage. Among its former competitors are WSL champions and Olympic medalists, including Gabriel Medina (3x world champion), Stephanie Gilmore (8x world champion), Kauli Vaast, and Caroline Marks (2024 Olympic champions).
Last year, European champions Tya Zebrowski and Dylan Donegan Santos qualified for the world final in Bali, where Lukas Skinner and Eden Walla claimed the latest GromSearch crowns.
The European Final and Online Wildcards
All winners from the European tour stops will qualify for the European Final. Wildcards will also be awarded to young talents from countries without a GromSearch event through the GromSearch Online. This digital format will allow young surfers to submit their best waves via social media.
EUROPEAN 2025 RIP CURL GROMSEARCH SCHEDULE:
- 1st Stop: Fregene, Lazio, Italy (waiting period in March 2025)
- 2nd Stop: Costa Da Caparica, Portugal (April 7-9, 2025)
- 3rd Stop: Somo, Spain (May 2-4, 2025)
- 4th Stop: Putsborough, United Kingdom (June 7-8, 2025)
- 5th Stop: Lacanau, France (August 28-31, 2025)
- European Final: Location and dates to be confirmed
RIP CURL PARTNERS 2025:
OAKLEY
In its second year of partnership, Oakley proudly continues its support of the European GromSearch series.
Oakley will showcase its latest products for attendees to test and offer exciting prizes to competitors. Oakley will also reward the highest score at each stop with a grand trophy!
FCS
The historical GromSearch Partner! Rip Curl is very happy to count FCS again for this new edition! On the menu, many prizes for the competitors and sets for the local shaper test center.
MEMBERSHIP
You must be a member of your home federation to compete at this contest. For all English surfers, you must be a Surfing England member to compete. You can check the status of your membership or set up a membership HERE
We welcome all new members to Surfing England; memberships start at just £18 – £25 a year. Included in membership is worldwide personal accident cover, including wave pools, and some great discounts! Join us here.
A huge thank you to Rip Curl for enabling the #GromSearch. Thank you to Putsborough Beach for hosting us.
A big thanks also to Apex Medical and Rescue for the safety Cover, and thank you to Biffins Kitchen for providing our staff with super tasty food, keeping us fuelled throughout the contest.
CONTACT US
For all event enquiries please contact: lauren@surfingengland.org
For all membership enquiries, please contact: membership@surfingengland.org
