Champions are Crowned at the 2025 Rip Curl GromSearch UK! We wrapped up in style at North Devon’s iconic Croyde Beach, after a week of challenging swell conditions forced a mid-week relocation to Putsborough, before returning to Croyde as the forecast settled—setting the stage for an electric weekend of surf competition.
With over 100 of the UK’s best young surfers competing across U12, U14, and U16 shortboard divisions, and a packed beach of families, coaches, and supporters, the contest celebrated the next generation of British surfing in top form.
Priority Judging Debut
For the first time at the GromSearch UK, Priority Judging was implemented. Priority judging helps manage the order in which surfers catch waves, ensuring competitors with priority get first choice of waves and can execute their strategies without interference. This system promotes more strategic surfing, and allows judges to better assess each surfer’s performance.
Priority judging is widely used in national and international competitions, helping young surfers develop important contest skills like wave selection and tactical awareness. Introducing it at the UK level better prepares groms for the demands of European and world championship events.
Elite Finals & Heat Highlights
The action-packed finals didn’t disappoint, with surfers delivering impressive scores under pressure. The 2025 Winners of the Rip Curl Grom Search are:
U12 Girls – Betsie Reay – 10.97
Betsie found early rhythm in the final, linking clean turns and displaying excellent wave selection to stay comfortably ahead. Her calm, composed approach under pressure marked a breakthrough performance.
Podium:
- Betsie Reay
- Martha Edwards
- Katarina Roth Gale
- Arabella Peres
U12 Boys – Cassius Woudberg – Scoring 14.57 (single wave 9.00)
Cassius was untouchable in the final, opening with a massive 9.00 ride that lit up the beach. With crisp rail work and explosive energy, he not only took the win but secured the event’s highest heat total, earning the €500 Oakley High Score Award.
Podium:
- Cassius Woudberg
- Teijo Boletta
- Albie Gould
- Bobby Smith
U14 Girls – Bella Llewellyn – Scoring 10.27
Bella brought smooth flow and timing to her turns, executing her strategy perfectly. She controlled the final from start to finish, making it clear she’s a rising force in junior surfing.
Podium:
- Bella Llewellyn
- Isabella O’Reilly
- Daisy-Bleu Heddercott
- Summer-Marie Moore
U14 Boys – Cairo Garcia Plartus – Scoring 13.73
Cairo brought power and precision to the lineup, locking in two big scores early in the heat. His aggressive yet stylish approach made him a standout throughout the weekend—and a deserving champion.
Podium:
- Cairo Garcia Plartus
- Jensen Martin
- Jude Beech
- Joshi James
U16 Girls – Josie Hawke – Scoring 9.54
Josie rose to the occasion in a tight final, using her experience and confidence to find the heat’s best wave and lay down a critical 6.17 ride that made all the difference.
Podium:
- Josie Hawke
- Sunny Ingram
- Coco Arthur
- Kaja Millward
U16 Boys – Joel Nicholson – Scoring 13.60
Joel was surgical in his wave selection, backing up a powerful 6.93 with consistent surfing to control a fiercely contested final. His composure under pressure made him a clear victor.
Podium:
- Joel Nicholson
- Rory Murphy
- Isaac Friend
- Reuben Joseph Wakely
Eyes on Europe: Hossegor Awaits
All division winners will now represent the UK at the Rip Curl GromSearch European Final, set to take place in Hossegor, France (date TBC). They’ll take on Europe’s top young surfers, including champions from Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Wildcard entries. The road to the GromSearch World Final starts here!
Gratitude to Sponsors & Supporters
The success of the GromSearch UK would not be possible without the support of these incredible partners:
- Rip Curl – Event Creator and driving force behind global grom progression
- Oakley – Backing elite performance, providing rad prizes and awarding our highest scorer
- FCS – Longtime GromSearch partner and supporter of young surfers
- Parkdean Resorts – Ruda, for allowing us the use of the incredible venue of Croyde Beach.
- Apex Rescue, ensuring water safety throughout
- Biffen’s Kitchen, fuelling our hard working team with great food and good vibes
Massive thanks as well to Contest Director Pauly Jeffrey, Priority Judge Kerry Powell, our judging panel, media team, and every competitor and family who brought this special weekend to life.
OUR MEMBERSHIP
Inspired by what you’ve seen and read, and keen to support English Surfing. New members are always welcome to join us! Junior membership is just £18/year and Adult membership £25. Find out about the benefits and sign up here.
CONTACT US
For any Events enquiries, please contact lauren@surfingengland.org
For any general enquiries, please contact info@surfingengland.org
