PIBC inaugural Supergroms home competition

SATURDAY, February 10 saw the introduction of a new Phillip Island Boardriders Club (PIBC) Supergroms competition format event, with divisions for under 14s and younger.

Supergroms coordinator Deb Leonard said the event has been introduced to bridge the gap between the usual Supergroms events and the adult level competition.

“This is designed as a low key, relaxed, friendly competition for kids just starting out in competition surfing” says Deb. “It gives them experience in a heat setting without the pressure of a serious competition.”

“We put a huge emphasis on good sportsmanship and having a go - and it was heartwarming to see the kids cheering each other on and congratulating their mates on good a result.”

16 groms took part on Saturday, and for many it was their first-time surfing in a competition. Younger kids were allowed to have a parent helper in the water with them to give them more confidence. Shelley beach put on the perfect conditions for an entry level competition, and the groms loved taking part.

Deb said she would like to see more girls take part in events like this - “often girls at this age don’t feel confident to compete, especially in a male dominated sport. This event will hopefully provide a setting where girls feel comfortable to come along and have a go.”

Club secretary Emily Scott, whose daughter competed in the event notes “PIBC is such a supportive club for women. Girls should feel like they are safe and supported to come and join in the fun!” The results of the competition were:

Under 10 Boys

1st Hugo Joyner

Under 12 Boys

1st Eddie Maier

2nd Bode Bassad

3rd Lennox Archibald

Under 14 Boys

1st Ryan Hain

2nd Angus Farman

3rd Kai Sturt & Kodi Lewis

Under 14 girls

1st Scarlett Rennie

2nd Phoenix Stedman

3rd Maya Scott

Special awards were also presented, with Otis Joyner and Maya Scott taking out best wipeouts, the Sportsmanship Award going to Max Anagnostou, and Wilco Stubbs (with Deb explaining that they jokingly call a parent helper in the water a “Butler”) the Butler Award to dad, Troy Joyner pushing not one but two sons onto waves in a heat.