Scarlett wins Under 12 Girls in 2023 Rip Curl GromSearch

OVER 90 competitors descended on Jan Juc on Wadawurrung Country last weekend as the 2023 Rip Curl GromSearch series kicked off with performances at an all-time high. 

There was an increase in swell on Sunday as judges looked for competitors who committed to big turns on big sections. 

Scarlett Rennie from Cape Woolamai took on this approach by dropping into double overhead waves and not holding back.

In her semifinal, Rennie took off on five waves and didn’t score below a 9.00-point ride on all of them. On her second ride of the heat, she collected the highest score of the entire competition, a 10-point ride.

In the final, she waited patiently out the back looking for another set wave just like those in her earlier heat.

Rennie found a wave to complete a large swooping forehand re-entry. This committed manoeuvre earned her an 8.33-point ride and the win.  
“I love big waves more than smaller waves, so I was happy with the larger swell,” said Rennie.

With excellent overall performances, Rennie was awarded the DHD Ultimate Grom Award and a Mick Fanning signature surfboard. 
“I was really surprised with myself. I didn’t think I would get it but I'm super stoked to get a new DHD DNA board!” 

In the Under 16s, Jackson Woolnough (Caves Beach, NSW) was able to find a rhythm with the ocean that none of his competitors could and secured first place.

In the Under 16 girls, it was a tight battle right until the end however, Ava Holland (Dromana) was rewarded with a last-minute lead giving her the win.

Under 14 Boy Locana Cullen (Avalon Beach, NSW) also pulled off a last-minute victory. 

Winning the Girls Outstanding Performer award was Under 12 Girls finalist Stevie O'Day.