U18’s begin their Rip Curl GromSearch campaigns on Phillip Island

DAY three of the 2025 Rip Curl GromSearch at Phillip Island, presented by Bass Coast Shire, saw the launch of the U18 Boys and Girls campaigns at Cape Woolamai. Once again, competitors faced tricky conditions with cold, windy weather throughout the day. To give the surfers more opportunity in the challenging lineup, heats were extended to 25 minutes, up from 20 minutes on Day 2.

Kicking things off with Round 1 of the U18 Girls, Ava Holland (Mornington Peninsula, VIC) adapted well to the shifting surf, drawing confidence from her local-style knowledge. “The conditions were very similar to what I surf at home,” she said. “I didn’t really know what to expect, but it ended up working out.”

Following, Alice Hodgson (Kiama Downs, NSW) came away with the Surf Better Now Wave of the Day with a score of 6.83, she was focusing on the positives after coming away with the win in Heat 4, “I just tried to keep smiling” she competed and shared that she loves “competing against all the girls.”

From there, the U18 Boys hit the water, with both Round 1 and 2 completed across the day. Despite the tricky conditions, plenty of moments stood out.

Mitchell Peterson (Noosa, QLD) found his rhythm early, putting together one of the more complete rides of the round with a 7.33-point score. “I got a couple fun ones, where I just got a good snap out the back and then linked turns all the way to the inside with a finishing turn,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mitchell Henderson worked hard to find his opportunities, eventually scoring a 5.83. “I struggled to pick a wave at the start, but finally got one in the end,” Henderson admitted. Drawing comparisons to his home breaks on the Yorke Peninsula in Adelaide, Henderson was all smiles about the event. “I love coming back here, it’s definitely my favourite comp.”

With the U18 Boys and Girls campaigns now underway, Day 3 showcased high quality performances in the tough Phillip Island conditions. As the younger divisions prepare to return to the water and finals draw closer, the stage is set for an exciting finish to the 2025 Rip Curl GromSearch.

Live scores and schedule can be found via surfingvic.com/ripcurlgromsearchphillipisland/

The Rip Curl GromSearch Phillip Island is presented by Rip Curl, Bass Coast Shire and Phillip Island and supported by the Victorian Government, Skin Health Australia, Surfing Australia, Beyond Coconut Water, Parklane Holiday Parks, Phillip Island Boardrider Club and Surf Better Now.