(Manly, NSW – Tuesday, 7 October 2008): Pride and passion are at stake as the best junior surfers get ready to collide as the O’Neill Gromtag surfing event returns for 2008.

With 25 teams jam packed with the professional surfing stars of the future from all corners of the state, the action is sure to be electric as local pride is put to the test at Newport Beach from 18 -19 October.

Unlike conventional surfing contests which play upon individual results, the O’Neill Gromtag is a teams based event drawing upon the performances of five surfers per team, four under 20 competitors and one under 16.

Add bonus points and a prize purse of $3000 and you have a perfect recipe for some innovative and passionate surfing.

Steve Harrison, Global Surftag Managing Director, is excited about the level of surfing that will be on show at the 2008 O’Neill Gromtag event in Newport.

“The standard of surfing is always high,” Harrison said.

“The O’Neill Gromtag allows some of Australia's best junior surfers the rare opportunity of representing their local Boardrider club on the highest stage.”

Playing upon the passion and tribal nature of surfing, the O’Neill Gromtag sees Boardrider clubs from around the state looking to be the best, something not available at the run of the mill surfing contest.

“Beach rivalries reach boiling point at tag team events and the Gromtag is no different with the grommets really showing pride and passion for their club,” Harrison continued.

“The O’Neill Gromtag really shows which beach has the best up and coming surfers in their local area.”

As defending champions North Narrabeen will be the team to beat, having usurped local rivals Curl Curl and Avalon in a tightly contested affair in 2007.

Headed by local standout and current ASP Australasian Pro Junior Davey Cathels (North Narrabeen, NSW), North Narrabeen have their eyes firmly set on the prize.

“I’m really looking forward to competing with the boys and try and get some cash for the club,” Cathels said.

“Hopefully we can try and repeat what we did last year.”

Having finished 19th on the ASP Australasian Pro Junior series this year, Cathels is very much looking forward to competing for local pride and surfing supremacy.

“It’s such an awesome initiative brining the Boardrider clubs from across the state together to battle it out against each other,” Cathels added.

“No one wants to take a backward step and really do well for their local area.”

Featuring a cast of fellow top-rated ASP Australasian Pro Junior competitors including Chris Salisbury (Avalon), Nick Riley (Queenscliff), Tom Salveson (Werri Beach) and current Australian champion Dane Atcheson (Avoca) North Narrabeen will not have all their own way at the 2008 O’Neill Gromtag.

For more information regarding the 2008 O’Neill Gromtag be sure to log on to http://www.globalsurftag.com/gromtag/

The O'Neill Gromtag is proudly supported by O’Neill, FCS, Vmoto and Coastalwatch.

2007 O'Neill Gromtag Results

1st North Narrabeen 68 points
2nd Curl Curl 67.4
3rd Avalon 64.3
4th Dee Why 63.2
5th Queenscliff
6th South End Maroubra
7th Avoca
8th Elouera
9th Bronte
10th Maroubra


O’Neill Gromtag Media Contact:
Michael Tyrpenou
0410 211 087
michaelt@surfingnsw.com.au


O’Neill Gromtag Event Contact:
Steve Harrsion
0403 180 787
steve@globalsurftag.com