This weekend it has to be all systems go for the 2008 O'Neill Gromtag, as the best junior surfers in the state get ready to converge on Avalon Beach this weekend.
This event was scheduled to happen back in October but a completely flat swell forced the event to be postponed and this weekend is the time to go!
With 24 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.
Featuring a cast of top-rated ASP Australasian Pro Junior competitors including Davey Cathels (North Narrabeen, NSW), Chris Salisbury (Avalon), Nick Riley (Queenscliff), Dean Bowen (Werri Beach) and current Australian champion Dane Atcheson (Avoca) the competition is set to be fierce.
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.
Queenslciff surfer Nick Riley commented on the local Manly representation in the Teams event saying " Both Queenscliff and North Steyne will enter really strong teams in this weekend which is sort of strange because our boundary on the north Manly beach separates us by one drainpipe on the beach - there's a lot of good surfers along our strip and hopefully one of our teams can bring home the prize money this weekend - There's nothing better than surfing for the club!"
For the recently crowned Australian Junior Champion Dean Bowen (Werri Beach), competing for his local club is as important as anything he has done so far in
2008 - and that's saying something.
Having also won a state junior title, surfed some of the biggest waves in Australia and competed at surfing's colosseum, Teauphoo, Bowen is excited about representing Werri Beach this weekend.
"I can't wait for this weekend," Bowen said.
"We've got a really strong team so hopefully we can do well."
Bowen, whose time at home is limited on the back of his breakout 2008, still loves donning the jersey for his south coast club.
"I'm the junior president of the club and I love putting back into it," he added.
"When I'm at home I love surfing with the boys and having fun and just really enjoying being around the whole club."
North Narrabeen have entered two teams, along with South End Maroubra, Queenscliff and Avalon, showing their amazing depth and further igniting the territorial flame.
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.
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.
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, Rockstar Energy Drink 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
