The 2025 Rip Curl GromSearch Oz Cup covered by Sun Bum kicks off July 17–21 in Coffs Harbour. One of the biggest pit stops on the Surfing Australia Junior Pathway, this 6,500-rated event is where future stars rise. With divisions from Under 12 through to Under 18, it’s more than just a comp…it’s a launchpad.
Groms will be throwing down for national ranking points and a shot at the National Final – and for the Under 16s, the stakes are even higher with the golden ticket to the International Final up for grabs.
A hot note: The provisional event heat schedule is now live. Please note this schedule is subject to change based on conditions. Due to a few late cancellations, there may be gaps within certain divisions. We’ve reached out to the next athletes on the waiting list to offer those positions.
From its humble beginnings in ’99, the Rip Curl GromSearch has evolved into a launchpad for iconic names and siblings like Owen and Tyler Wright. In more recent years, NSW surfers like Winter Vincent (Queenscliff) and Carly Shanahan (Wooli) made their mark with charged-up performances that turned heads at the National Series finals in South Australia and Merewether, and today, continue their journey’s on the international stages.
Tahlea Knowles, Rip Curl’s Team, Events, and Partnerships Manager emphasises the ever promising nature of this event.
“We’re stoked to partner with Surfing NSW to bring Australia’s best groms back to Coffs Harbour. The future of Australian surfing is looking so bright, and the Rip Curl GromSearch Oz Cup is one of our standout events, uncovering top talent ahead of the National Final at URBNSURF Sydney later this year.”
Recipe brewing excellence
“Surfing is truly in the DNA of this region, so Coffs Harbour is a non-negotiable when it comes to our pathways for the best junior surfers in the state,” says Surfing NSW CEO, Lucas Townsend.
Townsend reflects on just how meaningful this pathway has become and its ability to continue to deliver, driven by the unwavering support, commitment and passion of the Coffs Harbour region.
“The Rip Curl GromSearch Oz Cup has been challenging the best emerging talent for decades, with names like Owen and Tyler Wright, Molly Picklum, Joel Vaughan and George Pittar all coming through this level. It was the foresight and commitment of Coffs Harbour Boardriders that got this event started here back in 2014, and their volunteers kept it alive year in, year out. It’s a privilege for Surfing NSW to carry that legacy forward, and we couldn’t do it without the support of Coffs Harbour City Council, Rip Curl, Sun Bum, Coopers, Aanuka Beach House and all the boardriding clubs in the region. Together they’re helping us back our young surfers and keep grassroots surfing strong in this community.”
T-1 day key details and channels
➡️ Full event details and updates available via the Rip Curl GromSearch Oz Cup microsite 2025
➡️ Our Whatsapp channel is the place to be (besides Coffs with daily beach announcements) to receive location announcements at 6:30am and any updates throughout the day of competition.
📲 Follow the journey → @SurfingNSW on Instagram
Game on. See you in the line up and the dunes.
