The weather and water was warm and welcoming for the competitors today at Gallows beach, Coffs Harbour for day two of the Billabong Oz Grom Cup presented by SmoothStar.
The swell had backed off from yesterday with competitors seeking their perfect runs in 1-2 foot runners. Conditions turned trickier by noon with the low tide however all divisions pushed through their requalification heats and continued to show their fierce talent.
With over 200 groms spanning from U8’s to U18’s, each division had to battle it out in the water and secure their top scores in just 15 minutes. The pressure increased today with the 15 minute requalification rounds which are some of the toughest heats as competitors face the possibility of elimination.
Through inconsistent conditions, several competitors continued to lock in massive scores including Boat Harbour local, Eden Hasson who took to the skies in the U18 Males requalificaiton heat with an opening score of 7.93, then backing it up with a 5.17. Hasson along with Lennox Head’s Harry O’Brien secured their place for Round 3. Hasson will surf against fellow Port Stephens local Jimmi Hill in Round 3 Heat 6 in the next coming days, which will be a battle of the waves.
In the U10’s Female division Heat 1, Milton’s Everly Morgan impressed the judges with a 13.03 total heat score. The South Coast local utilised her skills, catching a whopping seven waves in just 15 minutes, securing herself a position in the Semi Finals.
Today’s conditions provided perfect opportunity for the younger divisions to showcase their surfing ability. With parents assistance offered as an option for the U10 divisions, the judges saw some competitors taking to the water with parents and others paddling out solo, each of who smashed their heats and locked in great scores.
Day three will commence early tomorrow morning with a possible location change due to the southerly swell and incoming wind overnight.
This event would not have been made possible without the support of Billabong, SmoothStar, Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour City Council, Club Med, Coffs Harbour Boardriders, Coopers Surf Australia and the local Coffs Habour community.
