The 2024 Rip Curl GromSearch has concluded with two standout victories from rising surf stars Eden Walla and Lukas Skinner. The under-16 competitors put the surf world on notice with impressive performances in Bali, marking major milestones in their careers.
Eden Walla, a promising talent from San Clemente, secured the women’s title with a dominant win in the final against Australia’s Ziggy Mackenzie. Walla, who recently gained recognition for her standout performance at the ISA World Junior Surfing Championships, continued to demonstrate her competitive edge. “The man-on-man format is nerve-racking, but I was able to dig deep and come out on top,” said Walla, reflecting on her victory. Her father, Jon, a veteran surfer known for his adventurous exploits at Cortes Bank, watched on nervously but proudly as his daughter claimed the prestigious title.
Walla’s win is another significant step forward in her blossoming career, especially after a summer where she became one of the few Americans to earn an individual medal at the World Junior Surfing Championships. With the surf world watching, she is poised for further success, particularly as the women’s competitive scene continues to grow.
On the men’s side, England’s Lukas Skinner made history by securing back-to-back GromSearch titles. Skinner triumphed over Spain’s Dylan Donegan in a thrilling final, showcasing his talent with a perfect 10-point ride. His performance included an alley-oop, a carve, and an air reverse, leaving the crowd in awe. “It means the world to me,” Skinner said after the win. “Dylan had me on the ropes, but I knew I had to go big on my next chance. It feels amazing to finally get the win after struggling against him all year.”
The Rip Curl GromSearch has long been a springboard for future surfing stars. Past winners include Olympians Gabe Medina and Tatiana Weston-Webb, as well as world champions like Steph Gilmore and Tyler Wright. With the women’s Championship Tour expanding and the rise of young female talent like Walla, the future looks especially bright for her as she continues to make her mark on the competitive surf scene.
Both Walla and Skinner’s victories serve as a testament to the ongoing evolution of youth surfing, with the Rip Curl GromSearch providing an important platform for the next generation of champions.
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