The 2024 Rip Curl GromSearch International Final is set to bring a wave of excitement to Canggu this week, as 14 of the world’s top young surfers take to the iconic A-frame breaks for an epic showdown. The competition, running from November 13-17, will feature 16-and-under surfers who earned their spots through national titles, competing for the ultimate grom bragging rights.
The event will host a diverse field, with rising stars from Australia, Indonesia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Rip Curl will stream the final day of action, with details on the broadcast schedule to follow soon.
In an exciting twist, Rip Curl has added wildcard entries to the competition, giving talented surfers who didn’t qualify a chance to prove their skills. To select the wildcards, Rip Curl enlisted three of their top team riders—Mason Ho, Gabriel Medina, and Stephanie Gilmore—who personally reviewed submissions posted on TikTok.
On the men’s side, Mason Ho and Gabriel Medina selected Indonesia’s Dylan Wilcoxen as the wildcard. Wilcoxen, 15, hails from Kandui Resort in the Mentawai Islands, where his father, “All Day Ray,” is a co-owner. Raised in a surfer’s paradise, Wilcoxen has access to some of the world’s best waves, making him a formidable competitor. Although he doesn’t participate in many contests due to the logistical challenges of traveling from the Mentawais, Wilcoxen actively seeks out smaller, less pristine waves to hone his competitive edge. His well-rounded skill set makes him a serious contender for the event.
On the women’s side, Stephanie Gilmore handpicked 14-year-old Catalina Zariquiey Vega from Peru as the wildcard. Zariquiey Vega, known for her explosive surfing and fearless style, is expected to make a significant impact in the competition.
Both Wilcoxen and Zariquiey Vega have already proven their prowess through their standout video submissions, which are available for viewing online. Their inclusion in the international final is sure to bring even more intensity to an already stacked lineup of competitors.
With the competition now officially underway, all eyes will be on the GromSearch finalists as they battle it out for the coveted title. Keep an eye on these young surfers, as they are poised to leave their mark on the sport in the years to come.
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