USA’s Top Youth Compete in Waco, Texas for Rip Curl’s Global Title

Currently in its 20th year running, the Rip Curl GromSearch series has been a great stepping stone for the recent champions of our sport. This worldwide series is held for male and female surfers aged 16 years and under, with the aim to nurture and recruit the next generation of surfers at a grassroots level. The GromSearch gives them the opportunity to compete against the best surfers in the same age bracket from their country—and eventually, the world.

This year’s USA National Final hosted 72 surfers this past weekend at the pool in Waco, Texas. Channel Islands teamriders had some standout performances, including: 16/U boys Jabe Swierkocki (3rd place), Luke Swanson (Aerial finalist), and Owen Carter. In 16/U girls Alyssa Spencer took home 2nd place while 14/U boys saw great surfing from CJ Mangio and Cole McCaffray, with 12/U boys Jak Ziets and Braeden Kopec turning in notable scores at Waco.

Tune in here for replay of event heats