The Grommets of Sandshoes Middle Earth once again showed they have the superpowers to handle whatever the Reef throws up when they went into superblast during the September round world title contest.
The swell went up and down, the winds shifted from offshore to side shore and the low tide made conditions hazardous and demanding, but all this was of little regard as the athletes went to town with the flourish and resolve of ASP-level competitors.
The mettle of the Groms saw them stare down lumpy and uneven waves as well as challenging overhead screamers to post giant scores that not even Jordy Smith could top in claiming the Hurley Pro at Trestles earlier in the week.
Amidst the goldmine of fine performances, 2014 title frontrunner Jarvis Earle once again showed that little bit extra sharpness, control and multi-manouevre combinations to claim victory. It was a set of performances in demanding conditions that got the overall nod of the judges, and saw the pintsized goofyfooter edge ever closer to the championship.
But breathing down his neck in a drama-packed final with designs on the trophy based on outrageous surfing of their own were Koby, Jetson Kutch and Marley Moore.
The level of surfing was just so brilliant that the video of the tournament has gone viral world-wide.
Other competitors who turned on the gas and picked-up valuable championship points included Kai Withers, Luca Durante, Fin Moore, Sam Canuak, Ethan Addison, Casey Jarvis, Caitlan Campbell and Sax Withers.
Sadly, the swell didn’t grow as predicted and so the Juniors and Open showdowns were postponed.
It’s now onto the October contest – 4 and 5, with the back-up date of 18-19.
Also don’t forget to put in your diary the 29th November – the Shoes Night of Nights Presentation (from 6pm at the South Cronulla Bowling Club). Open to all members, family and friends. Entry is only via gold coin.
And whatever you do, please champion and support the club’s majestic sponsors: Dr John Murray, Only Organic Foods, PCC Surboards, Tengirri Surf Charters, Lipman Construction, WJ Partners, Pure Sea Surf Shop, Cronulla Travel, Little Parrot, STC, Cronulla Surf Design and Leo Payne the Sausage.
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