2007 Rip Curl Gromsearch

FLORIDA FIRES UP FOR THE RIP CURL GROMSEARCH PRESENTED BY BOOST MOBILE

Boys’ 16/under winner Oliver Kurtz en route to victory

The 8th and final stop on the 2007 Rip Curl GromSearch presented by Boost Mobile brought the noise to the dirty south to let the hottest Southeast groms gun it out at New Smyrna Inlet.

After opting to run on the 2nd day of the waiting period, G-Search contestants, parents, enthusiasts, and Florida flag-wavers were greeted to pumping shoulder-high surf. Considered one of the premiere swell magnets in all of the Sunshine State, not only did all the heavy mini-hitters show up to duke it out in the comp, but a whole line-up of seasoned pros showed face for a surf and to check out the future, including Shane Beschen, Eric Geiselman, Aaron Cormican, and Rip Curl pro team rider, Adam Wickwire.

“Man, I wish would have done these when I was young enough,” said Wickwire. “The event’s insane!”

Of course, it’s all about the young talent. Tanner Strohmanger made a valiant effort to double-dip, competing in both the Boys 12 and 14/under divisions to power his way to both finals. Handling business in the 12/under final, Tanner’s b/side vert pocket hacks granted him the nod as king.

However, in the Boys 14/under, Keto Burns had other plans. The two young aquatic warriors dueled until the final horn blow with Keto getting the best of Tanner. It was a good day for Keto; not only did the lad win the comp but he also consistently showed off his quick wit during the ‘Boost Mobile Trivia Giveaways’, where groms are rewarded handsomely for knowing their Boost Mobile Pro of Surf history.

In the Girls 16/under, last year’s GromSearch national champ, Amy Nicholl, held home court. Born and bred on the bowly peaks of NSB, Amy represented for her home soil and smashed every heat en route to her win. Amy will now look to repeat the National Final and win her second consecutive all-expenses paid trip to Bells Beach for the International Final.

All eyes were on the Boys 16/under division. And why wouldn’t they be? It’s no secret that the winner will not only cop a new Boost flip phone, but the winner also wins that VIP trip to the Boost Mobile Pro of Surf at Lower Trestles next month.

With that known, Evan Thompson came out of the gates firing. The powerful natural foot linked his maneuvers like legos, putting everyone in a position to catch up from the start. Oliver Kurtz woke up. The talented goofy footer took to the air, landing an acrobatic aerial assault before dismantling another long right to edge out young Evan in a close split-decision triumph.

With the conclusion of this event, all regional top two finishers will be getting ready for the illustrious post-season: The Rip Curl GromSearch National Final presented by Boost Mobile. Not only will all competitors be battling it out for healthy cash prizes, but also the winners of the Boys and Girls 16/under divisions will be hooked up with an all-expenses paid trip to Bells Beach, Australia to compete in the International GromSearch Final during the Rip Curl Pro.

Kurtz and his winnings - a VIP trip to the Boost Mobile Pro

Stay locked to ripcurl.com for all details, news, coverage, and developments with the GromSearch, as we head into the National Final!

Complete Results for stop #8 of the 2007 Rip Curl GromSearch presented by Boost Mobile at New Smyrna Inlet, Florida:

Boys’ 16/under:
1 - Oliver Kurtz
2 - Evan Thompson
3 - Taylor Brothers
4 - Mike Fitz

Boys’ 14/under:
1 - Keto Burns
2 - Tanner Strohmanger
3 - Christian Miller
4 - Jonathan Hatton

Boys’ 12/under:
1 - Tanner Strohmanger
2 - Noah Schweizer
3 - Nathan Behl
4 - Weston Williams

Girls’ 16/under:
1 - Amy Nicholl
2 - Haley Watson
3 - Sarah Rodriguez
4 - Emily Rupert

Reader Comments 

Posted Wed Jul30, 2008, 6:12 PM — By Reggie White

First of all, Congradulations to Kurtz. Keep doing what you are doing and hang loose brother! It will pay off some day. Second, There is another surfer to keep your eyes on this year at the 2008 New Smyrna Contest... His Name is, Dalton Taylor. He lives, and Surfs in Pensacola, Fl. He will be there for the 14/under boys. He has been working very hard, and is mentally/physically ready for the contest. Good luck to all the entrants.

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