Rip Curl GromSearch UK 2025: Talent Triumphs Amid Shifting Swell at Croyde Beach

The 2025 Rip Curl GromSearch UK wrapped up in style at North Devon’s iconic Croyde Beach, after a week of challenging swell conditions forced a mid-week relocation to Putsborough, before returning to Croyde as the forecast settled—setting the stage for an electric weekend of surf competition.

With over 100 of the UK’s best young surfers competing across U12, U14, and U16 shortboard divisions, and a packed beach of families, coaches, and supporters, the contest celebrated the next generation of British surfing in top form.

Elite Finals & Heat Highlights

The action-packed finals didn’t disappoint, with surfers delivering impressive scores under pressure. Here's a breakdown of each division champion and their winning heat performances, followed by the full podium for each category:

 

U12 Girls – Betsie Reay – 10.97

Betsie found early rhythm in the final, linking clean turns and displaying excellent wave selection to stay comfortably ahead. Her calm, composed approach under pressure marked a breakthrough performance.

Podium:

1. Betsie Reay
2. Martha Edwards
3. Katarina Roth Gale
4. Arabella Peres

 

U12 Boys – Cassius Woudberg – Scoring 14.57 (single wave 9.00)

Cassius was untouchable in the final, opening with a massive 9.00 ride that lit up the beach. With crisp rail work and explosive energy, he not only took the win but secured the event’s highest heat total, earning the €500 Oakley High Score Award.

Podium:

1. Cassius Woudberg
2. Teijo Boletta
3. Albie Gould
4. Bobby Smith

 

U14 Girls – Bella Llewellyn – Scoring 10.27

Bella brought smooth flow and timing to her turns, executing her strategy perfectly. She controlled the final from start to finish, making it clear she’s a rising force in junior surfing.

Podium:

1. Bella Llewellyn
2. Isabella O’Reilly
3. Daisy-Bleu Heddercott
4. Summer-Marie Moore

 

U14 Boys – Cairo Garcia Plartus – Scoring 13.73

Cairo brought power and precision to the lineup, locking in two big scores early in the heat. His aggressive yet stylish approach made him a standout throughout the weekend—and a deserving champion.

Podium:

1. Cairo Garcia Plartus
2. Jensen Martin
3. Jude Beech
4. Joshi James

 

U16 Girls – Josie Hawke – Scoring 9.54

Josie rose to the occasion in a tight final, using her experience and confidence to find the heat’s best wave and lay down a critical 6.17 ride that made all the difference.

Podium:

1. Josie Hawke
2. Sunny Ingram
3. Coco Arthur
4. Kaja Millward

 

U16 Boys – Joel Nicholson – Scoring 13.60

Joel was surgical in his wave selection, backing up a powerful 6.93 with consistent surfing to control a fiercely contested final. His composure under pressure made him a clear victor.

Podium:

1. Joel Nicholson
2. Rory Murphy
3. Isaac Friend
4. Reuben Joseph Wakely

 

Eyes on Europe: Hossegor Awaits

All division winners will now represent the UK at the Rip Curl GromSearch European Final, set to take place in Hossegor, France (date TBC). They’ll take on Europe’s top young surfers, including champions from Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Wildcard entries. The road to the GromSearch World Final starts here!