2025 Rip Curl North America GromSearch

The North America Rip Curl GromSearch presented by FlexFit is BACK and BIGGER than ever!

Searching the planet for the ultimate groms.

The Rip Curl GromSearch, one of the most exciting youth surfing events in North America, is back for 2025. This year marks the 26th anniversary of GromSearch, a key event for surfers ages under 16, the "groms." The event was founded by Rip Curl legend Doug ‘Claw’ Warbrick in 1999 with the goal of discovering and fostering the next generation of surfing champions at the grassroots level. Over the years, many of today’s household name surfers have used the GromSearch as a stepping stone to professional success - Stephanie Gilmore, Caroline Marks, Gabriel Medina, Erin Brooks, and Mason Ho to name a few.

This year’s GromSearch is presented by FlexFit! Followed by an amazing lineup of sponsors including Sun Bum, Yeti, Skull Candy, FCS, Banzai Bowls, Channel Islands, Oakley, Sticky Bumps, Murf E-Bikes, and Wahoo’s Fish Tacos. These brands share Rip Curl’s passion for surf culture and the growth of young athletes, making the GromSearch an unforgettable experience for all involved. 

These events offer groms the chance to compete in a fun, competitive environment and connect with sponsors, surf industry professionals, and media partners. The series isn’t just about competition – it’s about building a community. With incredible support from The Couch Surfing Show, the GromSearch official media partner, fans will get exclusive live content, highlights, and behind-the-scenes coverage of each event stop.

The 2025 series will travel to some of the most iconic surf locations across the continent, offering surfers the opportunity to showcase their skills and earn a place in the National Final. The GromSearch is a testament to Rip Curl’s ongoing commitment to nurturing and developing the youth of surfing.

2025 Event Schedule:

Stop #1 – Tofino, British Columbia: May 9th – May 11th

Stop #2 – Huntington Beach, California: May 31st – June 1st

Stop #3 – Kewalo Basin, Oahu, Hawaii: July 12th – 13th

Stop #4 – Ocean City, New Jersey: August 16th – 17th

National Final – Atlantic Surf Park, Virginia Beach, Virginia: October 4th

Registration

Registration for Stop #1, Tofino, is live at liveheats.com/events/319751 under the GromSearch events. Registration for Stops #2-4 (California, Hawaii, New Jersey) is live at liveheats.com/ripcurl. Entry is $100 per competitor, per event. Age divisions are Under 16 & Under 14 as of 1/1/25. IE - if you are 16 years old as of 1/1/25, you have aged out and are unable to compete.

For any immediate questions, please contact Rip Curl Community Marketing Manager, Madeleine Blackwell, madeleine.blackwell@ripcurl.com.

See you on the beach!