After a lay day was called for Round 1 of the Rip Curl Pro Men’s and Women’s competitions, the GromSearch International finalists were called to action to decide the Boys and Girls champions.
The ladies hit the water first, and Nikki Van Dijk wasted no time, laying down two solid scores. With fellow finalists Quincy Davis (USA), Jayda Fitzharris (NZ) and Carina Duarte (POR) on the ropes, Nikki continued to build her lead. Quincy Davis battled back, but would end up just shy of Van Dijk’s 14-point heat total.
Next up were the boys to take on the fun but contestable waves coming through in the Rincon section of Bells.
“It looks tough out there, that’s for sure,” Mitch Parkinson said as he waxed up a fresh stick for back-up just before the start of the Boys Final. “But it’s all good. Time to get it done. This is what I’m here for.”
Young Parko carried this winning attitude straight into the action despite a slow start for waves. At the 3-minute mark, Mitch came to life with a mental blowtail-to-air reverse combo and locked in a 7 point ride. With another solid wave over Daivid Silva (BRA), Ben Poulter (NZ) and Paul Cesar (FRA), Mitch would stake claim as the Rip Curl GromSearch International Boys Champ.
Last year’s Champion Gabriel Medina handed over the trophy to both winners, inducting them into a list of greats, including the likes of Steph Gilmore, Jordy Smith, Owen Wright and many more.
This wraps up the twelfth year of the Rip Curl GromSearch International Finals. The 2011 Rip Curl GromSearch International Final has been presented by Power Balance and Air Asia, along with Surfing Australia, Waves Mag, Surfing Mag, Surfline.com and Fuel TV.
Results for the 2011 Rip Curl GromSearch International Final:
16 and Under Boys:
1) Mitch Parkinson (AUS) 14
2) Daivid Silva (BRA) 12.75
3) Paul Cesar (FRA) 7.4
4) Ben Poulter (NZ) 6.1
16 and Under Girls:
1) Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 14
2) Qunicy Davis (USA) 11.3
3) Jayda Fitzharris (NZ) 7.5
4) Carina Duarte (POR) 6.8
