Young surfers from across New Zealand are set to compete this weekend in Whangamata for the second leg of the Billabong Grom Series presented by Oceanbridge.

Taking place on Saturday and Sunday (8–9 February), the event has seen record demand, with surfers from around the country converging to make their mark in the highly competitive series.

With only one event remaining after this, the pressure is mounting for those chasing the coveted Billabong Grom Series title and potential qualification for the New Zealand Junior Team.

The Coromandel region is strongly represented, particularly in the Under 16 Girls division.

Local surfers Lola Groube, Ella Rose Luke, and Ruby Milne are aiming to capitalise on home advantage, though they will face tough competition from Raglan’s Alani Morse, who is hunting her second consecutive win.

Other contenders include Indi Lee Ruddell, Isla McKay, Grace Gundry, and Kyra Wallis, all eager to shake up the rankings.

In the Under 16 Boys division, Sol Fritchley is seeking back-to-back victories following his standout performance in Mount Maunganui.

He will be challenged by local surfers, as well as Alexis Owen, Flint Sherbourne France, and Jack Higgins, who have travelled from the South Island to chase their first series win.

Wellington surfers Stan Brough and Theodore Wilson have also joined the event, drawn by the promise of quality waves at Whangamata.

The Under 14 Girls division features another strong local presence, with Bella Biddle and Megan Luke hoping to use their knowledge of Whangamata’s waves to dethrone Mount Maunganui event winner Jade Nias Phillips from Ahipara.

The Under 14 Boys division is expected to be fiercely contested, with Jaxon Pardoe of Gisborne aiming to replicate his victory in Mount Maunganui.

He will face stiff opposition from Bay of Plenty surfer Ffeon Clifford and Taranaki’s London Cockerell, making this division one to watch.