Tue Aug 05 2008 14:30:00

Rip Curl: 4 August, 2008 : - - Costa Mesa -- This past Saturday, August 2; the Rip Curl GromSearch saw the best surfers form around the northwest region come to  Pleasure Point to break through the fog in 'root to the loot.' With a solid summer time south filtering in with smashable walls at both first and second peak, the surfing went into high gear.

It was Nat Young and Asia Carpenter holding it down in their respected divisions, while Newport Beach’s own Joshua Giddings and Colin Moran take no mercy on fellow competitors.
 
The inconsistent sets made it hard to gain a rhythm, but once started, long time Rip Curl GromSearcher Nat Young proved to be unstoppable. With so much on the line, cash prizes, the trip to the Boost Mobile Pro, the invite to the National Final, and the newest in Boost Mobile cell phone technology, it’s no wonder the groms came ready with their rip sticks waxed up for the no slip grip.

The 16 and under was a classic battle, as North vs. South raged on with heavy hitters Nat Young, and Shaun Burns of Santa Cruz taking on Dale Timm and JD Lewis in the finals.  It was recently acclaimed National Champ and US Open Pro Junior finalist Nat Young, who took charge and ripped the tops back consecutive times on one of the better set waves. En route to an 8 point ride, sealing the deal for the phone, the cash, the loot, and the bragging rights all at the same time.  
 
“I was waiting for a while out there toward the end of that thing,” released an excited Young to spectators, during the award ceremony. “I knew what it was going to take and I wanted it.  With GromSearch there is a lot on the line, which makes me that much more fired up on the win.”

In the Girls 16 and under we saw a break out performance by young Asia Carpenter, as she set herself up for the win taking down fellow rippers Cienna Norton, Brittany Rothhammer, Katie Dragger, Meah Collins, and Brooke Giuffre.

The 14 and 12 and under divisions saw Southern California dominance, as Newport boys Joshua Giddings and Colin Moran smashed the competition in their respected divisions.  Colin showing his face in two finals came up short in the 14’s, but would not disappoint in the 12’s dropping an 18.5 heat total in the finals.  Santa Cruz local boy Noah Wegrich put in a good showing getting second and securing the invite to Salt Creek for Nationals.
 
The Rip Curl GromSearch presented by Boost Mobile heads back East this weekend August 9th and 10th for the first of three more East Coast events. Rounding out the regional events and solidifying the national invitees.  With the venue set at New Smyrna Beach FL, we can look forward to some fun beach break and ripping groms.  Stay tuned to ripcurl.com for news, updates, photos, and videos!!!

Official results of stop no.5 of Rip Curl GromSearch presented by BOOST Mobile at Pleasure Point Santa Cruz CA.

BOYS 16/UNDER
1. Nat Young
2. Dale Timm
3. JD Lewis
4. Shaun Burns

BOYS 14/UNDER
1. Josh Giddings
2. Noah Wegrich
3. Colin Moran
4. Trevor Thornton

BOYS 12/UNDER
1. Colin Moran
2. Kadin Panesi
3. Jake Kelly
4. Garret Colfer
5. Brogie Panesi
6. Kyle Timm

GIRLS 16/UNDER
1. Asia Carpenter
2. Meah Collins
3. Cienna Norton
4. Katie Draeger
5. Brooke Giuffre
6. Brittany Rothhammer