Max McGillivray steals show at 2022 Oz Grom Open surfing competition at Lennox Head

Local surf groms were frothin’ at Lennox Head after a string of eye-catching rides. See how their heroics have underlined the credentials of the Far North Coast as a surfing powerhouse.

Three local youngsters channelled in Generation Now at the 2022 Oz Grom Open at Lennox Head as the Far North Coast came of age as a surfing centre of excellence.

Leading the way at age 12 was Max McGillivray who surfed well beyond his years as he belted out turns that would have fit perfectly in older age divisions.

Inspired by the recent success of fellow Evans Head local and Championship Tour surfer Callum Robson, Max was able to get the edge over his opponents with an impressive 14.10 two-wave heat total on his way to claiming the 14 boys title.

Max McGillivray of Evans Head is chaired from the water after winning the 14s boys title at the 2022 Oz Grom Open at Lennox Head on July 11.

But it wasn’t all plain sailing, as Max surged into gold at the last tango.

“I was losing toward the end but my last wave moved me up into first,” the Evans River School Year 7 student said.

Riding the briny has been in the blood since he was six years of age.

“It’s exciting doing new tricks, barrels – I love it so much,” Max said.

“When I grow up I want to be a professional surfer and win a world title – however long that will take me.”

Max McGillivray of Evans Head was sensational in winning the 14s boys title.

Also in the limelight were Lennox Head identities Juniper Harper and Harry O’Brien, who starred against much older competitors in the elite World Surf League sanctioned Pro Junior Qualifying Series event.

Harry placed fourth in that for the men, while Juniper went one better in the ladies.

After a three-year Covid enforced absence, the Oz Grom Open was welcomed with open arms by the Lennox Head community, and marked a triumphant homecoming for the town.

Local surfers Harry O’Brien and Juniper Harper were among the leading lights at Lennox Head.

“There was an incredibly high vibe and it was like it (the event) had never left,” Surfing NSW’s Ethan Smith said.

“Nothing had changed, the atmosphere was terrific and the people were welcoming.”

Smith said the Far North Coast in surfing cred often sat somewhat unjustly behind the Northern Beaches, Sydney, and the Gold Coast.

Juniper Harper was in sterling form in her own backyard on the final day.

“When in fact that area (Ballina/Byron/Evans Head) is one of the deepest talent pools in Australia,” he said.

“Absolutely, it holds its own in terms of talent and achievements.”

15-year-old Juniper said she was stoked to see the Oz Grom Open back on the calendar.

“Skullcandy is by the far the best grom comp in Australia, everyone looks forward to it,” she said.

The 14s boys leaderboard.

The lack of competitive events during the ‘Covid years’ had been tough all round.

“We have lost three years on the junior comp circuit which is a lot as once you turn 17-18, you’re too old,” Juniper said.

“It’s been hard to train only to be told in the end they have been cancelled.”

Buoyed by success at Oz Grom, Juniper has her sights lasered on continued growth.

“I would like to go all the way. The dream is to be on the tour and competing around the world and travelling the best surf breaks,” she said.

The six-day 2022 Skullcandy Oz Grom Open wound up on Monday with eight new champions crowned across a variety of age divisions, as well as the WSL Pro Junior Qualifying Series event.

Kobi Clements (Long Reef) capitalised on the momentum he showed in the earlier rounds of competition, taking out the boys’ final in the Pro Junior division, while Raya Campbell (Coolangatta) won the girls as she demolished the long right-handers on offer.