Wet start to Gromfest

DESPITE several torrential downpours at Lennox Head yesterday, the Rusty Gromfest still started with a bang.

Surf's up: Competitors of the 2010 Rusty Gromfest waiting for the siren to signal them to paddle out into the line-up for their heat at Lennox Head Beach. Picture: Jay Cronan

DESPITE several torrential downpours at Lennox Head yesterday, the Rusty Gromfest still started with a bang.

Event director Max Perrot said the first day of the competition, which is restricted to surfers under 16, was great.

There are 244 competitors from all over the world.

It finished up with the Kerr-Azy Air Invitational, a special event for selected surfers organised by Josh Kerr.

“It’s really cool, it’s the first one we’ve had,” Mr Perrot said.

“Now we’re all set for the rest of the weekend and it looks like the weather is going to improve for us, which is great.

“Gromfest is always a big weekend. This is one of the world’s biggest events for junior surfers. Winning Gromfest means the start of a career as a professional surfer. Surfing companies sponsor you.

“That’s why there’s always a lot of keen competition.

“There’s definitely a buzz in town.

And if the weather holds up, a pretty big crowd is expected to come and cheer the youngsurfers on.

Lennox head Chamber of Commerce president, Louise Owen, agreed the event was a huge boost for the village.

“Most definitely. It’s a major boost for Lennox and it’s something that we look forward to,” she said.

“The businesses love having all the kids around.

“Gromfest is a great event. It makes the place busy, businesses do well and Lennox gets a good vibe about it.

“And the youngsters always behave themselves, which is a real credit to the kids and to the organisers.”

Surfing continues today and is expected to finish tomorrow.

Originally published as Wet start to Gromfest