Tuesday, 29 March 2005
Rip Curl GromSearch International Final
Bells Beach – Australia
March 21 to 31, 2005


Robb Wins; Smith Second at
GromSearch International Final
Nikita Robb (EL) outclassed a field of top
international surfers to win the inaugural Rip
Curl GromSearch International Final held at
Bells Beach in Australia at the weekend.
Reigning two-time ASP Africa Pro Junior champ
Jordan Smith (Dbn) was defeated by Hawaiian
Mason Ho to finish second in the boy’s final.

The prestigious international tournament involved
the best invited Under 16 division surfers from Rip
Curl GromSearch events held in South Africa,
Brazil, Indonesia, America, New Zealand, Australia
and Britain.
Jordan Smith & Nikita Robb
“It was such an inspiration to watch the Rip Curl Pro WCT just before our GromSearch
Final, especially when I saw Sophia Mulanovich win the event; I had tears in my eyes. When
I went into my final, I paddled out thinking that it didn't really matter if I won but after taking
my second wave all I could think of was the joy on Sophia's face. I knew then that I really
had to win,” commented 16 year old Robb who placed 11th in the 2004 ISA World Surfing
Games held in Tahiti.

“Surfing in this event has been a highlight in my life. I would like to thank Rip Curl and
especially Mike Larmont for this opportunity as I intend to make this a stepping stone for my
future dream to become World Champion,” added Robb.

Robb took the title ahead of Australian Mischa Davis, Brazilian Bruna Shmitz and USA
surfer Lexi Papillion.

“My first reaction to the exciting news was one of pride that a South African girl who was
relatively unknown could take on the world’s best grommets and come out on top. This has
got to be a great omen for the future of girls surfing in our country. All credit must go to
Nikita for pulling off such a spectacular victory,” commented Mike Larmont from Rip Curl
South Africa.

In the boy’s final Smith provided tough competition for eventual winner Hawaiian Mason Ho,
son of legend surfer Michael Ho, by matching him wave for wave.

Ho kick-started his final campaign with a confident 7.25 ride in the messy Bells Beach swell.
Smith all but levelled with Ho when he posted a 7.00 and then eventually took the heat lead
when he locked in a 5.00 as his second-wave score.

Wilkinson, the current Under 16 World Champion, and Carlo Zampiere both tried to stamp
their authority on the heat, but struggled to get high-scoring waves in the tricky Bells Beach
swell.

Ho, however, sat patiently at Rincon and picked off the best set wave for a second time,
belting his way down the line and posting a heat-high 8.25 score.

Smith stayed in touch for the heat, drawing closer to Ho with a 6.00 and then a 6.25 late in
the final. His efforts weren't enough however and his 13.25 two-wave combined score fell
short of Ho's 15.50.

“It is ironic that in a previous press article Jordy mentioned that he did not want to get
anything less than first place; one could attribute his second place to the fact that the
ocean did not come to the party for him during his final but collectively the South Africans
made a huge impression on the international arena,” said Larmont.  

Both surfers arrive in Durban tomorrow (Wednesday, 30 March) in time for Smith to start
the defense of his U20 Billabong Junior Series title at New Pier from Friday to Sunday (1 to
3 March).

The Rip Curl GromSearch events in South Africa are aimed at identifying and developing
emerging junior talent along our coastline. The first 2005 Rip Curl GromSearch event takes
place in Cape Town on 9 April.

Girl's GromSearch International Final Results

1. Nikita Robb (South Africa)
2. Mischa Davis (Australia)
3. Bruna Shmitz (Brazil)
4. Lexi Papillion (USA)

Boy's GromSearch International Final Results

1. Mason Ho (Hawaii)
2. Jordy Smith (South Africa)
3. Matt Wilkinson (Australia)
4. Gian Carlo Zampiere (Brazil)

Issued on behalf of:

Rip Curl South Africa
Issued by:
Olivia Jones Communications
082 537 8840
Email: olivia@atomgate.com  

Surfing SA: 082 454 1149: rosadian@iafrica.com
www.surfingsouthafrica.co.za
Sports Pages
SURFING
Jordan Smith (Dbn)
Nikita Robb (EL)