In the under 12 division Putu Eka, Koko Antara, and Ediana Putra surfed impressively but it was Japan's Hiroto Ohara who became the crowd favorite after pulling off a combination of critical floaters and vertical snaps. Hiroto also surfed in the U/14 division and won his heat convincingly. The first round in the under 16 division saw a few familiar names progress - Gazali Hamzah, One Anwar, and Putra Hermawan - no strangers to junior competition in Bali. This trio were the standouts on the ISC junior tour in 2007, but only one of them could claim the inaugural Rusty Gromfest title.
Guest judge and Rusty team rider Marlon Gerber remarked, "The standard of surfing today has been amazing. The groms are taking full advantage of the empty lineup and perfect conditions. I wish I was out there getting pitted and launching off those ramps."
Soon after, his wish came true as he joined fellow pro surfers and guest judges Betet Merta, Tipi Jabrik, Garut, Mega, Agus Perr, Tole, and reigning ISC Champ Lee Wilson in the lineup for an expression session. Starry-eyed groms high-fived each other as their heros danced over Keramas' black lava reef, throwing buckets of spray and pulling off the latest aerial variations.
After the 45 minute expression session it was back to business with the quarter finals, semi's, and final. The waves continued to break with consistency, walling up all the way to the wedgy inside section. Hiroto and Ediana advanced all the way to the finals in both the U/12 and U/14 divisions. Today Hiroto's polished style and flawless top-turns won the judges over, as he was crowned champion in both divisions. At just 11 years of age, this composed Japanese unit is already surfing beyond his years. Amazingly, Hiroto won 7 out of 8 heats today and surfed his finals back-to-back.
The under 16 division was a more evenly matched, with One, Gazali, dark horse Putu Anggara, and Japan's Kaohe battling it out in the final. Gazali surfed on rail with an abundance speed and power, Putu strategically picked off the best set waves, and One wowed the spectators with a radical combination of fin-busts and gouges. In the end One took top honors and was crowned the Rusty Gromfest Keramas Champ! This result further solidifies One's reputation as being Indonesia's grom to beat, after recently receiving the 2007 ISC Rookie of the Year Award and finishing the year as overall champ on the 2007 ISC Junior tour.
Final Results:
Under 12
1. Hiroto Ohara
2. Koko Mitsua Antara
3. Edian Putra
4. Komang Arif
Under 14
1. Hiroto Ohara
2. Edian Putra
3. Arya Wijaya
4. Yogo Kawabata
Under 16
1. One Anwar
2. Putu Anggara
3. Gazali Hamzah
4. Kaohe
The overall U/16 winner will be awarded a chance to compete against the best international junior surfers at the 13th annual Rusty Gromfest held at Lennox Head, Australia in July 2008. This event has enjoyed a rich history that has seen the likes of Mick Fanning, Bede Durbidge, and Julian Wilson crowned as champions. The overall U/16 and U/14 division champions will also be granted wildcard entry into the 6-star ISC Rusty Rumble In Da Jungle event at Sanur in May 2008.
Thanks to Dakine, Von Zipper, and Kustom for supporting the event, and also our media sponsors Surftime, Magic Wave, Happen, Trax, Juice, and Jollie.
See you at Canggu on March 16th for the second stop of the Rusty Gromfest Series 2008.
Text by : Thai Little - Photos By : Tim Hain
Thanks,
Eka IRS
Sales & Marketing Manager
