Junior surfing competition to bring international field to the region

The Skullcandy Oz Grom Open has called Lennox Head home for over a decade.

It will be held over six days from July 4 with the best kids in the region expected to qualify.

A full international field is again expected in 2024 with surfers coming from as far away as Europe, the USA, Hawaii, Indonesia and Japan to make up a field of more than 200 surfers across all divisions.

It was first held in 2012 with the Lennox-Ballina Boardriders aiming to fill a gap and provide a premier event for the best junior surfers in Australia.

It has grown to become one of the most popular junior events around the world with about 300 surfers attending each year.

Several kids from Le-Ba have reached finals since its inception.

Mikey McDonagh and Nyxie Ryan won age division and pro junior sections of the competition when they were teens.

Both now compete in World Qualifying Series events.

World Championship Tour surfer and Lennox Head resident Connor O'Leary also surfed at the event when he was growing up.

"As a kid, the journey to Lennox Head for the Skullcandy event was like our annual holiday and we'd look forward to it each year," he said.

"Now that I'm living in Lennox Head, it's one of those events I still look forward to watching as I get to see kids from around the world get that same enjoyment, I used to get each year as a grom.

"Plus, now I get the chance to see the depth of talent coming from all around the world."

Armed with a raft of new sponsors and supporters, the Oz Grom Open is sanctioned as a Pro Junior Qualifying Series event as well as an elite competition for promising grommets in the 14, 16 and 18 year age divisions.

Skullcandy Australia GM David Chegwyn said: "2024 will be the 13th year Skullcandy have supported this premier event, and we always look forward to supporting junior surfing in this region and beyond.

"We are thankful to be able to work alongside Le-Ba Boardriders to elevate Australian junior surfing and get a glimpse into who will potentially be a star of the future."

In addition to all the action in the water, O'Neill has signed on as presenting sponsor for the 2024 event in their efforts to continue supporting junior and grassroots surfing.

O'Neill's Regional Marketing Director Rob Bain stated: "We are really stoked to be able to support this iconic junior event.

It's one that has stood the test of time and been such a memorable experience for many kids and their families, regardless of their results.

"I remember coming here with my family and my son Billy.

"To be involved with the grassroots of Aussie surfing and an event that is so community embraced and run, fits well with our vision of keeping core surfing alive and well.

We're looking forward to the froth and watching the next gen on their way."