The 3rd Stop of the 2009 Rip Curl GromSearch fueled by H20 Overdrive took to the Right Coast last weekend to determine who has the street cred out of the mid-Atlantic’s finest 16/under rippers. With contestable peaks, all the heavy hitters in attendance, and that same polished platinum competitive platform known as the Rip Curl GromSearch, the stage was set for battle.
The 16 and under boys started the day as Nick Rupp flared through his early rounds to make the finals, but young Outer Banks local Julian Payne was all about holding home court. Amidst low tides and drained-out runners, Julian’s local knowledge played to his advantage as he grabbed the win, the cash, the trophy, and the bragging rights to the Rip Curl GromSearch OBX.
“What a feeling it is to win at home,†says Payne. “Surfing these spots everyday, then getting a win when all the best surfers from around the region are here just feels good.â€Â  … Details