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School's out and the Quiksilver King of the Groms proved that the Groms are over the school books and ready for summer action
by Tobias Coffman
11/06/2008:// On the morning of Saturday, June 7, 52 Groms from all over the East Coast, and as far away as the West Indies, and Caribbean Islands came frothing over the sand dunes of Sebastian Inlet. On the line, heaps of specialty prizes and $100 per "Skin", a trip to France and a slot in the Quiksilver King of the Groms Global Championships.
With the help of a small high pressure system pinching off the Bahamas, the contenders were blessed with small rideable 1 to 2 foot mini wedges. These smaller conditions proved to be an advantage for some of the younger lighter fly weights. Round One saw 11 year-old, Mauro Diaz, from Puerto Rico come out of the gate claiming 3 Skins. Other early standouts included South Florida's Nate Behl claiming 2 Skins with some very polished surfing. Then, Ryan Crouteau, after winning 1 Skin was ousted by Super Grom whiz kid from New Smyrna Beach, Noah Schweizer. Noah was surfing sharp and polished capturing 2 Skins, and posted the single highest wave score of 7.86. Another New Smyrna Super Grom who got on a roll was Nathan Colburn, who put a road block in Mauro Diaz's first round run. Sebastian regular, Logan Hayes, nabbed a Skin finishing out round one stopping Noah Schweizer.
King of the Groms co-sponsor, Rock Star Energy Drink, was the drink of choice as the Groms started popping tops at the halfway mark. In Round Two, the "Draw" was flipped upside down allowing all surfers another chance at nabbing some cash and getting on a roll. This final round opened with Jordan Heaselgrave (from Barbados) getting on an early roll claiming two Skins, before Christian Miller decided he wasn't going home without some spending money. Nathan Colburn was in the hunt for another Skin up until South Florida's Tanner Strohmenger threw a stick in his spokes. Nearing the end of Round Two, Ryan Crouteau flared up and got on a roll to tie up with leaders Mauro Diaz and Nathan Colburn, both holding down 3 Skins. No sooner than Ryan getting on his roll, Mauro opened up his Round 2 campaign winning his 4th skin. Tit for Tat, Ryan Crouteau matched him again. Ryan was looking for a surf off. Pressure was on Mauro Diaz to answer to the call, and break the tie. In the last heat of the day, Mauro maintained his composure and was able to eek out, and claim a small score with a minute remaining.
Congratulations, Mauro Diaz, 11 years-old and bringing home the crown for his native Island of Puerto Rico. Mauro will travel to France in September to compete in the Quiksilver King of the Groms Global Championship.
Go to Quiksilver.com for more on The King of the Groms U.S. Qualifiers and Global Championships.
Results - Quiksilver King of the Groms East Coast Qualifier Mauro Diaz - 5 Skins $500 (Puerto Rico) Ryan Croteau - 4 Skins $400 (Hobe Sound FL) Nathan Colburn - 4 Skins $400 (New Smyrna Beach, FL) Noah Schweizer - 2 Skins $200 (New Smyrna Beach, FL) Jordan Heaselgrave - 2 Skins $200 (Barbados FWI) Logan Hayes - 2 Skins $200 (Vero Beach FL) Nate Behl - 2 Skins $200 (Tequesta FL.) Tanner Strohmenger - 1 Skin$100 (Deerfeild Beach, FL) Christopher Tucker - 1 Skin $100 (Satellite Beach, FL) Christian Miller - 1 Skin $100 (Jupiter, FL) Corey Howell - 1 Skin $100 (Indialantic, FL) Justin Croteau - 1 Skin $100 (Hobe Sound, FL)
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