Australia’s top junior surfers are competing this week at the annual Billabong Occy’s Grom Competition, held at the renowned Snapper Rocks surf break on the Gold Coast. The event, now in its 21st year, began earlier this week and will continue through Sunday.

The competition features young surfers from around the country showcasing their skills in various age categories. Among the standout performers was 10-year-old Flora Abbott Bond, who secured the highest wave score in her initial heat of the under-12 girls division on Wednesday. Her mother, Tamlyn Abbott, praised Flora’s dedication and enthusiasm for the sport, highlighting her early morning and after-school training routine.

Mark “Occy” Occhilupo, the surf legend after whom the event is named, reflected on the competition’s growth over two decades. He noted that relocating the contest to Snapper Rocks has elevated the experience for participants, allowing them to compete on a venue familiar to professional surfers from the Championship Tour.

The Billabong Occy’s Grom Competition continues to serve as a prominent platform for nurturing Australia’s next generation of surfing talent, offering young athletes the opportunity to gain experience in a high-profile, competitive environment.