Port Alfred – Rip Curl South Africa has confirmed that entries are now officially open for the Rip Curl GromSearch presented by Royal St Andrews Hotel and supported by Sea Harvest, set to take place at East Beach, Port Alfred, during the Easter Festival, 3-6 April 2026.
The GromSearch series continues to provide a critical pathway for South Africa’s top junior surfers, offering valuable contest experience in a high-performance environment alongside national and international exposure.
Surfers can enter via the following link: RCGS PA
Rip Curl GromSearch International Final
The stakes extend well beyond Port Alfred. The winners of the Premier U16 divisions, both boys and girls, will earn a coveted berth into the Rip Curl GromSearch International Finals, with the 2026 destination still to be confirmed. Alongside this opportunity, each winner will receive a R20,000 travel voucher to support their journey to the event.
Previous International Finals have been staged in world-class surf locations, including Bali in 2024 and Hossegor, France, in 2025, placing this pathway firmly on the global stage. For young surfers, this represents a direct line from East Beach to elite international competition, and a chance to test themselves against the best junior talent in the world.
Expression Session
In addition to the main event, an Expression Session will run during the contest window, giving competitors the opportunity to showcase progressive surfing. Cash prizes will be awarded to standout performers, adding an extra layer of excitement for both competitors and spectators.
Channel Islands Surfboards South Africa has also come on board to elevate the stakes, awarding a custom Channel Islands surfboard valued at R13,000 to the surfer who delivers a standout performance and makes a significant impact during the event.
The Rip Curl GromSearch is a Surfing South Africa event. It remains one of the most important junior events on the South African surfing calendar, and will once again form a key part of the Port Alfred Easter Festival lineup.
Photos by Kody McGregor
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