Niklas Martin and Wilder Schultz crowned King of the Groms
posted by Jared Houston on 29th September 2011
Jerry's Grom Bash for 2011, presented by Turbo Bodyboards, Gotcha, Cafe Sofia and WPBA got off to a smoking start on saturday, the 24th of September in 4-5ft, offshore, peaky conditions at Derdesteen, just north of Tableview.
Over 40 keen youngsters, all under the age of 20, some from afar afield as Plettenberg Bay on the South Africa's east coast rocked up to have their chance at the title of "King of the groms" in 2011.
This years event boasted two divisions, the Under 20 division aswell as the hotly contested Under 16 division, which incidentally was the biggest and most competitive, even though most of the Under 16 competitors rode Under 20 aswell. This is a very postive reflection on the state of Bodyboarding in South Africa and after watching these kids ride all day, I can safely say the sport is in good hands.
Straight from the word go, big scores were being scribbled down and the upsets were being dished out like the barrels out the back on low tide, FREQUENTLY. Jason Fowler fell prey to some hungry upstarts and was eliminated early, this meaning a new king would surely be crowned come sunset. Nik Martin, from Plettenberg Bay impressed the judges with a massive roll on the outside earning him a 9.5. Some other standouts from throughout the day include, Bas Koopmans, Gabrial Hair, Tristan Roberts, Wilder Schultz and Aiden Wilson.
As the tide came in the action moved to the shorebreak and it didnt slow down right until the final minute. Big scores were flying, my mouth was hanging open and people were hooting!
Once the dust had settled everyone headed over to "Cafe Sofia" for the official prizegiving, where everyone kicked back, got some refreshements, some grinds and the stage was set for the new champions to be crowned. Up first were the Under 20 finalists, although it was really an all Under 16 affair with the only actual "legal" rider, David Lilienfeld, coming away with 4th position and some sweet Gotcha goodies. Tristan Roberts, who is only 14 and perhaps one of the most advanced riders in the world for his age, came 3rd, winning a Gotcha schoolbag. This left Aiden Wilson, who had been impressing all day and Nik Martin, the events highest scorer and overall smooth cat. In the end Nik was just to smooth for Aiden and he walked away with the "King of the groms" title in the Under 20's, earning himself a new Turbo IV bodyboard and a Gotcha Boardbag for his efforts!
Next up were the finalists of the biggest, and most competitive division, the Under 16's. Coming in 4th place, after ripping it up all day with some high flying inverts on some big sections was Bas Koopmans, also taking home some Gotcha goodies. Aiden Wilson, almost went back to back but came a close 3rd, taking home his own Gotcha schoolbag. This left the "Wonderkid" Tristan Roberts and a relatively fresh face to the CT scene, Wilder Schultz, fighting it out for the 1st and 2nd places. Wilder surfed a smart heat and used wave size to his advantage taking waves way out back, doing some big moves before connecting them into the Shorey before giving it one last go, this proved to be the winning formula and Wilder Schultz is your new "King of the groms" in the Under 16 division! Wilder took home a brand new Turbo V LTD, and a Gotcha Boardbag and one hell of a sunburnt face for his efforts!
Aiden Wilson walked away with the "Unknown Threat award" and Nico Arlotti was the lucky fish who won a pair of the new Jared Houston signature model Deluxe fins in the lucky draw!Well done boys.
Nik, Wilder and a host of other youngsters thoroughly impressed me yesterday and as a South African I am so proud and content to see that the future of the sport in my country is in good hands!
I want to thank the sponsors, Turbo Bodyboards, Gotcha, Cafe Sofia and WPBA for making this event a reality, I really look forward to working with you in years to come. A huge thank you to my father, Angus Houston for all his work, aswell as my Mother for totalising and my siblings and Natasha for all their help aswell! Jen Koopmans, thanks for all you do for us and the sport, aswell as the Judges (the boys) and anyone else who helped out during the day. Thanks to the parents for bringing your children out to compete and thanks for hanging with us the whole day!
Until next year, see you all in the water and, Derdesteen for life!
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