Bede’s Fox Grom Shootout
Point Lookout,
North Stradborke Island, Queensland
May 2nd & 3rd, 2015
BEDE TAKES IT BACK TO STRADDIE
3rd ANNUAL FOX GROM SHOOTOUT
Thursday April 30th (North Stradbroke Island, Qld): AUSTRALIAN surfing powerhouse Bede Durbidge (QLD) will stage his 3rd annual ‘Bede’s Fox Grom Shootout’ at his surfing home of North Stradbroke Island this weekend.
The highly anticipated contest for grommets Australia wide, is even more of a hi-light to the close knit local community as they showcase their wave-rich Island home to over a 100 of the nation’s future stars.
Durbidge, who is contesting his eleventh consecutive year, as an elite world tour surfer loves giving back to ‘Straddie’ where he cut his own competitive teeth on the pristine point breaks.
“Everyone on the island is super excited,” said Durbidge. “There is only a few surfing events over there, each year and this one is especially for the kids and has a great family vibe. The whole community is behind it and I have a great support network to make the event happen especially from the Point Lookout Boardriders,”
“There is going to be no shortage of swell. The good thing about Straddie is we can go to one of the protected corners if it's too big at main beach. The weather and waves for Sunday is looking perfect at this stage, Saturday's not that pretty though,” added Durbidge.
From the blue ribbon U/16’s divisions down it’s a star-studded line up of surfing’s greatest generational names. Current U/14 QLD Champion Jagger Bartholomew - son of 1978 world champion Wayne ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew - and Jay Occhilupo - son of 1999 World Champion Mark Occhilupo – are expected to be amongst the top performers.
‘Rabbit’ who has attended the last two events said they were a credit to Bede.
“It’s awesome what Bede is doing. He is one of Queensland’s greatest surfers ever and he is giving back at the grass roots level. It’s a mark of his true nature. He is hands-on the entire weekend,” said Bartholomew
“Point Lookout Boardriders and all the classic characters of Straddie get behind their champion. It's a great community event. Can’t wait for it myself.”
Rabbit’s eldest son Jagger – who turns 14 on Friday May 1st – was a clear stand out in last years U/14 division where he finished second to……... The talented son of gun will again be a major threat in the U/16’s division. Bartholomew knows he will face tough competition especially from Point Lookout Boardriders U/16 Champion Pieter Pyke.
“Pieter knows all the breaks up there better than anyone. He is going to be dangerous for sure. He loves the big stuff,” said Bartholomew.
“I love Straddie its like a 3 day holiday that you don't want to end and it always good to have Bede there he is one of my idols,” he added.
The two-day event comprises of seven divisions of U/8 Boys (Parent Assist), U/10 Girls (Parent Assist), U/12 Boys, U/14 Boys, Under 14 Girls, U/16 Girls and U/16 Boys.
If required, the youngest divisions will be relocated to a more protected break.
“We have got the U/8 boys and U/10 girls and that's parent assist,” said Durbidge.
“Parents go down and push them in, it’s so cool to watch. They all win a medal and get a prize pack so they all go home just stoked and wear their hats and medals for about a year,” joked the father of one.
Bede’s Fox Grom Shoot Out is designed so all surfers entered will get to surf twice, allowing the Groms a second chance. The two-day event will be staged over the weekend of May 2nd and 3rd with competitors meeting at Point Lookout at 7am Saturday morning.
Over $5000 in total prizes to be won. In addition, all competitors will receive a competition bag including a T-shirt and heaps of goodies.
Bede’s Fox Grom Shoot Out is supported by Fox, Mt Woodgee, House of Marley , Komunity, Fiik Skateboards , Stradbroke Ferries, City Beach and Surfing Queensland. Sanctioned by Point Lookout Boardriders Club, North Stradbroke Queensland.
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