First Billabong Grom catches the waves
DESTIN, FLA- Surfing may not always be great in Northwest Florida. It's certainly no Diamond Head in Hawaii.
However, that didn't quell the spirits of 48 young surfers from Okaloosa and Walton counties Sat., May 16.
With little more than three weeks preparation, Frank Simms and Matt Cassidy organized the first Billabong Grom Comp Surf Contest, which took place behind Pompano Joe's on old Highway 98 in Destin.
Simms, who owns Billabong in Destin and Aloha Surf Company at Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, has been in the surfing industry more than 30 years.
His partner, Cassidy, operates Ride On Surf School behind Pompano Joes.
"Matt and I know there are a lot of kids out surfing with their parents on the weekends," Simms said. "This was a good venue for the kids to come out and show their stuff."
With three initial categories, 8 and under, 10 and under and 12 and under, Simms and Cassidy decided the week before the competition to add 14 and under.
"We had overwhelming response," he said. "Matt and I want to bring surfing back to the area as a formal sport. With the turn out from this weekend we know there is a need to put together more venues."
The next competition they are considering for kids will be late summer, allowing the kids to get in some practice over the summer break, he said.
Although not a national competition, surfers were judged in the same manner as professional surfing contests.
"Although several of the kids caught plenty of waves," he said. "The judges scored them on the best two rides."
Kids aren't the only surfers along the coast. Many adults, from 18 to 80, surf when the waves are good.
"We are looking at putting together an event for older kids and adults," Simms said. "That will be between late November and March. That's when we (Northwest Florida) see bigger waves."
The winners:
Super Groms, 8 and under - James Neil
Mini Groms, 10 and under - Grayton Scheinkman
Groms, 12 and under - Jake Fairly
Senior Groms, 14 and under - Matt Wise
All contestants received a Billabong T-shirt and goody bag. Winners were given a trophy.
This event, being the inaugural, Simms and Cassidy decided on an additional award for sportsmanship.
"A good friend, Tom Curry, who lost his battle with cancer, was an avid surfer," Simms said. "We wanted to honor him with the Tom Curry Sportsmanship Award. We watched the surfers' overall level of enthusiasm and, of course, attitude toward the other competitors. It was an honor to be able to remember Tom in this way."
The award this year was given to Grayton Scheinkman. She received a 6 foot Webber surfboard.
