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Gnarly Charley Grom Series Rips Sebastian Inlet

July 20, 2011
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Video By Space Coast Productions and SurfGuru

This past Friday, the Gnarly Charley Grom Series went down at Sebastian Inlet. Although it was quite nearly flat at the inlet that day, the groms were still able to rip it up in some 1-2 foot shore pound!

Charley Hajek puts on several contests all over Florida every year as part of this series for the groms, culminating in a year-end championship for point leaders (this year, Nov. 5 in New Smyrna Beach).   The idea of the series is to give the young surfers a positive, less formal atmosphere where they can learn about competition and good sportsmanship and build self-esteem and surf skills before advancing to ESA or NSSA contests.   The series has grown quite popular, with nearly 150 groms at the previous contest and 57 at this Inlet contest on a positively FLAT day!

It was my first time at a groms-only contest, and what a fun atmosphere.   I loved seeing all the “surf families” hanging out on the beach, the parents and siblings cheering on their competitors. It was interesting to see the different styles of “surf parents;” some were very involved, coaching their kids from shore during their heats, while others were super laid-back and watched from under the shade of their umbrellas further away from the water.

Several heats of tow-headed rippers went out that day, and all of us adult surfers were amazed at how the little ones could really rip in teeny waves that were breaking right on shore! Plenty of sick turns and good style coming from the groms, both boys and girls, longboard and short.

Even the kids who weren’t competing were having a great time spectating, free surfing, and playing with each other on shore. Surf Guru along with a couple other sponsors were on hand to do some prize giveaways.   When Buddha asked me to help him with the “feeding frenzy,” I had no idea what he was talking about. He said, “you know, the prize toss!” I was still confused about this “frenzy” reference—until this prize toss started. WOW. I have never seen a group of small people go as insane as they did over our freebies--Surf Guru “Buddha’s Belly Rub” colored surf wax, stickers, Waboba balls, sunscreen, etc! I am actually quite amazed that no one—including myself--got hurt under the piles of crazed kids and flailing arms and legs!

In the end, pretty much every kid got a prize and lots of stickers… not to mention a very fun time under the sun in a positive, family-centered environment. Great job Gnarly Charley and all the groms and surf families!

Check out Gnarly Charlie's for contest dates and more info.