COOLUM put on an epic weekend of waves, sunshine, and stoke for the 2025 First Set GromQuest, and the weekend showcased Queensland’s next generation of surfers, all of whom put on an incredible display of talent and surfing prowess.

Across two days of friendly but fierce competition, groms battled it out in four-person heats from the Under 10 Parent-Assist divisions through to the marquee Under 18 Boys and Girls, with each surfer showing impressive skill and progression.

Coolum Boardriders were represented on home turf with standout wins from the father and son duo of Hayden and Matt Danswan, taking out the top honours in the Under 18 Boys and the just-for-fun, ‘Big Kids Cup’.

The Big Kids Cup saw parents and Surfing Queensland officials take to the water for a fun exhibition heat.

“I love putting on the comp rashie and competing any chance I get,” Matt said.

“It was unreal to share the win with my son — definitely one to remember.”

Adding to the weekend’s good vibes, Coolum Boardrider Ollie Sharpe was awarded the Feel Good Best Grom Vibe Award for his outstanding energy, sportsmanship, and skills commentating on the Big Kids Cup.

Champions awarded
The first champions of the day came from the Under 10 divisions, setting a high-energy tone for Finals Day. Leila Annand took out the Under 10 Girls, while Fyn Herlihy claimed victory in the Under 10 Boys, showing remarkable skill and composure for the youngest competitors. Their performances highlighted the exciting future of surfing in Queensland.

Myra Brown took out the Under 12 Girls division, solidifying her victory with a strong 7.00-point ride. In the Under 12 Boys, Zeph Bartlett came out on top after a tightly contested final against Ollie Sharpe, Luca Dart, and Koa Jones, who finished second, third, and fourth, respectively.

Josefa Melus took the win in the Under 14 Girls, while Brandon Davidson claimed victory in the Under 14 Boys after scoring a last-minute 7.67 (out of a possible 10) in tricky afternoon conditions.

The Under 16 Girls final saw Maddison Kenchington dominate the lineup, winning by nearly double the heat total of her fellow competitors and claiming her second GromQuest victory after her 2024 triumph.

In the Under 16 Boys, Hazza Gibbs stole the show, locking in the winning wave in the closing minute to the delight of the cheering crowd.

Standout competitor Stella Green secured the Under 18 Girls title with a composed and confident performance, while Hayden Danswan took out the Under 18 Boys division in a thrilling final full of non-stop action.