Finn Castle And Carla Morera De La Vall Win Rip Curl Gromsearch International Final Covered By Sun Bum
USA’s Finn Castle and Spain’s Carla Morera De La Vall have been crowned the 2026 Rip Curl GromSearch International Champions following an action-packed day of competition at North Narrabeen.
The event brought together some of the world’s best under-16 surfers, with competitors from Australia, the USA, Brazil, Europe, South Africa, Argentina and Indonesia going head-to-head for the international titles.
In the Girls’ division, Morera De La Vall built momentum throughout the day, overcoming competitors from the USA and Argentina on her way to the Final.
The Spanish surfer edged Australia’s Rose Holland in a closely contested decider, combining a 7.53 and a 6.03 for a 13.56 total. Holland kept the pressure on with scores of 7.33 and 6.00, finishing just 0.23 points behind on 13.33.
“It’s insane to win such a prestigious event,” said Morera De La Vall. “I’ve seen the World Tour surfers that have won this event, and so to win this too is a dream come true. It gives me a bunch of confidence, like if they did this then I can too.”
In the Boys’ Final, Castle secured the title with a two-wave total of 14.76 out of a possible 20, combining a 7.83 and a 6.93 to finish ahead of local wildcard Jaggar Phillips.
“I can’t believe it. I’ve surfed so many hours to be where I am today. This is a goal that I’ve had for a while now and it’s unreal,” said Castle.
For Phillips, the runner-up finish capped an impressive run after qualifying for the main event through the morning’s Sun Bum Local Trials.
In the girls’ trials, Lily Sain secured the wildcard with a 9.07 total. Runner-up Arabella Georgeson, who scored 8.57, also earned a place in the main event after Indonesia’s Dian Sepitari was unable to attend.
Three-time World Champion Mick Fanning was also on hand to cheer on the next generation, alongside Hawaiian freesurfer Mason Ho, who won the first-ever GromSearch International Final in 2005. The pair joined former World Champion and local legend Damian Hardman and fellow Rip Curl team riders for an Expression Session.
Castle and Morera De La Vall now join a celebrated list of past GromSearch International Champions, including World Champions Caitlin Simmers, Caroline Marks and Gabriel Medina, alongside Championship Tour surfers Erin Brooks, Brisa Hennessy and Leonardo Fioravanti.
Since its beginnings in 1999, Rip Curl GromSearch has helped launch the careers of some of surfing’s biggest names, providing a platform for the next generation to compete on the international stage.
The Rip Curl GromSearch International Final is proudly covered by Sun Bum and supported by Ritual Vision and Fatboy Bikes.
FINAL SCORES
BOYS’ FINAL
Finn Castle (USA) — 14.76
Jaggar Phillips (AUS) — 13.60
GIRLS’ FINAL
Carla Morera De La Vall (ESP) — 13.56
Rose Holland (AUS) — 13.33
