Port Stephens up-and-coming surf talent Jimmi Hill put his best foot forward during the Spring school holiday to impress judges in a series of grommet competitions.
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The 11-year-old from Boat Harbour claimed a second consecutive title in the Hurley BL's Blast Off championship, placed third in the Rip Curl GromSearch and competed fiercely in the Woolworths Surfer Groms Comp series.
Jimmi said he was "pretty happy" with the results he achieved at the start of the month, which included winning the under-12 boys Blast Off championship and a podium finish in his first GromSearch appearance.
"It was pretty sick to win the Blast Off two years in a row," Jimmi said. "I won under-10s last year.
"I'm pretty happy with coming third in the GromSearch, too. It was my first time doing that comp."
Hurley BL's Blast Off is the state's largest school holiday coaching program and surfing championship.
The Blast Off, founded by 1988 world champion Barton Lynch, was at capacity again this year with 335 grommets participating in championship events across 10 age groups (under-6 up to under-14 boys and girls) at Whale Beach in Sydney from October 1 to 4.
There were 72 boys competing for the under-12 title. Jimmi cruised through his two heats and semi-final, placing first in each, and claimed the win in the final.
Jimmi, a member of the Bay Area Boardriders, backed the win up in the second round of the GromSearch, considered to be one of Australia's premier grommet events, which was staged in Newcastle from October 5 to 8.
The youngster came third in the under-12 boys - the only Hunter region surfer to claim a top four placing across the six age groups.
Jimmi's performance in Newcastle also earned him the rising star award.
Mike Clayton-Brown, from Corlette, impressed in the under-16 boys heats of the GromSearch but was unable to find a podium finish.
Jimmi wrapped up the school holiday break with a trip to Coffs Harbour on October 11 and 12 for round four of the Woolworths national grom series where he competed in the under-14 boys.
While Jimmi did not place in the top four, fellow Boat Harbour surfer Eden Hasson did in the under-14 boys.
Jimmi is now eagerly awaiting for the end of November when he will travel to Western Australia to surf in the national titles as part of the NSW team
After reaching the semi-finals at the state titles earlier in the year, Jimmi was offered a wildcard into the national titles.
"I'm excited for nationals."
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
