Lennox Head, NSW –– The 2025 Soundboks Oz Grom Open incorporating the Traeger Grills Pro Junior delivered another spectacular day of competition as consistent three-foot surf provided the perfect canvas for emerging talent at Lennox Head.
Local Knowledge Pays Off for O’Brien
In a stunning upset that sent the local crowd into raptures, Harry O’Brien (Lennox Head, NSW) eliminated reigning champion and event favorite Dane Henry (Fingal Head, NSW) to secure his place in the round of 16. The hometown surfer showcased his intimate knowledge of the break, threading together a series of powerful carves and critical snaps to post a commanding 10.17 two-wave total.
“Every heat win here is such a good feeling. All the guys from LeBa Boardriders cheering when you get a good wave gives you such a good feeling and motivates you to surf your best,” O’Brien reflected after his victory. “I’ve actually never won the event here, but as a kid, I grew up watching some of my heroes compete here, so I’d love to join the honor roll with them.”
North Coast Talent Shines
The regional representation continued to impress as Harley Walters (Angourie, NSW) dominated his round of 16 matchup with a solid 13.00 two-wave combination. Walters’ backhand attack proved ideally suited to the Lennox Head peaks, unleashing a barrage of powerful snaps that left his opponents trailing.
Dramatic Finish Secures Huppatz’s Advancement
In one of the day’s most thrilling moments, Isla Huppatz (Burleigh, Qld) found herself needing a significant score in the final minutes of her round of 16 heat. Rising to the pressure, she committed fully to one of the most critical sections of the day, delivering a massive bottom turn before launching into what judges deemed one of the event’s standout maneuvers – earning her an excellent 8.00 wave score and advancement to the quarterfinals.
Huppatz will face local standout Leihani Zoric (Byron Bay, NSW) in tomorrow’s quarterfinal action, setting up an intriguing clash between Queensland power and New South Wales precision.
Women’s Division Heats Up
The women’s competition continued to showcase the depth of talent in Australian junior surfing. Joining Huppatz and Zoric in the quarterfinals are Jordy Halford (Coolangatta, Qld), Ziggy Aloha Mackenzie (Burleigh, Qld), and Ava Arghyros (Kingscliff, NSW), ensuring tomorrow’s action will feature a compelling mix of regional styles and approaches.
Looking Ahead
Competition is set to resume tomorrow morning with the World Surf League (WSL) Pro Junior event expected to lead off the day’s proceedings. With a consistent surf forecast to continue and the field now narrowed to the most talented junior surfers, spectators can expect another day of high-performance surfing at one of Australia’s premier junior events.
The 2025 Soundboks Oz Grom Open, incorporating the Traeger Grills Pro, runs from July 8 to 12, 2025, continuing to provide a crucial stepping stone for Australia’s next generation of surfing talent.
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