In a thrilling showcase of youthful talent and skill, Maxine Kauffman of Westbrook and Nate Tayler from Ballito emerged as champions in the Premier under-16 division of the Rip Curl GromSearch Dairy Beach.
The event, organised by Surfing South Africa, drew intense competition under challenging surf conditions at Dairy Beach last weekend.
“I’m so happy to have taken the win with my friends and family there to enjoy it with me,” said Maxine during the awards ceremony.
The competition showcased promising talent across various age groups.
Ella van der Made triumphed in the under-12 girls’ division, showcasing her prowess against competitors like Brin Jarvis.
In the under-12 boys’ category, Levi Vosloo secured a narrow victory over Tyler Balfour by a mere 0.04 of a point.
Meanwhile, Leah Lepront and Ben Esterhuyse stood out in the under-14 divisions.
Looking forward, the Rip Curl GromSearch series will culminate at Seal Point in Cape St Francis from September 20 to 22. This final event promises to be a test of endurance and skill, with top performers vying for coveted spots in the Rip Curl GromSearch International Finals in Indonesia.
Maxine and Nate have earned not only accolades but also an entry into the prestigious international finals and a travel voucher for their journey.
![](https://yourethekwini.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/digital-mastead.png")
