Koa Smith looks to repeat as top grom in Laguna Beach

The next Kelly Slater?

No such person. It is doubtful that anyone will dominate competitive surfing the way the nine-time world champion has.

But if that person does exist, you might find him Sunday at Salt Creek in Laguna Beach, site of the Rip Curl GromSearch national final.

And he might be inside the little body of Koa Smith, defending 14-and-under Grom Search champion. The 13-year-old Kauai native, pictured above, won two titles at the National Scholastic Surfing Assn. national championships during the summer.

"I surfed a ton over the last few months, while at home in Kauai and traveling," he said. "So I feel pretty ready to get back into a heavy contest format."

Smith is for real. Among his many sponsors are Rip Curl and Nike 6.0. He even has his own design company with a catchy title, Little Fella Designs.

The Salt Creek event, featuring boys and girls 16 and younger, runs from 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. An awards show with music, food and a slide show follows at the Rip Curl Surf Center at 3801 S. El Camino Real Blvd in San Clemente.

Rip Curl urges surfers to either watch the event on its webcast or come out and support the next generation of superstars.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo courtesy of Rip Curl

Comments

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