2009-03-23
10:15
Kommetjie local Michael February has been crowned King of the Groms after taking out the title and the R3,500 winner's cheque in the premier Under 16 division at the first leg of the 2009 Quiksilver King of the Groms following an amazing display of power surfing in the cold waters of Long Beach, Cape Town today.
February came up against fellow Long Beachlocal and close friend Davey Brand in the two-man final but took an early lead that Brand was unable to surpass. As the final seconds ticked down the ocean went flat and Brand was left needing more than 9 out of a possible 10 points to take the title from February.
Today's win puts February at the top of the log for the 2009 King of the Grom series which will see two more legs contested in Mossel Bay on 13 and 14 June, with the final event taking place at Southbroom on the KZN south coast on the weekend of 15 and 16 August. February is the defending champion and will be vying to take the title again and secure his ticket to France where the eventual series winner will contest the world final of the Quiksilver King of the Groms. The world final will be held in conjunction with the 2009 Quiksilver Pro France WCT contest.
"I'm really stoked with the win," said the shy sixteen year old natural footer as the winners crown sat securely on his head, "especially because it was in my hometown and at my local surf spot. My mom, dad and brother were all on the beach watching and cheering me on and it feels great to win the title with them watching me."