Scottburgh surfer Leah Lepront will represent South Africa at the 2026 Rip Curl GromSearch International Final covered by Sun Bum, which brings together the world’s best under-16 surfers at Narrabeen, Australia, from Saturday, 7 November to Tuesday, 10 November 2026.
Lepront earned her place by winning the Premier U16 Girls division at the Rip Curl GromSearch presented by The Royal St Andrews Hotel, at East Beach in Port Alfred on Monday, 6 April 2026. The South African event took place during the 2026 Port Alfred Easter Festival.
Lepront is currently in El Salvador as a member of the South African team competing at the 2026 Surf City El Salvador ISA World Junior Surfing Championship, which has given her valuable international competition experience ahead of Narrabeen.
The Rip Curl GromSearch International Final moves to a new destination each year, and Narrabeen follows Hossegor, France, which hosted the event in 2025, and Canggu, Bali, in 2024.
The return to Australia marks the first time the country has hosted the International Final since Bells Beach in 2023.
“We’re so stoked to bring the International Final back to Australia, and Narrabeen couldn’t be a better stage to showcase the world’s best up-and-coming talent,” said Rip Curl Sports Marketing Manager Angus Forrest.
“The Rip Curl GromSearch has been a launching pad for some of surfing’s biggest names, with former champions going on to win World Titles and Olympic medals.
Rip Curl Sports Marketing Manager, Angus Forrest
“It’s a huge opportunity for these young surfers to compete on the international stage while sharing an unforgettable experience with other surfers from all over the world.”
The Rip Curl GromSearch has been running since 1999 and has an impressive record. According to Rip Curl, the past 19 WSL women’s world titles have been won by former GromSearch finalists.
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Past winners include Caitlin Simmers, Caroline Marks, Erin Brooks, Brisa Hennessy and Tatiana Weston-Webb.
The Narrabeen International Final will be broadcast live and free globally on the Rip Curl YouTube channel.
The Rip Curl GromSearch International Final is proudly covered by Sun Bum and supported by Ritual Vision and Fatboy Bikes.
Original Copy: truthcollective.co.za, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Leah Lepront will carry South Africa’s hopes into the 2026 Rip Curl GromSearch International Final covered by Sun Bum, after the Scottburgh surfer won the Premier U16 Girls division at the Rip Curl GromSearch presented by The Royal St Andrews Hotel in Port Alfred to earn her place among the world’s best under-16 surfers at Narrabeen, Australia, from 7 to 10 November 2026. All Photos: Kody McGregor / WSL
Photo 2 Caption: Scottburgh’s Lepront booked her international berth with victory in the Premier U16 Girls division during the 2026 Port Alfred Easter Festival.
