Having just wrapped up the Grom Patrol Grand Final in Bali two days ago, the new 2026–27 Grom Patrol season is already underway. In just over three weeks, the first Grom Patrol event of the new season will kick off in Khao Lak, Thailand, on September 25–26.
Grom Patrol Thailand
The third edition of Grom Patrol Thailand is now open for registration on Live Heats, with a full slate of divisions for both male and female competitors: Under 14, Under 16, Under 18, Under 18 Longboard, as well as Under 12 and Under 10 combined male and female divisions.
Fresh off their wins at the Bali Grand Final, Under 16 Girls Champion Aonnarin Engsrisawang and Under 18 Girls Longboard Champion Lunlana Sinsoke, along with Under 18 Longboard Boys finalists Bunyarit Khansiri and Natthakit Pheuekphoem, will be looking to get their seasons off to a strong start.
They will face a new generation of up-and-coming Thai groms eager to challenge the Bali champions, making for an exciting first event of the new season.
“Our youth athletes have demonstrated remarkable development, highlighted by several recent podium finishes at competitions in Bali, and this progress is a direct result of hosting continuous, high-standard competitive events within Thailand,” says Tah from Khaolak Surf Town Project. “We hope the government will maintain its annual support for these vital programs to keep pushing the sport forward, so we can keep providing these opportunities to our promising young athletes.”
The ASC has had a long relationship with the Thai surf community, dating back to 2009 and the Thailand Surf Series. Chatchai “Man” Somporn was just a teenager at the time, competing and helping out at surf events. After relocating to Khao Lak, he became part of the Khaolak Surf Town team and is now the Contest Director for Grom Patrol, working hand in hand with the ASC.
“We’ve seen such great progress being made here over the past few years in the Thai youth surfing program at Khaolak,” said ASC’s Tipi Jabrik. “I remember when Man was just a young surfer learning about competition and events, and now we’ve been working alongside him at Khaolak. We’re really proud of him and the team here for their dedication and consistency in working to make these Grom Patrol events happen year after year. And the work is paying off, as we’ve seen from the recent wins by Thai groms in Bali.”
Registration Deadline: September 15, 2026 For inquiries: WhatsApp +66 97 424 5197 (Khun Man) Email: Phangngasurfingclub@gmail.com
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Introducing Grom Patrol Taiwan
New to the Grom Patrol series is Taiwan, where the inaugural Grom Patrol Taiwan will take place from September 30–October 4 as part of the overall Pingtung Jialeshuie APSS Asian Tour event.
Set at Jialeshuie Bay in scenic southern Taiwan, with a left-hand point break and a rivermouth offering both rights and lefts, the location and waves provide a perfect venue for both groms and pro surfers.
TORSA (Taiwan Ocean Recreation Sports Association) has always offered youth divisions at its annual events over the years, but this year the organization has taken the opportunity to join the Grom Patrol series, with Under 18 and Under 16 athletes competing for a place in the regional junior pathway.
“With the generous support of the Pingtung County Government, we’re delighted to join the Grom Patrol series this year for the first time, and offer our athletes the opportunity to learn and excel through training and this competition,” said TORSA Chairman Chen Fu Chen. “Our young Taiwanese surfers have a lot of talent and potential, so we want to give them a chance to compete for a spot in the Grand Final in Bali next year, along with the other Grom Patrol winners from around Asia.”
Register for Grom Patrol Taiwan: https://liveheats.com/events/548474
The ASC has been working with TORSA and the Pingtung County Government since 2015, when they first hosted an Asian Surfing Championship event. The relationship has provided many benefits on both sides, and this will be the second year that they will host an APSS (Asian ProAm Surf Series) event.
“We’re very grateful for the supportive relationship we have developed over the years with TORSA and the Pingtung County Government,” says ASC’s Tim Hain. “Their support and dedication to Taiwanese surfing and its progress is amazing, and we’re grateful to be able to play a part in it. Looking forward to having another great event at Jialeshuie!”
Register for Grom Patrol Taiwan: https://liveheats.com/events/548474 Register for APSS Taiwan: https://liveheats.com/events/548475
For inquiries: WhatsApp Delia at +886 971 462 788 Email: taiwantorsa@gmail.com
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