Grommet catches competition bug

Cory Vercoe is just 10 years old and this year started competing in regional and national surfing events. His dad Mark is a local surfing identity and the Vercoe family are well known in the Mangawhai and Bream Bay surfing communities. 

Earlier this year Cory surfed in the Mangawai Board Riders ‘Anything But 3’ contest in March held at Mangawhai and was the youngest competitor. He then entered the 2012 Polar Bear Classic held at Sandy Bay and progressed to the second round of the U16 Boys Division (ahead of Ryan Rennall in his first heat).

Last weekend Cory competed at the 2012 Surfing New Zealand National Primary Schools Surfing Championships at Fitzroy Beach, New Plymouth. Cory won his first heat, then placed 2nd in his second heat. Overall Cory placed 10th in New Zealand. 

Cory was stoked with his performance in Taranaki and is looking to compete in the Surfing New Zealand Grom Series this coming summer. 

- WORDS/Tony Baker PHOTO/Col, Surf2Surf