12:00a.m. 3rd September 2008

| By Bill Hoffman

Saige Endersby, 11, and Laura Eden, 11, from Sunshine Beach State School at Parko's Gromfest at Ann Street, Caloundra. Photo: Warren Lynam/178026

Photo Gallery: Parko's gromfest

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Parko's Gromfest has attracted budding surf stars from 20 Sunshine Coast primary schools to two days of competition at Currimundi this week.

Named after former Currimundi State School student and now touring professional Joel Parkinson, the individual competition is one of the highlights of what has developed into a busy primary schools surfing circuit.

Parkinson’s international commitments have precluded a visit to this year’s event but that hasn’t diminished the enthusiasm of the 90 competitors in Under 10, Under 12 and 13 years primary divisions.

Organiser Mick Chamberlain said waves for the event were perfect for the young surfers with off-shore winds early and just under a metre of swell.

Caloundra schools Currimundi and Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic primary have driven the growth of the primary school surfing circuit on the Sunshine Coast.

Events have already been staged this year by Talara College, OLR and Currimundi teams’ challenges and Sir Thomas More at Noosa.

Following the Parko Gromfest is the Caloundra Surfabout hosted by OLR in two weeks which combines a surfing competition with a whole of school learning experience.