Gabe’s Grom Fest 2026: Surfing, Community & Tradition in St. Augustine Beach

Gabe’s Grom Fest 2026: A St. Augustine Beach Tradition

Gabe’s Grom Fest returned to A Street in St. Augustine Beach on Saturday, October 3, 2026, bringing together young surfers, families and the local community for another great day of surfing.

From first-time competitors to experienced young surfers, the annual free surf contest continues to celebrate the next generation of St. Augustine groms and the surf culture that makes our beach community so special.

How Gabe’s Grom Fest Started

Gabe Kling grew up surfing in St. Augustine and went on to spend more than 15 years competing professionally around the world, including time on surfing’s Championship Tour from 2007–2011.

In 2009, while recovering from an injury, Gabe came up with the idea for a local kids’ surf contest. He wanted to give kids who had never competed before a chance to put on a jersey and catch waves alongside more experienced young surfers, without cost being a barrier.

That first event eventually became Gabe’s Grom Fest, and while the contest has grown over the years, the original idea remains the same.

GROM FEST 2026

This year's event brought fun surf and plenty of stoke to A Street.

Over 100 young surfers competed across five divisions: Push-In, 10U, 12U, 15U and Girls 15U. The Push-In and Go division alone had 36 entries, with many kids competing for the very first time.

There were some great heats, plenty of cheering from the beach and lots of smiling faces. Competitors enjoyed free lunch, and finalists took home trophies and prizes.

More than anything, it was another reminder of why we started this event: to get kids in the water, build confidence and friendships, and pass along the love of surfing to the next generation.

Made Possible by Our Community

Grom Fest wouldn't be possible without the local businesses, sponsors, families and volunteers who support it year after year.

From setting up on the beach and judging heats to donating prizes and serving lunch, so many people contribute their time and resources to make the day happen.

A special thank-you to Christian Surfers, the St. Augustine Boardriders Club and the St. Augustine/Flagler Beach ESA for their continued support.

To everyone who sponsored, volunteered, competed or simply came down to cheer on the kids, thank you for being part of another great Grom Fest! See you next year!