If you thought Grom Patrol was all they had, think again. The Asian Surf Cooperative (ASC) has just launched the Asian ProAm Surf Series (APSS), another groundbreaking initiative aimed at nurturing surfing talent across Asia. But this isn’t just about giving surfers a platform — it’s about building a sustainable pathway that bridges the gap between grassroots athletes and the global competitive stage.
So, how does it work? The APSS is designed to work in tandem with ASC’s existing Grom Patrol initiative, providing a clear progression for surfers. It all starts at the local level, where budding athletes can compete in regional contests. From there, the best surfers will have the opportunity to make their way to the APSS regional tour. The series will come to India this July, with Covelong Break in Chennai slated as one of the key stops. This will be a major opportunity for Indian surfers to showcase their skills on home turf, while competing against top-tier talent from across Asia.
The regional tour will initially kick off with five to seven stops, each strategically located at different surf breaks across the continent. As the series grows, ASC plans to expand, adding more countries and locations to the schedule. This expansion will give surfers the unique opportunity to ride a variety of waves, challenging them with different conditions and expanding their skill sets.
One of the standout features of the APSS is its non-elimination format in Round 1. While many surf competitions can be unforgiving, with surfers being knocked out after just one heat, this format gives every surfer at least two heats to showcase their skills, regardless of their performance in the first round.
The APSS will feature both longboard and shortboard divisions, catering to a diverse range of surf styles. Men’s and women’s categories will ensure that the competition remains inclusive and representative of all athletes. With this mix of competition and development, the APSS is set to be a game-changer for surfing in Asia, offering a structured pathway for surfers to rise from local contests to the global stage.
The first season of the APSS runs from July 2025 to June 2026 — a full year of waves, competition, and rising talent.
